The consequences of flooding and coastal erosion include Population displacement, economic losses, habitat destruction, saltwater intrusion leading to groundwater contamination and adverse effects on agriculture. Spain is not exempt from the repercussions of rising sea levels, which are among the most worrying outcomes of climate change. This rise is due to a combination of factors including melting polar ice, storm surges, tides and waves, all of which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
In this article we are going to tell you how the melting of the poles will flood these Spanish cities in 2100.
What is the extent of sea level rise in Spain?
In the not-too-distant future, our nation may face an unprecedented situation: the rise of climate refugees. Countless people may be forced to abandon their residences as a result of the inexorable ocean waves.
Between 1948 and 2019, Spain experienced a gradual rise in sea level at a constant rate of 1,6 millimeters per year. However, In recent times, this rate has increased to 2,8 mm, almost twice as fast.This is in line with a study published in the journal 'Geociencias', which also highlights the acceleration in the rate of rise in the last two decades, something that may have much more serious repercussions in the coming decades.
Impact of climate change on sea level
The melting of the polar ice caps, as well as the thermal expansion of water, are the main factors contributing to this problem. As physicist Manuel Vargas points out, the melting of ice in Greenland and Antarctica is responsible for approximately 1,4 millimeters annual increase at sea level.
But that is not all. Extreme weather events are also expected to worsen the situation, with an increase in events such as storms and storm surges that will further increase the risk of flooding, especially in coastal regions.
How it affects Spain
Spain, with its extensive coastline of 7.905 km and 428 municipalities, will face significant impacts from rising sea levels. The consequences include retreating coastlines, loss of beaches and an increasing impact on buildings and infrastructures located on the coasts. According to the IPCC report, the rise in sea level could exceed 40 cm by 2080 in some areas of Spain such as Cadiz, Barcelona and A Coruña.
By 2100, the most dramatic projections place several coastal regions dangerously close to collapse due to flooding. Using Climate Central's interactive tool, you can predict the risk faced by specific regions and cities in Spain in the coming years.
Cities in Spain at risk of flooding by 2100
The level of impact varies depending on the geographic location and topographical characteristics of each town. Below, we explore some of the Spanish cities that will feel the impact of rising sea levels due to the melting of the poles the most.
Galicia and the Northwest
Galicia is one of the most affected regions due to its extensive coastline, with places like A Coruña, Vigo and Vilagarcía de Arousa at risk.
- In these areas, sea level is expected to rise by 40 to 75 cm by the end of the XNUMXst century.
- The main impacts include the loss of coastal land, especially in the Galician estuaries.
the Basque Country
The Basque Country also faces challenges related to rising sea levels. According to the Azti and Tecnalia report, cities such as Bilbao and San Sebastian could lose a significant portion of their residential land due to flooding.
- Bilbao could see flooded up to 27% of its residential land, especially in the Nervión basin.
- Other areas such as Getxo and Plentzia will also be affected.
Cantabria
- Santander could experience sea level rises of up to 70 cm by 2100.
- Coastal ecosystems, such as the marshes of the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Natural Park, will be in serious danger, which would dramatically affect local biodiversity.
Asturias
- Cities like Gijón are projected to deal with a rise in sea levels of up to 66 cm by the end of the century.
- The region may also experience a devastating impact on its coastline, affecting the local economy and its beaches.
Andalusia
In southern Spain, the impacts are mainly concentrated in the provinces of Cádiz and Huelva, with several coastal towns highly exposed.
- Doñana National Park, considered an important biosphere reserve, is one of the most threatened areas.
- The city of Cadiz could be partially submerged if the most pessimistic projections of up to 1 metre of rise materialise.
Levante and the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean is no stranger to this phenomenon. Regions such as Catalonia and the Valencian Community are at significant risk.
- Barcelona will see increases of up to 43 cm by the year 2070 and up to 75 cm by the end of the century, which would affect key infrastructures such as the Port of Barcelona and Barceloneta beach.
- In addition to losing beaches, Valencia will face a huge impact on the Albufera and other protected areas.
Balearic Islands and Canary Islands
The islands also face significant risks. The Balearic Islands in particular will see a serious impact on their tourist coastlines.
- The beaches of the Balearic Islands are expected to shrink by between 7 and 50 metres by the end of the century.
- In the Canary Islands, Tenerife and Las Palmas will see similar increases between 40 and 60 cm.
While some of these effects may seem far away, the decisions we make today will determine how severe the consequences will be. It is imperative to take immediate action to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Although the scenarios vary in their nuances, the truth is that, without coordinated global action, many of our coastal cities as we know them today could disappear, leaving not only a physical void, but also an economic and cultural one.