Climate risks and climate change in Spanish Mediterranean coast: a scenario of uncertainties

Abstract

The Mediterranean basin is a laboratory for the study of natural hazards and the effects of global warming. The accumulation of population and economic activities in a territory where converge numerous natural hazards makes this geographic region a high risk area. Spanish Mediterranean coast is one of this risky regions. In the last two decades the intense land occupation that has occurred in this geographical area has increased vulnerability and exposure to atmospheric hazards. Moreover, the potential impacts of climate change in this region indicates an increase in the development of extreme weather episodes. In this paper, I analyze the measures of risk reduction implemented in recent decades in the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

Keywords: climate risk, climate change, vulnerability, measures to risk reduction.