Sunken stones bring climate debate to surface

Drought across Europe is evident in falling water levels of rivers and lakes, exposing long-submerged treasures and warnings from the past.

The extremely low level of water in Europe has given rise to fears of potentially dramatic consequences for industry, freight, energy and food production. However, archaeologists are delighted by the emergence of valued treasures, including sunken ships, villages and hunger stones.

These stones are visible only when water levels are extremely low. Over the centuries, they have been considered warning signs of imminent crop failures and famine. They are usually inscribed with dates or sayings marking the event.

One of the oldest of these stones carries a text in German that says: “If you see me, cry.” That was carved in 1616.

According to a study by a team of Czech archaeologists, the years 1417, 1616, 1707, 1746, 1790, 1800, 1811, 1830, 1842, 1868, 1892, and 1893 can also be read on the stone.

These stones lend weight to arguments by environment activists about the dire consequences of climate change and press the sense of urgency for action to mitigate is effects. 

On the other hand, climate change skeptics use the stones as evidence that climate change is natural and normal – It’s nothing new. The only solution is adaptation.

Hence, the hitherto submerged stones have brought to the surface this tough choice in dealing with climate and environmental changes between mitigation and adaptation.

Would it be enough to make the impacts of climate change less severe by preventing or reducing greenhouse gas emissions? 

Or, should we try to adjust ourselves to current and future effects of climate change? Some adaptation methods may involve large-scale infrastructure changes, such as building defenses to protect against rising sea-levels or reducing food waste, or introducing new kinds of crops to suit new climate patterns.

Some experts warn that it may be too late to mitigate climate change. Other solutions must be considered.

Given the urgency of the climate crisis, it is crucial not to overlook adaptation. However, even adaptation needs thorough research and co-operation. Our  adaptation efforts must go hand in hand with climate change mitigation.

Both strategies do not conflict. Rather, they complement each other.