The symbolic reversion of the hour to “normal” time on 26 October will bring long evenings and a return to consuming roasted chestnuts and hot toddies by glowing embers in the hearth,

After this summer of extremes, we should be grateful that the fire is in the grate, water in the taps and plentiful fruits and vegetables have resulted from the toil of parched soil.

Portugal is not an arid country. Average annual precipitations vary from around 500 mm in Faro to 1250 mm in Porto which compares to 815 mm in Liverpool, a similar city in north west England. Yet, nearly 90% of rainfall remains uncaptured by the range of 20th century reservoirs the largest of which is the Alqueva irrigation system.

A solution to the problem of ensuring greater retention and fairer distribution of water for human consumption and to meet the needs of agriculture, industry, tourism and production of energy has evaded successive governments despite numerous public consultations producing pragmatic visions. These are then delayed by bureaucratic procrastination, rivalry between ministries and, as ever, lack of finance for the requisite infrastructure and equipment

Agriculture uses about 70% of water stocks to irrigate less than 20% of mainland territory but, through the introduction of intensive farming by agro-business, manages to sustain a production for nearly 80% of basic needs.

However, the revolutionary changes to the economic landscape caused by the digital market invasion will mean that priorities will need to be re-assessed. Projects for data centres and highly automated factories supervised by AI plus the accelerated mining of lithium and copper require vast quantities of energy and water. Almost all are destined for the northern and central regions which are already struggling to meet requirements for housing and the extension of quality tourism.

Costly schemes to pump vast quantities of potable water via pipelines from north to south are thus unlikely to be viable. The important needs of agriculture in the Alentejo must be met by extensions to Alqueva subject to a resolution of the division of resources with the Spanish authorities while desalination plants will be needed to supplement the needs of the Algarvean populace which should desist from exhausting the finite reserves of aquifers. These should be preserved as an emergency resource and possibly replenished by pumping surplus rainfall.

The tackling of wildfires is inextricably linked to water and faces the same difficulties of successive administrations which have been unable to meet the political challenges for the introduction of new techniques. This has been due to both the lack of funds and the will to train a specialist force integrated by the fire brigades, military, police and paramedics under a single focused command which can supersede the disorientation of the present complex organisation.

As global warming brings longer periods of drought and soaring summer temperatures, the future for Portugal´s forestry looks bleak and it is probably pragmatic to admit the impossibility of protecting swathes of eucalyptus and pine which grow densely in plantations and inaccessible localities. What is vital before the next summer season is to extend the present limited defences for habitations by creating a modern moat consisting of firebreaks and a system of mini-reservoirs strategically linked by pipeline hydrants.

Finance must be found by diversion from spending on armaments to purchase purpose built firefighting equipment and a fleet of lightweight aircraft such as the Sikorsky Fire Hawk helicopters and the AT-BO2 Fire Boss amphibious bi-planes both of which are equipped with scoops and can be stationed in the vicinity of probable outbreaks. Larger air tractors, such as the C130 Hercules and Canadair, can then be used for subduing with chemical extinguishers the borders of the intense eruptions which will become more prevalent.

Satellite based wildfire detection technology now includes data integration which can forecast zones at risk. It can also be used for the management of forestry by planning sectors for replanting with flame resistant varieties such as the holm-oak and to watch carefully for poor management practices by proprietors and the activity of arsonists. The system is expensive but it is vital that it be operative next year.

The safety and wellbeing of our gallant firefighters is paramount.

To read part 1 - click here.

by Roberto Cavaleiro - Tomar. 19 October 2025