Spain climate crisis and desertification risks

Spain is facing a critical ecological and economic crisis driven by rapid warming and desertification risks. Scientists Emilio Santiago of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Héctor Tejero from the Ministry of Health report that the country is warming faster than the European average, with temperatures having risen by 1.75°C since 1961.

Approximately 74% to 75% of Spanish territory is currently at risk of desertification. This process, characterized by the loss of biodiversity and fertile soil productivity, is fueled by climate change, intensive agriculture, water overexploitation, wildfires, and rural abandonment. In the essay ‘Spain Against the Desert’, the authors argue that this decline could lead to social and economic instability, impacting agricultural productivity, tourism, and general habitability.

Recent data highlights additional vulnerabilities, including severe soil erosion. According to 2023 Eurostat estimates, roughly 40,000 km² of Spanish territory is at serious risk of water-driven soil erosion, the second-highest area in the European Union after Italy. This erosion threatens essential nutrients and the soil’s water retention capabilities.

The country also faces extreme weather phenomena, such as heatwaves, wildfires, and ‘DANA’ torrential rain events, which have caused significant flooding in Catalonia, Valencia, and Andalusia. Medical experts have warned of subsequent health impacts, including respiratory issues and gastroenteritis. In response, the organization Save Soil has proposed that the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) should reward farmers for measurable improvements in soil health, as the European Commission considers allocating at least 300 billion euros to manage agricultural crises.