Natural disasters

Greece, a country with a rich history and unique natural assets, is facing a growing threat from climate change, which is exacerbating the occurrence of extreme weather events. Soil erosion, violent storms and intense rainfall are becoming more frequent challenges, causing serious damage to both the environment and the country’s economy. The frequent occurrence of these phenomena is not only a consequence of natural processes, but also the result of human activities that lead to environmental degradation.

 

 

1. Storms – intensity and hazards

Storms in Greece, which mainly occur during the autumn-winter period, have a significant impact on the local environment and population. An increase in the intensity and frequency of storms has been observed in recent years, which can be attributed to climate change.

a) Characteristics and intensification of storms

  1. Mediterranean cyclones Greece, as a Mediterranean country, is prone to cyclones that bring violent rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorms. These cyclones, although smaller than their tropical counterparts, can be extremely destructive.
  2. Impact of warm waters Climate change is leading to an increase in the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in more water vapour in the atmosphere. This increased humidity favours the formation of stronger storms with intense rainfall.

b) Effects of intense storms

  1. Flash floods Rapid and violent rainfall leads to flash floods that destroy homes, urban and rural infrastructure. These floods take residents by surprise as they occur suddenly and are difficult to predict.
  2. Damage to infrastructure Violent winds and lightning strikes lead to the destruction of buildings, roads, bridges and energy infrastructure, which has a major impact on the country’s economy.
  3. Losses to agriculture and tourism Hailand heavy rainfall damage crops, affecting farmers’ incomes and food availability. Tourism, which is an important sector of the Greek economy, also suffers from bad weather.n

2. Causes of soil erosion in Greece

  • Mediterranean climate: Greece experiences hot and dry summers that lead to soil drying. In turn, during the winter period, heavy rainfall causes the surface layer of the soil to be washed away quickly, which promotes erosion.
  • Terrain: Greece is a mountainous country, which naturally increases the risk of erosion. The steepness of the terrain accelerates rainwater run-off, taking away the humus layer of the soil.
  • Intensive grazing of animals: Overgrazing by animals, especially goats and sheep, leads to the destruction of the vegetation that stabilises the soil. The removal of vegetation accelerates erosion processes.
  • Deforestation and forest fires: Fires, both natural and man-made, destroy forests that protect the soil from erosion. Greece regularly struggles with fires, which contributes to erosion especially on mountain slopes.
  • Excessive agricultural activities: Intensive agriculture, as well as inappropriate farming techniques (e.g. ploughing on slopes) lead to soil degradation and vulnerability to erosion.

Effects of soil erosion

  • Soil degradation and decline in agricultural productivity: The loss of the humus layer and the decline in soil fertility directly affect cultivability. Soil degradation results in the need to apply more fertiliser.
  • Reduction in water retention: Soil erosion makes the land less able to retain water, exacerbating the drought problem. Water flows quickly down slopes, reducing groundwater resources.
  • Threat to infrastructure and human settlements: Erosion processes can cause landslides, which threaten infrastructure, roads and buildings in mountainous areas.
  • Water pollution and eutrophication: Soil leaching carries nutrients and pesticides that end up in rivers and seas, contributing to eutrophication and pollution of aquatic ecosystems.

Tackling soil erosion in Greece

  • Forest revitalisation: Afforestation and restoration of forests in erosion-prone areas is an effective method of soil protection. Trees stabilise the soil and increase water retention.
  • Terracing and soil conservation agri-techniques: Terracing and special cultivation techniques are used on steep slopes to reduce water run-off and protect the soil from leaching.
  • Sustainable grazing: Controlling herd numbers and protecting areas particularly vulnerable to erosion preserves soil-stabilising vegetation.
  • Farmer education and environmental programmes: Promoting sustainable agriculture and implementing environmental programmes help reduce soil erosion and support biodiversity.

3. Extreme rainfall – patterns and impacts

Extreme rainfall, which is becoming increasingly frequent in Greece, leads to numerous environmental and economic problems. Frequent heavy rainfall not only raises groundwater levels but also increases the risk of flooding and erosion.

a) Irregular rainfall patterns

  1. Long periods of drought: Rising temperatures lead to prolonged periods of drought, which contributes to soil degradation. The soil dries out, becomes prone to cracking and is unable to absorb water, which contributes to flooding.
  2. Sudden and intense rainfall  The irregularity of rainfall means that periods of drought are suddenly followed by intense rains, causing land flooding and soil erosion.

b) Effects of extreme precipitation

  1. Flooding Sudden and heavy rains lead to flooding of rivers, overflowing of water reservoirs and spilling over into urbanised and rural areas.
  2. Soil degradation and landslides soil that soaks up large amounts of water becomes prone to landslides, threatening the safety of residents and infrastructure.
  3. Damage to ecosystems  Extreme rainfall can destroy plant and animal habitats, especially in coastal areas and islands, where fragile ecosystems are not adapted to such changes.

 

4. Counteracting the effects of natural disasters

To reduce the effects of soil erosion, intense storms and extreme rainfall, Greece needs integrated environmental management and climate change adaptation measures:

  1. Afforestation and vegetation restoration Afforestation programmes and the planting of water retaining plants can help stabilise the soil, preventing erosion and reducing the risk of flooding.
  2. Building flood control infrastructure Building reservoirs, drainage systems and protection around rivers and streams is essential in the fight against flooding.
  3. Early warning system and public education Educationof residents in at-risk areas and the development of monitoring systems will allow better response to sudden weather events and prevent losses.
  4. Support for sustainable agricultureTheintroduction of modern erosion-reducing cultivation methods and irrigation systems will help to protect the soil and prevent degradation of agricultural land.

Summary

Climate change is having an impact on the intensification of erosion, the effects of storms and the extreme effects of rainfall on collisions.

These problems include taking measures to protect the environment and adapt to changing climatic conditions.

Greece faces the challenge of protecting its natural resources and natural heritage, which requires commitment from both and the public.

Counteracting that is necessary to minimise the losses and impacts of executive generations.

polska wersja

Prepared the text:

Aleksander Tomczyk

Paweł Fronczyk

Adam Rychliński

Współfinansowane przez Unię Europejską. Wyrażone poglądy i opinie są jednak wyłącznie opiniami autorów i niekoniecznie odzwierciedlają poglądy i opinie Unii Europejskiej. Unia Europejska ani organ przyznający pomoc nie ponoszą za nie odpowiedzialności. 

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