Brussels, 27/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - The studies that predict a rise in the level of the waters of the Mediterranean from 1.5 to 1.9mm per year make a rise of around 1 metre likely by the end of this century, says Ivan Jakovcic MEP (ALDE, Croatia) - who questions the European Commission on what it intends to do. “What mechanisms are available and whose responsibility do they fall under for responding to this great challenge of the century?” Jakovcic asks in a written question sent in January, which received a reply from European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Canete on 17 March.
Jakovcic is the rapporteur for the strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region, and he raises in particular the case of this part of the Mediterranean. He says he is “aware of the enormous negative consequences”, especially as regards “the estuary of the River Neretva in Croatia or the estuary of the Po in Italy, not to mention Venice and its lagoon as other threatened areas”.
The Commission acknowledges the concern shown and recalls its involvement in the fight against climate change. However, its own estimate would show that “in coastal areas, ambitious emission reductions would limit global average sea level rise to 0.4m (…) in Europe by 2100”. “The EU strategy on adaptation to climate change aims to enhance the preparedness of the EU territory to respond” to such an impact of climate change. “Adaptation needs have been integrated into key relevant legislation” on integrated maritime policy and marine strategy, as well as on the revision of the recommendation on integrated coastal zone management, the Commission replies. The strategy will also encourage the member states to prioritise action in coastal areas by providing financial support, knowledge and capacity to address the challenge. (Fathi B'Chir)