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Climate change scientists predict Spain as desert hotspot
| Published: | 20 Nov at 6 PM |
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Although the results of current scientific research into the worldwide effects of global warming may not affect the majority of British retirees now spread across Spain, it’s still set to be a disaster.
Climate change experts now believe the ‘point of no return’ is being approached at an alarming rate, with the results combined with the heat generated in large conurbations adding to the risks of disaster for humanity. Spain is expected to become a twin with the Middle East as regards desert conditions, with exceedingly high temperatures making life unbearable in popular coastal cities such as Malaga, Alicante, Bilbao and Valencia as well as Barcelona and the inland mega-city of Madrid.
Over the next eight decades, summer temperatures are expected to increase by between three degrees Celsius and eight degrees Celsius, with large cities creating their own ‘heat islands’ caused by population and industry-generated heat. A recent study predicted that, even with a two-degree Celsius increase, areas of desert already in Spain would increase and vegetation would undergo a huge change due to long periods of drought. Mass migration of humans is another result of the findings.
Back in the present day, attempts in Malaga to control the dog population and its owners aren’t exactly a stunning success. A new doggy DNA database has been established with the hopeful effect of preventing abandonment and mistreatment of dogs as well as punishing owners who don’t use a poopa-scoopa. Registration by dog owners was initially voluntary and ended on 31 October with only 10 per cent of the region’s 100,000 dogs being registered via their DNA.
A new deadline of 31 December has now been set, with fines of €210 for those caught with an unregistered dog. DNA registration costs €35 and can be done at Malaga’s College of Veterinarians or at most of the city’s veterinarian practices. The town hall has authorised a €200,000 grant to help dog owners who can’t afford to participate, and unemployed dog owners can get a voucher to pay the vet who administers the test. A badge and ID card will be provided to owners to ensure they can prove their furry best friend is registered.
Climate change experts now believe the ‘point of no return’ is being approached at an alarming rate, with the results combined with the heat generated in large conurbations adding to the risks of disaster for humanity. Spain is expected to become a twin with the Middle East as regards desert conditions, with exceedingly high temperatures making life unbearable in popular coastal cities such as Malaga, Alicante, Bilbao and Valencia as well as Barcelona and the inland mega-city of Madrid.
Over the next eight decades, summer temperatures are expected to increase by between three degrees Celsius and eight degrees Celsius, with large cities creating their own ‘heat islands’ caused by population and industry-generated heat. A recent study predicted that, even with a two-degree Celsius increase, areas of desert already in Spain would increase and vegetation would undergo a huge change due to long periods of drought. Mass migration of humans is another result of the findings.
Back in the present day, attempts in Malaga to control the dog population and its owners aren’t exactly a stunning success. A new doggy DNA database has been established with the hopeful effect of preventing abandonment and mistreatment of dogs as well as punishing owners who don’t use a poopa-scoopa. Registration by dog owners was initially voluntary and ended on 31 October with only 10 per cent of the region’s 100,000 dogs being registered via their DNA.
A new deadline of 31 December has now been set, with fines of €210 for those caught with an unregistered dog. DNA registration costs €35 and can be done at Malaga’s College of Veterinarians or at most of the city’s veterinarian practices. The town hall has authorised a €200,000 grant to help dog owners who can’t afford to participate, and unemployed dog owners can get a voucher to pay the vet who administers the test. A badge and ID card will be provided to owners to ensure they can prove their furry best friend is registered.
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