Fran\u00e7ois Guerquin, Director of the Plan Bleu<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\nAn area vulnerable to climate change<\/h2>\n\n
An estimated 15% of deaths in the Mediterranean basin are currently caused by preventable environmental causes, a figure that the report expects to rise in the future.\u00a0<\/p>
\n
The report states that the area is warming\u00a0at a rate “20% faster than the global average,” both in terms of ambient and water temperatures. These figures have direct consequences for the region, particularly with regard to rainfall, which is expected to fall by 30% by 2080.<\/p><\/p>\n\n
In addition, the population of the Mediterranean basin, which is currently at 510 million, will be exposed to a series of other hazards. These include prolonged fire seasons and the proliferation of invasive species that threatens biodiversity and fisheries. Sea levels are estimated to rise anywhere between 0.5 to 2.5 metres by the end of the century.<\/p>\n\n
Despite efforts, Mediterranean countries are not on track. The current trend absolutely needs to change.<\/p>Gaetano Leone, Coordinator of the World Food Programme<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\nA plea for countries to be responsible<\/h2>\n\n
The report calls for urgent lifestyle changes<\/a>: \u00a0“The transition towards sustainability requires drastic behavioural changes at all levels and in all sectors, the main threat to the area currently being our production and consumption habits,” concluded the report.<\/p><\/p>\n\n