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Date Published: 16/05/2022

ARCHIVED - Three cities in Murcia approach the global warming temperature danger zone

Lorca has not only exceeded the Spanish temperature increase average, but the global one as well

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Three cities in Murcia approach the global warming temperature danger zone

The worldwide effort to halt global warming is falling far short of expectations and nowhere is this more evident than in Spain, where an analysis of the data from the last 120 years shows that the temperature has risen by 1.31 degrees in 59 large Spanish cities in the last two decades alone.

Globally, estimates from Copernicus, the environmental satellite system of the European Union, reveal that temperatures have increased by 1.1 degrees since the end of the 19th century and that only drastic and urgent measures will save it from crossing the 1.5-degree red line, which would spell a period of multiplying natural disasters.

The scientists claim that if the escalation isn’t stopped by 2030, the last window of opportunity for the Earth may close and mark the point of no return.

Of the three cities analysed in the Region of Murcia, Lorca is streaking ahead in terms of temperature increase, at +1.44ºC, which is considerably higher than Cartagena and Murcia, where average temperatures have risen by close to 1.15 degrees. Moreover, the municipality of Lorca has not only exceeded the average temperature increase in the rest of Spain, but the global average as well.

This alarming increase affects the entire Region but the effects are more keenly felt in large cities, where the temperatures are rising 25% faster than in towns. In Spain, alarm bells are ringing loudest in the south and centre of the country; in 2018, as many as 17 cities had an annual temperature that was more than 1.5 degrees higher than it had been at the beginning of the 20th century.

This is by no means the worst data, however, as areas like Cordoba and Linares are encroaching on the 2 degree mark, a devastating rise that could mean an increase in coastal flooding, super fires and droughts, not to mention the decimation of native species.

Fernando Prieto, coordinator of the Sustainability Observatory, says that "the evidence indicates that temperatures and the effects of climate change are increasing and the necessary adaptation measures are not being taken."

In addition to the 45% cut in CO2 emissions by 2030, a non-negotiable demand of the Paris Agreement, the UN calls for more green and aquatic areas in cities.

"State, autonomies and municipalities are not doing enough," Mr Prieto concluded.

Image: Pixabay

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