DROUGHT AND DESERTIFICATION: SOCLIMPACT PROJECT SUPPORTS EUROPEAN ISLANDS

Droughts and desertification are "flooding" most of the islands of the European Union and in particular those of the Mediterranean.
Lack of water, beach erosion, rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification are threatening islands and their economies. In the coming years, the European Islands, historical places of interaction and cultural exchanges, will suffer extreme weather events that in addition to damage to ecosystems, will contribute to the movement of their inhabitants, thus determining the total desertification.
Observatory on Tourism for Islands Economy (OTIE) takes part of SOCLIMPACT project that want to define European polices in support of islands and their economies potentially threatened by climate change.
OTIE is  analyzing Sicily situation. The Island registers climate vulnerability index values ​​that are high compared to the average of the convergence area. Moreover, it highlighted that climate change affects the Sicilian economy and mainly the agricultural and tourism sector. According to some studies, in the next 30 years, the tourist flows will decrease for almost 20% due to the climatic consequences. The scenario shows a temperature increase (+ 1.4%) in 2030, compared to the average of the period 1951 - 1990, and a rainfall reduction which in 2030 will be equal to 27% compared to the average for the period 1951 - 1990, with the risk of desertification.
 
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