Lorraine Williamson
With over 8,000 kilometres of coastline, Spain faces significant risks due to rising sea levels. A study by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) reveals that sea level rise in Spain has doubled over the last 20 years.
The increase is attributed to the melting of ice in Greenland and Antarctica, along with the thermal expansion of ocean water. Even with substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, sea levels will continue rising for centuries due to the delayed impact of climate change.
Vulnerable cities and ecosystems
Several Spanish cities are highly vulnerable to rising sea levels. Research indicates that by 2080, cities such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Cádiz, and Barcelona could face severe consequences. This will impact urban areas and threaten vital ecosystems, including the Parque Natural de Doñana and the Albufera de Valencia, which risk submersion.
Regions such as Galicia, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, with their extensive coastlines and high population densities, are expected to be particularly affected.
Greenpeace and NASA warnings
A 2023 Greenpeace report, based on NASA projections, highlighted the severe consequences of rising sea levels by 2030. The report warns of significant coastline loss in cities such as Barcelona, Vigo, La Coruña, Almería, Málaga, Huelva, Cádiz, Santander, Bilbao, Las Palmas, Tenerife, Gijón, and Villagarcía.
Vigo, Cádiz, Bilbao, and Las Palmas are expected to lose over 40 metres of coastline, while Barcelona could see a reduction of up to 70 metres.
Economic impact
The economic repercussions of rising sea levels in Spain are substantial. A study published in Scientific Reports estimates that damages could reach €50 billion by the end of the century, equating to a 0.88% reduction in Spain’s GDP.
Urgent need for adaptation measures
Experts stress the urgency of implementing policies to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels. This includes integrating climate resilience into urban planning and reinforcing coastal ecosystem protection.
To address the long-term impact of climate change, the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge has developed the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC) 2021-2030. This framework provides coordinated strategies to tackle climate-related challenges in Spain’s coastal regions.
With increasing threats to both urban and natural environments, proactive adaptation measures are essential to safeguarding Spain’s coastal cities and economic stability in the decades to come.