While the planet's climate can be notoriously unstable and difficult to predict over the long term, today we have various advanced tools and software that allow meteorologists and weather enthusiasts to make more accurate projections about the future climate. This has led many specialists, such as Agustí Jansà, former territorial director of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) in the Balearic Islands, to make Worrying predictions about the climate in this region for the year 2038.
According to Jansà's analysis, in the not-too-distant future, if drastic and effective measures are not implemented, the climate of the Balearic Islands could be very different from what we know today. The situation is bleak and puts both the local ecotype and quality of life of its inhabitants. For more details on the general effects of climate change in Spain, we recommend this article on the effects of climate change in Spain.
Three-degree rise in average temperature
Since the 1880 year, the average temperature of the planet has increased by approximately 1,4 degrees centigradeAlthough this increase seems insignificant at first glance, it has actually had profound consequences and has led to the breaking of annual climate records. For the Balearic archipelago, projections indicate that By 2038, temperatures during the summer months could be up to three degrees higher. than current averages. You can read more about this topic at the increase in temperature in the Balearic Islands in the last four decadesOn the other hand, winter temperatures are also expected to continue rising, reaching increases of up to half a degree.
This rising temperature trend will intensify the "no autumn" phenomenon, which has been a growing concern in the region. The seasons tend to blur together, making the difference between spring and autumn increasingly difficult to discern. sea temperatures will also be affected, with a possible increase in up to one additional degree during the summerThis could have worrying repercussions for the Marine ecosystem, affecting, for example, posidonia, an underwater plant that is key to the health of the waters and local biodiversity, which is threatened by the global warming.
Sea level rise: 25 centimeters more?
Projections suggest that sea levels could rise by as much as 25 centimeters by 2038. Although this increase may seem minor, it must be considered that the capital of the Balearic IslandsPalma is located practically at sea level, which means that Some of its beaches and coastal areas could be seriously affectedYou can learn more about this topic by reading interactive maps on sea level rise.
The risk of flooding will increase significantly, especially during extreme weather events, such as cold fronts that can stir up waters and increase tides. Despite these concerns, there is a small glimmer of hope: the transition to Power Plants is underway, allowing more than half of the cars on the road to be electric. This will not only reduce air pollution, but could also make the Balearic Islands a quieter and more pleasant place to live. For more information on pollution and transportation alternatives, see The impact of car rentals in the Balearic Islands.
Impact on the population and the environment
As temperatures and sea levels rise, the Mallorca's population continues to growDemographic projections indicate that the island could reach a population of 900.000 inhabitants by 2038, a significant increase compared to the current figure, with a clear shift towards greater settlement in the Part Forana area. This population growth will also bring with it the need for a greater infrastructure y public services, which must be sustainable and adaptive to new climate conditions. To better understand the implications of population growth in the context of climate change, you can consult the impacts of climate change in the Balearic Islands.
The life expectancy of women, currently 85 years, could increase by a couple of years. However, this phenomenon also brings challenges, such as the growing aging population, which could represent a 20% of the inhabitants This increase in the older population raises serious questions about the sustainability of the region's pension and healthcare systems. For more information on healthcare challenges, you can read about the weather in Spain.
Transformation of tourism in the Balearic Islands
Tourism, one of the key elements of the Balearic economy, is undergoing a transformation. The next 20 years could see a drastic change in the way the tourism sector is conducted. Destinations that have traditionally been known for their boozy tourism, such as Punta Ballena, will experience a decline as the market shifts toward a more sustainable and cost-effective model. For more information on these trends, check out the ban on diesel cars in the Balearic Islands starting in 2025.
- High-end, luxury tourism is expected to replace mass tourism offerings, providing better economic opportunities for both residents and the environment.
- The popularization of more sustainable practices, such as ecotourism, will be promoted to attract a more environmentally conscious segment of tourists.
- The hotel sector will adapt, incorporating better technological and sustainable solutions into its operations to reduce environmental impact and improve the visitor experience.
- Deseasonalizing tourism will remain a key objective to diversify employment opportunities and improve the local economy throughout the year.
A necessary change in the economy and employment
The future will also bring a reskilling of the labor market. With an increasing focus on sustainability and technology, companies are expected to seek professionals who are well-versed in both the environment and the information and communication technologies (ICT)Experts warn that the key to sustainable employment in the future will be mastery of advanced technological skills, such as those highlighted in articles about electric cars in the Balearic Islands.
Likewise, the growing dependence on automation and the use of robots in the tourism industry could drastically change the nature of employment. Robots have already begun to be implemented in some hotel jobs, as have holograms in receptions, paving the way for a more technological and, potentially, more efficient service model.
Investment in renewable energy
The transition to renewable energy is essential to improve the quality of life in the Balearic Islands and mitigate the effects of climate change. Currently, only 2% of the energy comes from renewable sources, but it is projected that this figure should reach more than 50% by 2038This will require a radical transformation of the region's energy infrastructure, as well as increased support and financing for the development of clean energy projects. You can explore this topic further in the article on .
The landscapes of the Balearic Islands in the future will probably include buildings covered with solar panels, photovoltaic parks and a decrease in irrigation water use due to water shortages resulting from a changing climate. In the hope of reducing pollution caused by combustion cars, it is possible that more than 50% of vehicles in circulation must be electric by that time, which will considerably help to clean the air and make the Balearic Islands a more habitable and peaceful place.
The decisions we make now and in the coming years will determine the future of the Balearic Islands for generations to come. The interconnectedness between climate change and sustainability is vital to ensuring a healthy environment in which to live, work, and enjoy life. Therefore, it is crucial for society and the government to act proactively in the face of these climate challenges.
Everything that is happening to the earth is because of the human being instead of destroying our habitat we would have taken care of it as the most precious thing we have, do not hurry past climate change, that is why we must start taking care of our planet with less deforestation to extinguish animals etc