The Great Drought of 1315–1317 was a severe drought that affected much of Europe, particularly the British Isles, France, and Germany. The drought began in the summer of 1315 and lasted until the spring of 1317. It was one of the most severe droughts in European history, and it had a devastating impact on the population.
Causes of the Drought
The exact cause of the Great Drought is unknown, but it is thought to have been caused by a combination of factors, including:
* Changes in the jet stream: The jet stream is a high-altitude wind current that flows from west to east across the Northern Hemisphere. During the Great Drought, the jet stream shifted southward, which prevented moist air from reaching Europe.
* A lack of solar activity: The sun's activity varies over time, and during the Great Drought, there was a period of low solar activity. This reduced the amount of heat reaching the Earth's surface, which contributed to the drought.
* Deforestation: The widespread deforestation of Europe in the Middle Ages also contributed to the drought. Trees help to retain moisture in the soil, and when they are cleared, the soil becomes drier and more susceptible to drought.
Impact of the Drought
The Great Drought had a devastating impact on the population of Europe. The drought caused widespread crop failures, which led to famine and malnutrition. In England, for example, it is estimated that up to 10% of the population died as a result of the famine.
The drought also caused a number of other problems, including:
* A decline in trade: The drought disrupted trade routes, which made it difficult for people to obtain food and other goods.
* An increase in crime: The widespread hunger and desperation caused by the drought led to an increase in crime.
* A loss of faith in the Church: The Church was unable to provide relief to the suffering population, which led many people to lose faith in the institution.
The Great Drought and Climate Change
The Great Drought of 1315–1317 is often compared to the current climate crisis. Both events were caused by a combination of natural and human factors, and both had a devastating impact on the population.
The Great Drought is a reminder that climate change is not a new phenomenon. It is a natural process that has been happening for millions of years. However, human activities are now accelerating climate change, and this is making droughts and other extreme weather events more frequent and more severe.
The lessons of the Great Drought can help us to prepare for the challenges of climate change. We need to take action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and to build resilient communities that are able to withstand the impacts of climate change.
