09 Jun The mediterranean: Why a 20% faster temperature increase than the global average should induce fear in everyone
Did you know that temperature rise in the Mediterranean region is occurring 20% faster than the global average? Or that by 2050, water demand is projected to double or even triple? This is not just of interest to the Mediterranean population of more than 510 million people, but to all of us, as it is a climate change precursor of what’s to come in the near future.
I find myself sitting in the cockpit of our sailboat La Louve, gently rocking at anchor somewhere off the Costa del Sol on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. It’s 7 p.m., and the temperature is over 20 degrees Celsius. It’s October. It feels like a perfect temperature for my Northern European body, and I’m enjoying it. Like when we occasionally think that the rising summer temperatures only make our vacations better, and if they continue to rise, we won’t even need to leave our little Scandinavian haven to go south. It’s all good, and we’re okay to enjoy it.
Or are we?
Since we have arrived in the Mediterranean on our sailboat, I have looked into the climate changes affecting this area compared to the rest of the world. In a way, the conditions here can be seen as a kind of test balloon or indicator for the changes that can be expected in other parts of the world. Just like sailors often say that the weather in the Mediterranean is more extreme, with either too little wind or too much wind, the effects of climate change are already being observed more dramatically here.
But let’s dive into the specifics. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Mediterranean region is experiencing a temperature rise 20% faster than the global average. This accelerated warming brings a host of challenges and impacts that are reshaping the region’s ecosystems, economies, and communities.
One of the key consequences of rising temperatures in the Mediterranean is the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves. They have become more frequent, lasting longer and reaching higher temperatures, posing significant risks to human health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.
Furthermore, climate change impacts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Rising sea temperatures, combined with ocean acidification and changes in water currents, affect marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, fish populations, and marine habitats. Last year, a striking 30 degrees Celcius sea water temperature was recorded around Corsica – which might sound nice, but in fact kills marine life, fish and corals.
People that we meet, who have been cruising in the Mediterranean for years, snorkeling and diving in its waters, tell a tale of decline in marine life. The once teeming underwater world filled with vibrant corals and colorful fish has become noticeably depleted. The clear waters that allow us to marvel at the beauty beneath the surface hint at an imbalance in the delicate marine ecosystems. It’s a poignant reminder that climate change affects not only the grand scale of the planet but also our immediate surroundings.
The loss of marine biodiversity is just one example of how climate change is reshaping the Mediterranean region. Another is the rising sea levels. As global temperatures increase, ice caps and glaciers melt, threatening coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems, including beaches, wetlands, and important biodiversity hotspots. Coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and increased flooding during extreme weather events become more prevalent. These changes not only disrupt ecosystems but also pose significant challenges to the people and economies relying on the Mediterranean’s resources.
People that we meet, who have been cruising in the Mediterranean for years, snorkeling and diving in its waters, tell a tale of decline in marine life. The once teeming underwater world filled with vibrant corals and colorful fish has become noticeably depleted.
As I sit here, enjoying the warmth and beauty of the Mediterranean, I can’t help but feel a sense of urgency. The rising temperatures and the visible changes around us are reminders that we must act now to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. It’s not just about preserving a comfortable climate for our leisurely pursuits short-term; it’s about safeguarding the future of our planet.
So this is why we should recognize the Mediterranean as more than a picturesque holiday destination. This climate change hotspot acts as a vital indicator, offering a glimpse into the challenges that await us globally. What we see happening in the Mediterranean today can provide us with valuable insights into how the rest of the world will be affected by climate change. And so by understanding and addressing the climate change impacts in this region, we should develop strategies and solutions that are applicable worldwide.
Primary sources:
https://www.unep.org/unepmap/resources/factsheets/climate-change
https://www.mercator-ocean.eu/actualites/marine-heatwaves-mediterranean-summer-2022/
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