Climate

meteopatras.eu - Section: Climate (Greece)

Climate & Climate Change in Greece

The Climate is the «long-term picture» of the weather (over decades). Η climate change is the gradual change of this picture. In Greece and in the Mediterranean in general, the main issues that concern us are: more heat, drought, greater risk of fires, but also heavy rain/flooding episodes in some cases.

What is «Climate»?;

Ο weather is what we are living today/tomorrow (rain, wind, temperature). The Climate is the «pattern» of weather in decades: averages, variances and outliers.

Example: a heatwave is «weather». But if heat waves become most frequent ή more intense for many years, then we are talking about a change in Climate.

The climate is described by indicators such as:

  • Temperature (averages, maximum/minimum, heat waves)
  • Precipitation (sets, seasonality, severe storms)
  • Drought (length of dry periods, water resources)
  • Sea temperature and sea level
Keeling Curve: CO2 increase in the atmosphere (Mauna Loa, 1958-2021)
CO₂ (Keeling Curve). Long-term increase of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Source/Image.

What has changed in the last ~20 years

In the last ~20 years, climate change has become more «visible» through successive warm years, increased heat in the oceans and greater pressure from extreme events.

  • Record temperatures: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirms that the 2024 was the warmest year in the modern record and about 1,55°C over the pre-industrial period (1850-1900).
  • The sea is rising: Satellite measurements show continued rise in mean sea level (1993-2024), critical for coastal areas.
  • Mediterranean: The Mediterranean is considered a «hotspot» and sea surface temperature is trending upwards in recent decades.
Map of global temperature anomalies 1880-2024 (final frame 2024)
Global temperature anomalies (1880-2024). Final frame: 2024. Source/Image: NASA SVS (GISTEMP).
Satellite record of sea level rise 1993-2024 (NASA/JPL)
Sea level rise (1993-2024). Source/Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

What it means in practice for Greece

Greece is affected by the trends in the wider Mediterranean. On a practical level, this translates into:

  • Causesons and increased heat stress (especially in urban areas).
  • Drought and pressure on water resources, especially after prolonged dry periods.
  • Fires: when heat + dryness + wind are combined, the risk increases.
  • Heavy rains/floods in some episodes, especially when the drought breaks.
  • Coastal impacts (erosion/flooding) as sea levels rise.
Climate change often acts as a “risk multiplier”: does not always «create» a phenomenon from scratch, but can make it more likely or more intense.
Copernicus Sentinel-2: fire near Alexandroupolis (Evros), August 2023 (ESA)
Example from Greece (satellite). Copernicus Sentinel-2, fire near Alexandroupolis (Evros), August 2023. Source/Image.

Video (for a quick picture)

If the videos don't show up, something is probably blocking the iframes (rare). In that case, use the links in the Resources below.

IPCC: Trailer for the Synthesis Report.

WMO: State of the Global Climate 2024 (video).

Copernicus (C3S/ECMWF): Global Climate Highlights 2024.

What we can do (practically)

Mitigation (cause reduction)

  • Energy saving: insulation, efficient appliances, proper use of heating/cooling.
  • Moving around: where possible, less car, more public transport.
  • Less waste: repairs, reuse, proper waste management.

Adaptation (risk reduction)

  • Hot weather: shade/shade, hydration, care of vulnerable groups.
  • Fires: clean-ups, information, action/evacuation plan where necessary.
  • Floods: avoid crossing flooded roads, be careful in streams/streams.
Objective: clear information and calm, helpful moves. Knowledge helps us to reduce risk and organise ourselves better.

Resources / More reading

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