Climate change impacts on Germany(Europe)

Climate change impacts in Germany - what the IPCC 4th Assessment Report has found:

• 4 deciduous tree species leaf-unfold and leaf- colour 1.1 to 2.3 days longer per decade (1951-2000) [1.3.5.1]. 
• 10 spring phases (flowering, leaf-unfolding) 1.6 days/decade earlier (1951-2000) [1.3.5.1]. 
• Alpine summit vegetation elevational shift, increased species richness on mountain tops (due to increased temperature) [1.3.5.2]. 
• English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) poleward shift of northern margin due to increasing winter temperatures [1.3.5.2]. 
• Phenology: Advance of stem elongation for winter rye (10 days) and emergence for maize (12 days) (1961-2000) [1.3.6.1] 
• Phenology: Advance in cherry tree flowering (0.9 days/10 years), apple tree flowering (1.1 days/10 years) in response (-5 days/°C) to March/April temperature increase
  1951- 2000 [1.3.6.1] 
• Phenology: Advance in beginning of growing season of fruit trees(2.3 days/10 years), cherry tree blossom (2.0 days/10 years), apple tree blossom (2.2 days/ 10 years) in agreement with 1.4°C annual air temperature increase 1961- 1990 [1.3.6.1]. 
• In some river basins, e.g. the Elbe river basin, increasing flood riskdrives strengthening of flood protection systems by structural means, with detrimental effects to riparian and aquatic ecosystems [3.2]. 
• The Alps could be one of the regions most affected by increase in year-to-year variability in summer climates and thus a higher incidence of heat waves and droughts. Mediterranean droughts would start earlier in the year and last longer(source:http://wwf.panda.org)

Climate change impacts on Spain(Europe)

Drought, desertification, fires and the retreat of its beaches, Spain is one of the countries in Europe most under threat from the effects of climate change. In the offices of Greenpeace in Madrid, the precise consequences for nature and the environment are being taken very seriously. For the environmental organization, climate change is the greatest ecological threat confronting Spain.

“The increase in temperature will be more important in Spain than it will be on a global scale,” states Sarah Pidinatto, a Greenpeace officer in the Spanish capital. “It will have several serious consequences. First of all, the change in temperature will affect lifestyles in Andalusia, Murcia and Valencia. The number of days when temperatures will exceed 40° will increase, which will cause numerous health problems. Agriculture will also be affected, and temperatures in the sea will increase. The other consequence is the 20% reduction in precipitation in the southern part of Europe and the Mediterranean region. This will affect all of Spain, and in particular Valencia, Murcia and the west of Andalusia.”

The Spanish coast is often synonymous with holidays in the sun on fine sandy beaches. However, exploitation from tourism is putting great pressure on the coastal region. A report by the Ministry for the Environment predicts that Spanish beaches will retreat by 15 meters by 2050. Costa Brava, La Manga del Mar Menor and the coast of Valencia will be at particular risk.

source:(http://www.euranet.eu)