Mediterranean Faces Environmental Crisis: Study Warns of Rising Deaths and Climate Threats

"The Mediterranean basin is particularly vulnerable to global warming," warn the authors. The report states that "15% of deaths" recorded in this vast region are attributed to "avoidable" environmental causes. "The exploitation of resources and organisms, pollution and climate change are expected to exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities and endanger the health and livelihoods" of established populations, the experts explain.

They made another alarming finding: the Mediterranean region is warming "20% faster than the global average" - both ambient and water temperature - with dramatic direct consequences for the region. As for precipitation projections, they forecast up to a 30% decrease by 2080. As a result: there will be a dangerous lengthening of the fire season.

The report also points out that the rise in sea level could reach 0.5 to 2.5 meters by the end of the century. A threat to the residents of coastal areas, which account for one third of the 510 million inhabitants of the Mediterranean basin.

"The future of the Mediterranean is at a tipping point," summarized François Guerquin, director of Plan Bleu, during the presentation of the report.