Across the Mediterranean coast of Spain, predictions indicate that the region will face more intense and frequent extreme weather events driven by climate change. The eastern peninsula and the Balearic Islands are warming at a faster rate than other parts of the world, and the coastal areas are expected to experience sharper temperature rises and more drastic impacts if preparedness is lacking.
These observations come from the informative session on ‘Common governance in the ecological transition’ within the framework of the ‘EFE Environmental Dialogues’. The discussion explains that the Mediterranean coast absorbs more energy, leading to greater potential for extreme phenomena. The sea there warms two to three times more than many other oceans, creating an energy surplus that shows up as heavier rainfall, heat waves, and dramatic shifts in local climate patterns.
While these projections can sound alarming, Elisa Valía, Integrated Water Cycle Councillor for Valencia City Council, has stressed the importance of speaking plainly to the public. She advocates delivering clear, factual information without sugarcoating the situation, treating communities as informed, capable adults who can handle tough truths about the environment.
Samira Khodayar, Director of the Meteorology and Climatology Group at the Mediterranean Center for Environmental Studies (CEAM), echoed that sentiment. She noted that the Mediterranean is a climate change hotspot, experiencing warming roughly 20% faster than global averages and with water temperatures rising two to three times more than many other seas.
This tropicalization is a real factor, with since 1980 a temperature rise exceeding 1.5 degrees in the Mediterranean, carrying serious implications for the flora and fauna that rely on its habitats.
In addition, the broader warming trend has reached about 1.2 degrees on a global scale since pre-industrial times. Within the Valencian Community, increases approach 1.5 degrees, and in certain areas of Murcia, gains near 2 degrees have been observed, significantly outsizing global averages.
Greater influence in the eastern peninsula
These shifts imply notable impacts in continental regions near Catalonia, the Community of Valencia, Murcia, and Andalusia. The available energy for heavy rainfall is greater in these zones, raising the risk profile and the urgency of adapting infrastructure and planning to new climatic realities.
Overall, Spain is moving toward a hotter, drier climate regime. The message is clear: preparation is essential, and prevention must lead the response to climate threats rather than be an afterthought.
When asked about regional readiness for climate impacts, a strong, candid answer was given: readiness is insufficient at present. Climate change is already a lived reality, not a distant forecast, and decisions made this decade will shape resilience for years to come. The focus is on tangible actions that reduce risk and improve adaptation across sectors.
Luis Sendra, dean of the Faculty of Architects in the Valencian Community, acknowledged progress while highlighting bureaucratic challenges. He pointed to city plans that have aged over time, noting that updating them can take many years and may outlast the tenure of a single mayor. This delay complicates timely adaptation to shifting climate risks.
Experts emphasize that reforming planning processes is essential. The reality is that long timelines can hinder rapid responses required by evolving climate conditions. Local authorities and planners are urged to embrace more agile governance models that align with current risk profiles and environmental science.
Elisa del Río, technical field director of the Valencian Business Confederation (CEV), agreed that parts of the peninsula bear some of the highest climate risk, urging a comprehensive approach to solutions. Advocates emphasize a holistic strategy that combines energy efficiency, water management, and strategic governance—work already underway toward a unified climate-response framework.
Hydrological planning, typically set in five-year cycles, faces challenges since more than half of planned infrastructures often fail to materialize. This underscored the need for more timely execution and accountability—from policy to practice—so resilience measures can keep pace with changing conditions.
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As the discussion closes, the emphasis remains on practical, well-coordinated action to mitigate risk, protect vulnerable ecosystems, and safeguard communities across the eastern Mediterranean coast and beyond. The conversation invites ongoing collaboration among regional authorities, scientific institutions, and civic organizations to implement robust, evidence-based strategies that reflect the realities of a warming climate.