November 22, 2019 - The Adriatic Sea level could increase by one meter by the end of this century, which could harm coastal areas, a panel discussion in Split on "Climate Change: What Happens to the Adriatic Sea?"
The lecture was delivered by Dr. Ivica Vilibić, Scientific Advisor at the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, organized by Rotary Club Split.
"There is an estimate that by 2100, the sea level in the world and the Adriatic could rise from half a meter to one meter. A rise in sea level could endanger some settlements. Imagine the sea in Split more than a meter or a half meter," said Dr. Vilibić.
According to these estimates, flooding on the Riva and Diocletian's basements would, for example, be more frequent.
The impact of climate change, he explained, can be predicted in decades, and in the coming decades, wave strikes will cause more significant damage because they will occur at higher sea levels.
"Climate change will develop across the Mediterranean, sea levels will go up slightly, and storms will have a stronger impact on a coast that is not adapted to it, and then damage occurs," said Dr. Vilibić of the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries.
He estimated that the coasts were "overburdened."
"However, climate change could have a positive impact on tourism in Croatia, as the swimming season will prolong due to rising temperatures," said Dr. Vilibić.
According to him, due to rising temperatures, fires will be more frequent, especially in coastal areas.
