Europe’s Great Rivers Are Drying Up

Severe droughts are shrinking major waterways like the Rhine, disrupting travel and trade across the continent.

Europe is facing a big problem. Many of the continent's most famous rivers are drying up. New satellite images show the water levels are at dangerous lows because of a long, dry summer. This is causing major headaches for everyone. The Rhine River, which is a key route for shipping goods, is so shallow that big boats can't get through. Companies are being forced to move their cargo onto trucks and trains instead. This makes shipping much slower and more expensive. It isn't just about business, though. People who enjoy river cruises are also seeing their plans fall apart. Many cruise compan…