In all the places that have a Mediterranean climate something very curious happens: in the hottest months, rainfall is a meteorological phenomenon that does not usually occur. In fact, in some places the drought can last for months, which makes the situation even worse. To better understand the vulnerability of the Mediterranean to climate change, it is essential to consider these drought patterns. This is undoubtedly also evident in extreme drought situations affecting different regions, as reflected in the case of the drought in Mauritania.
Despite this, these ecosystems are very rich in the number of animal and plant species, which find a place where they can live without having to suffer from either too much cold as in the polar regions, or too much heat as in the hot deserts. But all of them are in danger due to rising temperatures and human action, as has been documented in studies on the effects of climate change on Mediterranean flora.
As he explains to Efe Francisco Lloret, president of the Spanish Association of Terrestrial Ecology (AEET) and professor of Ecology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Not only do numerous species of animals and plants live in the Mediterranean region, California, central Chile, southwestern Australia and southern South Africa, but also many people. These changes have been documented in relation to the vulnerability of the population.
And all this while the average global temperature is rising. So, mountain species are gradually moving to higher altitudes. According to the AEET professor, we're already late in preventing climate change; now it's a matter of "not being any late." This is also relevant in relation to the adaptation of species to new climatic conditions and their ability to survive in a changing environment.
La vulnerability of the Mediterranean to climate change highlights the need for continuous assessment and implementation of effective strategies to mitigate its effects, especially in urban areas that could face significant challenges.
Impact of Climate Change in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean coast faces a worrying reality as it will be one of the regions most affected by extreme weather events resulting from climate change. Droughts, as well as extreme heat waves, intensify, damaging both fauna and flora. The European Commission has urged fourteen Member States, including Spain, to meet their commitments to reduce air pollutants and to adequately prepare for future challenges. In addition, consideration must be given to how these climate conditions will affect other European countries, where significant changes in the climate are also recorded.
The Mediterranean Sea is a key factor explaining why this region will be more severely affected. It has been identified that the Mediterranean is warming. two or three times faster than other oceans, which causes a buildup of energy that is released through extreme weather events such as localized torrential rains over very short periods. This situation demands urgent preparation to address future impacts, similar to the challenges observed in cities that could disappear due to global warming.
Furthermore, it is important to note that climate risks have been identified that include this Mediterranean region, which underscores the need for special attention and effective measures. Water management becomes a crucial aspect, especially in the context of the differences between climate change and global warming, which are often confused, but have very different implications.
Climate Change and Biodiversity
A critical aspect is the biodiversity of Mediterranean ecosystems. Several studies have shown that The combination of rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall has led to a severe loss of biodiversityThis phenomenon is particularly worrying in the southern Mediterranean region, where climatic conditions have begun to change more rapidly, affecting the health of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This also highlights the importance of the adaptation of plants to climate change, which becomes a fundamental strategy to ensure its survival.
Research conducted by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) has shown that climate change threatens food security in the region, since water scarcity and biodiversity loss directly impact agricultural production. This impacts not only farmers but also the population that depends on these resources for their livelihoods, making it vital to adopt solutions, such as improving sustainable agricultural practices, to counteract these effects.
The current situation must be considered in the context of the alteration of weather patterns and its impact on people's daily lives, who face an uncertain future if climate conditions continue to deteriorate.
The Drought Era: Record and Consequences
Drought is one of the main effects of climate change in the Mediterranean. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the duration and intensity of drought periods. This increase has led to a decrease in temperatures and, at the same time, exacerbated water scarcity problems. According to the IPCC report, it is projected that Water demand will increase by 4% to 22% to meet agricultural needs and offset population growth.. This relates to food security and fisheries in the context of climate change affecting traditional farming and extractive practices.
For this reason, water management planning is essential to address the Mediterranean's vulnerability to climate change and ensure that the needs of all communities involved are met. Policies must be reviewed and adapted to current realities, while also taking into account the prevention of future droughts.
In this sense, it is essential to consider the social impact of drought and how it can affect the most vulnerable communities. The combination of droughts and extreme heat waves will require the implementation of adaptation and mitigation measures to reduce the population's exposure to these climate phenomena.
Actions for Adaptation and Mitigation
In this context, it is essential to adopt a proactive approach to mitigating the effects of climate change in the Mediterranean. Co-governance, which involves the collaboration of all social and economic stakeholders, is the necessary path to address these challenges. Solutions must be shared, and cooperation between institutions is essential, as the required actions often exceed local competences. This is especially true in areas where these measures are being implemented. green infrastructures that help improve the resilience of cities to natural disasters.
Long-term planning is essential. In this regard, positive examples such as the Valencia City Council, designated as European Green Capital in 2024, demonstrate that it is possible to make effective decisions that improve climate resilience. Collaboration between municipalities, governments, and non-governmental organizations is essential to implement effective policies that address the challenges associated with climate change and the need for efficient water management.
On the other hand, it is important to highlight that environmental maintenance initiatives can help mitigate the effects of drought and ensure the sustainability of this region, also in the context of threatened deserts due to global warming, which urgently requires attention to prevent its degradation.
Education and Social Awareness
Education and awareness are equally crucial in the fight against climate change. The population must be informed about the implications of climate change on their environment and the importance of their participation in environmental protection. As Elisa Valía, Councilor for the Integrated Water Cycle of the Valencia City Council, points out, "It is essential to treat the population as mature individuals, providing them with truthful information without sugarcoating reality.", which includes the need to act against the possibility of future flooding which could become more frequent due to changes in the climate.
The Mediterranean region faces an uncertain future if decisive action is not taken now. Projections indicate that without significant action, temperatures in the Mediterranean basin could rise by up to 5.5 ºC by the end of the century, which would entail drastic changes in ecosystems and the way of life of millions of people. This phenomenon must be related to , which also includes changes in the frequency and intensity of severe events.
Faced with this reality, the sustainability becomes a primary objective. Water resource management and biodiversity preservation are essential to ensuring a healthy environment for future generations. Initiatives such as restoring damaged ecosystems and establishing marine protected areas are necessary steps to ensure the Mediterranean's biodiversity continues to thrive.
