President: Climate Changes Are A Real Threat

If the sea level raises just a few centimetres, it might flood river mouths and islands, while tourism and economy will also suffer.

ZAGREB, CROATIA -

- Climate changes are undoubtedly a real threat for the entire world, therefore for Croatia as well. We have to be prepared and do everything we can to alleviate what we can no longer prevent, because we spent too much time being deaf and blind – Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said at the presentation of the Global Environment Facility report on Croatia`s social development, with the theme of climate changes and their consequences of the society and economy in Croatia.

It is expected in the future that climate in Croatia will become warmer and drier, especially during the summer. Climate models anticipate that if greenhouse gas emissions continue increasing, the period from 2040 until 2070 might be 3 to 3.5 degrees Celsius warmer, while by the end of the century, temperatures will grow higher.

Effects on tourism and economy

All of this will significantly influence Croatian economy, especially tourism which generates approximately 20 percent of the GDP and nearly a third (28-7 percent) of employment. It is predicted that climate changes will lead to unpleasantly hot summers in the Adriatic coast, the consequence being that tourists might avoid these destinations. At the same time, the global sea level is expected to be raised by between 9 and 88 centimetres. This estimate considered the rise as a consequence of the seas warming up exclusively, while the melting ice effect was omitted, meaning the sea level could be raised even more. In Croatia, especially vulnerable places are the Neretva River delta, Krka River, the Vrana Lake near Biograd and the island of Krpanj, which might completely be flooded.

- These are not alarming statistics, but something that might happen. The year 2100 is not that far away. A child born today will feel the consequences of climate changes in their lifetime. It is still not too late for a change – said Yuri Afanasiev, permanent representative of the GEF in Croatia.

What can we do?

To avoid dangerous climate changes, which appear as consequences of higher temperatures by at least 2 degrees, global greenhouse gas emissions must be cut back by 50 to 85 percent by 2050. The European Union committed itself to reducing emission by 20 percent until 2020, while ratifying the Kyoto protocol, Croatia committed itself to reducing emission by 5 percent by 2012.

There is a whole line of adjustment measures which will save money and record benefits for the economy. The most efficient refer to increasing energy efficiency. There are options which might be good to implement, due to their social popularity, like solar panels.

Time is not on our side and if we want to stop our planet from turning into a place which cannot be inhabited, we need to act now and immediately.

- We are responsible for climate changes, as well as destruction of nature, therefore we are those who and must solve it – Croatian President Mesic expressed concern, adding that this warning should be taken seriously, because it is just that.