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The Mediterranean Basin is extremely vulnerable to climate change. It is already experiencing the effects of higher-than-average temperatures and the increasing incidence of extreme events such as unprecedented heat waves, severe droughts, and major floods. A new book co-written by Ecologic Fellow Katriona McGlade examines the water-related impacts of climate and global change in the UNESCO Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean (IBRM) that straddles Spain and Morocco.

This is the first in-depth publication on a fascinating transboundary case study that includes a novel and integrated vulnerability assessment. The authors demonstrate that when climate change is coupled with other compounding factors (e.g. paucity of structural water resources, unsustainable socio-economic growth, or inadequate policy frameworks) it can lead to serious consequences for human security.

Climate change is predicted to affect the Spanish and the Moroccan sides of the UNESCO Reserve in similar ways. However, levels of vulnerability to climate change and potential consequences for human security vary considerably between the two countries. Differing socio-economic contexts and patterns of land-use in Spain and Morocco, as well as the capacity of their respective policy frameworks have an impact on their ability to mitigate environmental threats.

The authors consider the case of the IBRM by applying a new and integrated approach to assessing vulnerability that incorporates three distinct assessments (hydro-ecological, socio-economic and policy). Key research insights are accompanied by recommendations for reducing vulnerability and ensuring human security within the IBRM and the region as a whole.

The book [pdf, 1.9 MB, English] is available for purchase online.