A new report from the Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change (MedECC) warns that rising sea levels due to climate change could displace up to 20 million people in the Mediterranean by 2100. This alarming forecast, presented at COP29, highlights the risk of flooding, particularly in coastal regions, where three of the world’s most vulnerable airports are located. The region could experience a one-meter sea-level rise, with extreme flooding events increasing by 10% by 2050 and 22% by 2100.
The Mediterranean coast, already prone to compound flooding—triggered by storm surges, high tides, and torrential rain—is expected to face exacerbated effects due to climate change and population growth. Marine heatwaves, which have increased by 40% in frequency and 15% in duration in the past two decades, are also becoming a pressing issue. Furthermore, plastic pollution is a major concern, with projections showing a doubling of plastic leakage by 2040 unless waste management practices improve.
The report also urges the tourism industry, a key economic sector for the Mediterranean, to adopt greener practices to address water scarcity, particularly during the summer months. The authors call for stronger cross-border cooperation and climate-resilient strategies to mitigate the worsening impacts of climate change.
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