Are We Ready for the Heat? Exploring Climate Adaptation Needs in the Mediterranean

20 septembre 2023. À partir de 18:00 à 19:30 | Conférence | Anglais | Français | CaixaForum Macaya, Barcelona

Recent years have witnessed an increase in the number and intensity of climate-related events all over the world and across the Mediterranean region. As the Mediterranean region, a climate change hotspot, is expected to warm by 2,2℃ above the pre-industrial level by 2040 (MedECC), this is set to have devastating consequences for the region, increasing the number and intensity of extreme events and the pressure on vulnerable ecosystems, which would altogether impact all Mediterranean territories including coastlines, forests, oceans, urban and rural areas.

Still, it is not too late, and, although climate change and its damaging consequences outlined above can now no longer be avoided, some light remains towards providing our societies and ecosystems with the necessary tools to protect themselves and find sustainable pathways toward climate change adaptation; this is only possible if we act now. Are we ready to face this future?

This session is meant to be an introduction to the whole conference series, setting the scene for discussing the climate adaptation needs in the Mediterranean Basin. It aims to first explore climate change impacts on current natural resources and human societies, and consequently, the areas where adaptation is crucial to protect from the potential damages arising from a disrupted climate and maintain the integrity of our societies, ecosystems, and environment while seizing opportunities. In addition, the dialogue questions the readiness and capacities of the Mediterranean countries to adopt adaptation strategies, the challenges they face in this endeavour, and the cooperation opportunities that can contribute to finding common solutions. Finally, the dialogue is meant to link climate adaptation needs and strategies to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Why do we now talk about climate adaptation, once considered a secondary issue? What does it mean? Does adaptation mean giving up on climate mitigation? What synergies are there between mitigation and adaptation? Is there a limit to what we can adapt to?

This inaugural dialogue of the Med Dialogues 2030 series takes place at the CaixaForum Macaya, Pg. de Sant Joan, 108, Barcelona. Free entrance with prior registration.