Mediterranean Faces Environmental Crisis: Study Warns of Rising Deaths and Climate Threats
Experts have conducted a study on the state of the environment and development in the Mediterranean (RED2020) whose conclusions are alarming.
"The Mediterranean basin is particularly vulnerable to global warming," warn the authors. The report states that "15% of deaths" recorded in this vast region are attributed to "avoidable" environmental causes. "The exploitation of resources and organisms, pollution and climate change are expected to exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities and endanger the health and livelihoods" of established populations, the experts explain.
They made another alarming finding: the Mediterranean region is warming "20% faster than the global average" - both ambient and water temperature - with dramatic direct consequences for the region. As for precipitation projections, they forecast up to a 30% decrease by 2080. As a result: there will be a dangerous lengthening of the fire season.
The report also points out that the rise in sea level could reach 0.5 to 2.5 meters by the end of the century. A threat to the residents of coastal areas, which account for one third of the 510 million inhabitants of the Mediterranean basin.
"The future of the Mediterranean is at a tipping point," summarized François Guerquin, director of Plan Bleu, during the presentation of the report.
