The mediterranean region and the challenger of climate change

Edison's Palace - Foro Buonaparte, 31 Milan

The Mediterranean area represents a delicate ecosystem and it is highly susceptible to Climate Change variations induced by global warming. Heating that will record, in the near future, a rapid rise in sea levels. This phenomenon, exacerbated by the increased frequency of extreme natural events, is proving to be critical for coastal ecosystems and the socio-economic regional system, which includes the fishing industry, agriculture, forest management and/or the multiple residential, commercial and leisure activities that are located near the coasts of the various countries of the Mediterranean basin.

All climate scenarios of recent years confirm, in fact, that by the middle of this century the Euro-Mediterranean region, will record the trend of an average 2°C (0.8 to 1.8°C on the sea surface) temperature rise, a rise in sea level from 6 to 12 cm (as the joint effect of the increase in temperature and salinity), a reduction in rainfall of up to 10% and an increase in the frequency of extreme events such as heat waves, torrential rains and cyclones.

The inevitable changes in climate will have to be dealt with as a challenge for the renewal of Mediterranean economic, social and productive systems and as an opportunity to accelerate cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean. Intensifying public private partnerships will represent the key to take initiatives and develop projects in response to external impulses that will allow the region to safeguard its unique environment, as well as foster commercial, industrial and agricultural activities.

Research and innovation can constitute the stimulus to accelerate the region’s transformation towards new lower-carbon technologies, both consolidating existing technologies which already provide significant levels of efficiency and environmental compatibility, and moving forward towards further  technology transfers aimed at completely de-carbonizing the Mediterranean basin.

The strengthening and transfer of “best practices” in the Mediterranean both constitute and reinforce dialogue and the long tradition of cooperation between coastal countries. Such dialogue and cooperation can also drive politics, business, associations, academic and research stakeholders to work in synergy in view of an integrated and shared strategy that enhances sustainable development in the entire region.

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