CLIMATE CHANGE IN SPAIN, CANTABRIA, AND SAN VICENTE DE LA BARQUERA

Climate Change in Spain, Cantabria, and San Vicente de la Barquera

Climate change in Spain is causing rising temperatures, an increased risk of droughts and extreme weather events, and alterations in water resource availability. These impacts affect various sectors such as agriculture, livestock, health, and the economy.

Main effects:

• Increase in temperatures:

Average temperatures in Spain have risen over the past 50 years and are expected to continue increasing, intensifying heatwaves and affecting public health.

https://www.nationalgeographic.es/animales/2020/02/las-ciguenas-abandonan-su-migracion-a-africa-y-se-establecen-en-espana

• Droughts and reduced rainfall:

A decrease in precipitation is expected, especially in the Atlantic basins and the southern part of the peninsula, which could lead to water stress in some areas.

 

• Extreme weather events:

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme phenomena such as torrential rains, droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves.

 

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• Alteration of ecosystems:

The rise in sea water temperature, sea level rise, and water acidification threaten biodiversity and marine ecosystems.

 

The most searched "criminals"

•  Raccoon. (Procyon lotor): native to North America, the raccoon has been introduced in various regions of Spain. It is a voracious competitor that mainly affects small mammals and birds.
• Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus): this bird, popular as a pet, has proliferated in urban and rural areas. It causes nuisance with its loud noise. It competes with native birds for food resources.
• Red-eared Slider.(Trachemys scripta elegans): known for its adaptability to contaminated environments, this turtle has displaced native species of turtles and is a predator of invertebrates, fish, and amphibians.
• American mink (Neovison vison): introduced for fur farming, this species has severely affected the European mink population, which is on the brink of extinction due to competition and predation.
• Red swamp crayfish  (Procambarus clarkii): has altered aquatic ecosystems by competing with native species and damaging riparian vegetation.
• Largemouth bass.(Micropterus salmoides): this predatory fish has been introduced into rivers and reservoirs, competing with native species and potentially causing local extinction.
• Japanese beetle. (Popillia japonica): known for causing significant damage in agricultural crops and meadows, representing a threat to agriculture and biodiversity.
• Halophila stipulacea: a marine plant native to the tropics that has colonized the Mediterranean coast. It damages the local marine ecosystem.

 

Impact on Health:

Climate change affects human health through extreme weather events, disruption of food systems, and an increase in vector-borne diseases, among other factors.

Most Vulnerable Areas:

• Coastal zones:

Rising sea levels, storm surges, and coastal erosion threaten coastal areas.

•  Watersheds:

Decreased rainfall and increased water stress threaten water availability in watersheds.

• Urban areas:

Rising temperatures and the frequency of heatwaves can impact public health and urban infrastructure.

• Pyrenees:

Considered one of Spain’s most affected regions by global warming.

Adaptation and Mitigation:

• Adaptation:

It is crucial to develop adaptation strategies in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, water management, and public health.

• Mitigation:

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to limit global warming and its impacts.

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