There are 870 beaches in all, so just over 20% are threatened unless very strong measures are adopted at a global level to stop pollution and so reduce the effects of climate change.
Biel Jordá, a researcher at the Balearic Oceanographic Centre, says that measures already in force are not enough. Emissions are being reduced, but not quickly enough. The effects are inevitable, but taking measures will reduce the impacts.
The other 685 beaches will be reduced. In many cases, significantly; on average it is estimated that it will be by a half. Jordá explains that different studies published worldwide indicate that by the end of the century the sea will have risen between 50 and 60 centimetres in the Mediterranean and the near Atlantic. "This will have a very big impact on the Balearic Islands. We are used to only very small variations in the tides, so the beaches suffer insignificant variations."
The rise in sea level is accelerating more and more - by ten centimetres over the past 30 years. He adds that we are already noticing the effects of climate change but that these will become increasingly evident.
The study by the Balearic Oceanographic Centre is unlike previous ones in that there is a detailed projection for the islands, taking into account the specific characteristics of each beach. "This is something that has never been done before," Jordá points out. Other global studies use generic and low-resolution information about the coast, which leads to results that can be very misleading when looking at the details. This study takes into account the multiple variables.
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Agree we all must do something to slow down/stop.global warming but companies are the worst. America does not recognise that Recycling has anything to do with global warming. Recycling is virtually non existent in some places, especially here in Menorca, cruise liners shred plastic and throw all.into the oceans. Alot of the tourist overcrowding are in places where they dock. Yes beaches are crowded but have been for years, families are getting bigger and people come on holiday to stay with family unfortunately the WORLD is getting bigger amd people want their 1 week holiday a year. We need to look outside the box not what is in front of our noses.
Nigel MaudeNigel, it begs the question did you even read the article before spouting that utter rubbish. I can assure you the Balearic Oceanographic Centre is staffed neither by youth nor ignorance. It is a well respected scientific body of at least 40 years standing. They are not stating fact, rather they are publishing the results of a serious detailed scientific study based on known data. Of course if you wish to argue with their conclusions we are all ears to hear your own projections. My guess is Andrew Ede's quirky humorous headline got you all fired up as you got out of bed on the wrong side this morning.
What utter rubbish and fear mongering of the young and ignorant. They can not even predict next weeks weather, let alone 75 years ahead!