A worrying climate outlook
Extreme weather events such as the floods in Valencia or the devastating fires in Los Angeles reveal a harsh reality: governments are not prepared to deal with this situation. This problem is not new, but has been going on for decades, with a lack of adequate measures in fundamental aspects.
Catalonia and its fire strategy
Since the mid-1980s, Catalonia has implemented a significant plan to combat forest fires, known as “Green Fire.” This initiative represented a radical change in the way fires are dealt with, focusing on rapid detection and immediate intervention.
Limitations of the current system
However, their effectiveness is limited when fires escape initial control. These situations can be triggered by failures in the early stages of action or by fire infiltration from neighboring territories, as has happened with the French flank.
Reviewing forest infrastructures
The current model is not sufficient to deal with large affected areas. It is urgent to rethink the forest infrastructure with appropriate firebreaks and mosaics, in order to stop the spread of fires. This involves creating areas of low combustibility that act as natural barriers.
The impact of erosion and the need for solutions
Another critical aspect is the fight against soil erosion, an issue that is often overlooked. The loss of forests is worrying, but the disappearance of the fertile soil layer is irreparable and can have devastating long-term consequences.
Hydraulic infrastructure as a solution
Furthermore, Catalonia suffers from a deficit in hydraulic infrastructure, which translates into a decades-long delay in works that could mitigate damage during episodes of heavy rainfall. For example, if improvements had been made to the Poyo ravine in Valencia, the results would have been much more positive.
Urgent action against climate change
The current situation requires immediate preparation to deal with both torrential rains and severe droughts. With rising temperatures, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, causing a damaging cycle of drought and extreme precipitation.
Implications for the ecosystem
Ecosystems, both natural and modified by man, are in a precarious situation with extreme fluctuations in humidity. In a Mediterranean climate that already shows tendencies towards drought, these effects are amplified, which makes the situation even more critical.
The road to a comprehensive plan
To avoid significant and potentially catastrophic economic damage, it is essential to design a comprehensive plan for Catalonia and the Mediterranean region. This plan should include measures to address the consequences of these climate crises.
If the hydraulic works, fire prevention and the fight against erosion that have been proposed for years could be implemented, we could make significant progress in preventing catastrophes that are already anticipated.
