Observations from the National Meteorological Directorate of Morocco show rises in temperatures that are in sync with global trends due to climate change. There are less rainfall and increases in water shortages. Fewer amounts of precipitation have also increased the gap in water supply and demand. By the end of this century, the Directorate predicts a rise by 2-5 degrees in the average temperature and precipitation is predicted to decline by 30 percent.
The rural, northeast coast of Morocco located near provinces like Berkane and Nador are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. They are susceptible to damage by storm surges, rises in sea levels, and flooding. There is an erosion of one meter every year and the global average rise in sea level will increase erosion even more. The people of these regions belong to the lower strata of society, and it becomes very difficult for them to cope with and survive these changes. The average income per household in some regions is barely $540 per year. Remittances and allowances from overseas keep the local residents from leading impoverished lives but do not give them a stable source of income.
Morocco lies on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, with the Atlas Mountains extending through the center of the nation. The mountain ranges form a divide in the middle of the country between two climatic zones. There are coastal regions of the Mediterranean, and the interior regions border the Sahara desert. With such harsh physical geography, Morocco is now taking steps to save its nation from the effects of climate change. It now treats the ocean as a natural source with as much importance as the land. It focuses on fishing which makes almost 58 percent of exports. It is also making an effort to conserve its natural aquifers so that they can be replenished and made available for future generations.
One Response
Hey Oumaima Aouinate! Very interesting topic and your research was well done. I found it interesting when you said “By the end of this century, the Directorate predicts a rise by 2-5 degrees in the average temperature and precipitation is predicted to decline by 30 percent.” This is great news for Morocco because they have experienced tremendous amounts of damage from storm surges, rising sea levels and flooding as you stated.
Another great point that you stated is the geographical location of Morocco and how it is impacted by climate change.
“The rural, northeast coast of Morocco located near provinces like Berkane and Nador are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change”. Since it is impossible to change the geographical location that surrounds a country at least they are making efforts to improve conditions by using natural resources. As you mentioned they are able to catch fish in the ocean to increase in exports. This is remarkable because although you cannot eliminate climate change a country can still use the natural resources to their advantage and save lives.