According to the third Report on Climate Change in Catalonia (TICCC), it is estimated that the temperature in the region will increase 0,8ºC in the next ten yearsThis increase could have serious consequences for public health, as it is expected that The number of annual deaths attributable to heat waves will increase from the current 50 to 2,500 by 2050.This situation illustrates the magnitude of the impact of the climate change on health of the Catalan population, a problem that requires immediate attention.
In addition to rising temperatures, the Catalan coast faces another significant challenge: the possible disappearance of several beaches. According to the report, by the end of the century it is estimated that up to 20% of beaches will need additional maintenance measures in order to survive. This deterioration not only endangers the natural beauty of these areas, but also affects tourism, which is vital to the local economy, as analyzed in the consequences of the Climate change in turtles in Catalonia.
A group of 140 scientists has estimated that the temperature in Catalonia could increase up to 1,4ºC for the same period. Although this may seem like a marginal change, the increase will have an impact on biodiversity, allowing insects that carry diseases such as dengue and malaria to establish themselves in the region, which could cause serious public health problems. If you'd like to understand more about this topic, you can consult the article on forest fires and climate change.
Warming is also linked to an increase in the frequency and severity of forest fires, a risk that is exacerbated by the high temperatures and dryness that characterize the Mediterranean region. An increase in 1,4ºC in temperature leads to a much greater risk of fires, which represents an additional threat to local ecosystems and human communities.
The report also provides for a decrease in rainfall, with an estimated reduction of 10% in spring, summer and autumnThis is a critical period, as it coincides with the warmer months when the arrival of tourists increases the demand for water, putting a strain on the region's water resources. Water scarcity is a concern associated with the temperature increase in other regions, and reflects how this reality is intertwined with climate change on the beaches of Catalonia.
On the other hand, climate changes are also affecting marine fauna. Jellyfish and toxic algae are proliferating more rapidly, while native species of the Catalan coast are moving northward due to the alteration of their habitats. This not only alters biodiversity but also affects fishing and other economic activities based on marine resources. The health of marine ecosystems is essential, as it is related to the Bilogenesis and its impact on marine life, and is compromised by climate change.
Despite growing evidence of the severity of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. Although Catalonia has attempted to implement mitigation and adaptation policies to address these challenges, the effects of these measures have been limited so far, according to the report.
Challenges on the Catalan coast
The Catalan coast is under increasing pressure from multiple factors. A report by the Advisory Council for Sustainable Development (CADS) indicates that only the 20% of the coast has enough space to adapt to rising sea levelsSince 2017, a significant regression of beaches has been documented, with some such as Badalona experiencing a regression rate of 9,8 m/yearThis problem is similar to what has been experienced elsewhere, as mentioned in studies on the effects of climate change in other countries.
Between 2002 and 2010, contributions were made 775,000 m³/year of sand along the coast; however, this regeneration policy has proven to be unsustainable in the long term due to its high cost and its ineffectiveness in the face of climate change. Climate change has generated similar situations in different regions, as observed in the climate in the Balearic Islands for 2038, which is also at risk due to similar processes.
Projections for 2035 suggest that only 54% of current beaches will have adequate width for recreation, and an alarming 9% could be completely erodedThis has important implications for tourism, a sector that in 2023 attracted 18 million tourists, 90% of whom were housed in coastal municipalities and illustrates how critical the situation can be if measures are not taken.
Coastal infrastructure is also at risk. Rising sea levels, torrential rains, and storm surges affect energy, sanitation, and the incredible transportation infrastructure, much of which is located in flood-prone areas. For example, some studies suggest that the Rodalies del Maresme line should be moved inland for safety reasons, as mentioned in the discussion on sustainable infrastructure in the face of climate change.
The continuation of episodes such as Storm Gloria in January 2020 has demonstrated that the climate crisis is a reality. This event brought with it rainfall of up to 500 liters/m² in certain regions, causing rivers to overflow and seriously affecting local agriculture, underscoring the urgency of addressing the widespread impact of climate change.
Necessary measures for adaptation
Faced with this critical situation, effective solutions are urgently needed. Greenpeace suggests that with a moderate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, up to 40% of beach retreat However, this effort must be coordinated at the local level and driven by the collaboration of communities and authorities. Community collaboration is key to mitigating the impact of climate change in the region.
Necessary actions include:
- Implement ambitious policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Introduce climate change forecasts into urban and infrastructure planning.
- Create limits and regulations for tourism, which can cause significant damage to the coastal ecosystem.
- Restore and conserve flood-prone areas and ecosystems such as marshes that are essential for coastal resilience.
The need for action is urgent. Beaches are not only a tourist attraction, but also offer a series of ecosystems and functions that protect the coast and biodiversity. Climate change adaptation and mitigation must be the priority, especially considering the impact on various endangered species.
In addition to the aforementioned strategies, it is essential to promote research and education on climate change so that society is informed and can actively participate in protecting the Catalan coastline. Without everyone's collaboration, the Catalan coast could face a bleak future that requires special attention, as also observed in floods that threaten entire populations.
The climate crisis is a challenge that affects everyone. It is essential to join forces to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and functionality our beaches provide. Through a collaborative approach, it is possible to implement solutions that preserve our coasts and minimize the impact of climate change.
