In recent years, Spain has undergone a significant transformation in its climate, experiencing increasingly frequent extreme events. Society faces new challenges arising from More intense heat waves, torrid nights and unprecedented sea temperatures This reality, far from being exceptional, seems to have become the new norm, according to atmospheric physics experts who warn of irreversible climate change from what we were accustomed to two decades ago.
The effects of this climate change are not only perceived in meteorological records. As well directly affect the physical and mental health of the populationMeteorosensitivity, which involves a physical and emotional response to changes in the weather, affects between 30% and 60% of people, varying by region and the stability of the local weather. Headaches, joint problems, mood swings, and fatigue are some of the symptoms that can be triggered by sudden changes in temperature, humidity, or atmospheric pressure.
The advance of extreme phenomena in Spain
This month of June has been especially significant to illustrate the phenomenon. The stifling heat has reached places as unexpected as Cantabria, where in just a few hours the record highs went from around 37ºC to suffering a storm with more than 2.200 lightning strikes, accompanied by heavy rains. According to the State Meteorological Agency, these extreme situations are occurring more frequently and at increasingly earlier times in the summer.
Professor of atmospheric physics José Luis Sánchez warns that Record-breaking temperature episodes will become increasingly commonNot only is the frequency increasing, but so is the severity of events such as tropical nights, unusual rainfall, and longer summers at the expense of a milder autumn and a shorter spring. In this context, adaptation is seen as the only way to face the future, since "we will never see the climate we knew 20 years ago again." Furthermore, the expert points out that extreme situations, once considered exceptional, are no longer so and are now part of everyday life.
The impacts of climate on health are increasingly studied and recognized. Meteorosensitivity ranges from osteoarticular problems aggravated by drops in blood pressure, to migraine attacks triggered by a high humidity. Humidity above 70%, for example, can increase the risk of migraines or complications in people with osteoarthritis, while humidity below 20% can lead to respiratory and eye problems.
Heat waves also affect mood and rest., intensifying irritability, insomnia, and cardiovascular problems. In addition, Sunlight influences serotonin levels, so regions with fewer hours of sunshine are more prone to depression and mood swings. Even wind can affect behavior and mental health due to air ionization, as confirmed by experts in the field.
Social and cultural initiatives to address climate change
In response to these challenges, society has begun to mobilize with Initiatives that seek to raise awareness, inform and encourage collective climate actionA notable example is the celebration of the "Cridem Pel Clima" festival in Valencia, which returns this November with a program focused on Climate awareness and art as tools for mobilizationConcerts, free activities, and awareness-raising campaigns will take place throughout the city, engaging both those who have been committed to the fight for the planet for years and those just beginning to take an interest in these issues.
On the other hand, they are implemented social plans aimed at combating the effects of climate change on the most vulnerable populationThe "Social Climate Plan" provides for a multi-million-dollar investment to help households experiencing energy poverty, facilitating energy-efficient housing renovations, electrifying transportation, and providing access to renewable energy. These funds, pending European approval, will provide significant support to those most in need as they face the new challenges arising from global warming.
Torrox, a privileged microclimate
