Madrid - Spanish experts have painted an alarming picture of the impact of global warming in the country, predicting droughts, flooding, new diseases and economic problems, press reports said Wednesday. Spain's climatic conditions will increasingly resemble those in African countries, 17 experts said in a report to Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.
Southern Spain could experience heatwaves during half of the summer, while the north will have a Mediterranean climate by the end of the century, according to the report.
Rising temperatures will endanger up to half of plant species and many animal species. Sea level will rise by up to 70 metres in some places, devouring beaches and hitting tourism.
Water will become increasingly scarce, threatening agriculture. Erosion will affect rivers and increase the risk of flooding. Tropical diseases could cross over from Africa.
The predictions will come true, if Spain does not act more efficiently against climate change, the experts warned. In 2010, Spanish emissions will surpass the limits set by the Kyoto Protocol by 14 per cent, according to a European Union estimate.
Spain is one of Europe's most arid countries, with about 30 per cent of the territory affected by desertification. Socialist Zapatero has made global warming one of his top campaign themes ahead of the parliamentary elections in March 2008.
