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The rise of temperature in Crete will be
20-30% lower than the world average in wintertime. In the summertime
however the rise of temperature is expected to be higher (than the world
average) than 2 degrees Centigrade. A research study concerning the
climate coming from the University of East Anglia in Great Britain,
showed that in the north and the east part of the Mediterranean, where
Crete is located, the rise of temperature will be higher than the world
average.
According to the study based on recent data, the changes expected in
Crete by the increased percentage of carbon dioxide and greenhouse
gases, are focused on a rise of temperature from 1,26-1,4 C for the
year 2030, but also a rise of the sea level of 18 cm. More erratic and
intense rainfalls are also expected, while the summers will be drier
with intense problems of water shortage - already regions like Rethimno
and Heraklion are experiencing such problems– since an increased demand
on water is expected, something that will blow the probability of water
shortage from 20% in 1980, to 85% in 2020.
Even though all issues mentioned above are scientific estimates for the
distant future, which no one can predict with absolute certainty, it is
wise to keep in mind that in case of being proved true the effects will
affect important sectors of the entire society, the economy and the
ecosystem of Crete.
Certain consequences are expected to be observed in the touristy parts
of the island, found in the coastal area, particularly in the north
coast of Crete. There, an important part of the coast is estimated to be
covered by the sea, while the predicted rise of temperature will
possibly discourage summer vacations in Crete, a very popular
destination nowadays. In that case tourists will seek cooler places for
vacation. In the cities, the effects will be obvious especially
regarding the harbor facilities, which will be supposed to be adapted
with a rise of the sea level at 50 cm. Given that all urban centers of
the island are built along the coastal area and a large number of
economic activities depend on the traffic of goods by sea, it is obvious
that the problem will be rather serious. It is also predicted that
thousands of animals and plants will be directly endangered by the
destabilization of the climate. Species like migrating birds, isolated
populations, species living in the coastal region and species with
decreased genetic ability of adaptation will be more vulnerable to the
climatic changes.
ELENI KAMBOURAKI |
