“Climate Chaos in the Mediterranean: Extreme Rainfall and Deadly Floods on the Rise”
Recent extreme weather events in the Mediterranean region, including deadly floods and heavy rainfall, have raised concerns among scientists about the impact of climate change on the area. The Mediterranean has always been prone to extreme precipitation, especially in areas with mountains near the sea, but the frequency and intensity of these events have been increasing in recent years.
According to scientists at the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change, the region is warming 20 percent faster than the global average, leading to an increase in the capacity of the air to hold water. This, in turn, has resulted in more intense and frequent extreme precipitation events in the Mediterranean.
Climate models suggest that while average rainfall in the region is expected to decrease, heavy rainfall events will become more intense. This means that dry areas will become drier, but when extreme rains do occur, they will be more severe.
The geography of the Mediterranean region, with its mountains, closed sea, and dry riverbeds, makes it particularly susceptible to flash flooding. When heavy rains occur, the water quickly accumulates in steep river beds, leading to rapid rises in water levels. The warming of the Mediterranean Sea, combined with atmospheric currents like the polar jet stream, also contribute to the region’s extreme weather patterns.
The growing population in Mediterranean countries has further increased the risk of flooding, as urbanization has left little space for waterways. While improvements in flood protection structures and early warning systems have reduced the overall death toll from floods, more homes and properties are at risk due to urban development and population growth.
Overall, the combination of climate change, urbanization, and population growth has created a perfect storm for extreme weather events in the Mediterranean region. Scientists warn that these events are likely to become more frequent and severe in the coming decades, posing a significant threat to the millions of people living in the area.