World leaders, currently meeting at COP26 in Glasgow, are discussing how to save the future of humanity. Portugal is considered a medium risk zone, but has at least three major danger zones, at risk of disappearing.
The latest United Nations predictions are clear: the planet is warming, seawater will continue to rise until 2100. In the best case, between 22 and 55 centimetres. At worst, between 63 centimetres and 1.01 metres.
The rise of sea water is one of the consequences of climate change and Portugal is not free from danger. There are at least three major risk zones. If they disappear, they take a part of our economy, culture and biodiversity.
A CULATRA
Part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a unique place for its biodiversity, Culatra does not escape the effects of climate change.
Culatra Island, in the Algarve, is subject to a high potential for flooding with the loss of marshes to water areas. Any surrounding occupation that is low may also be affected.
THE TAGUS ESTUARY
A scenario that is repeated in the Tagus Estuary. Between the Tagus River and the Sorraia River, climate change has been felt for some time, where there is more and more salt water.
THE RIA DE AVEIRO
Born from a geographical accident in the 16th century, the Ria de Aveiro feeds the populations that surround it and depend on it. Now, the survival of its 45 kilometres of coastline is dependent on human action.
In addition to the rise in the average sea water level, the Portuguese coast also has the problem of erosion.
This reality is not new, scientists have been warning us since the industrial age. As the manufacturing methods were no longer carried out by hand and started to be made by machines instead, the planet began heating up, the ice began melting, the sea water began rising.
In Portugal, the water level has increased 22 centimetres. The country is a medium risk zone. However countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines, Mozambique or China are very vulnerable.
The focus is on the future, but climate change is already visible. There are measures that are needed right away.
Original article available in Portuguese at http://postal.pt/
