• World Climate Day, declared by the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention, is celebrated on 26 March.
• Since 1977, the average global temperature has been progressively exceeded every year.
• The oceans are the planet’s largest heat sink.

Brussels, 26 March 2024. In recent decades there have been significant changes in the climate as a result of rapid industrial development and population growth, leading to consequences such as an increase in greenhouse gases and global warming, among others. This is why 26 March is World Climate Day, declared by the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The objective of the celebration of this international day is focused on raising awareness and sensitising the population to the repercussions that all our actions and activities have on the climate. The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was a turning point that changed the way people, governments and companies perceived the pollution of the planet until now.

Scientific studies show that every year since 1977 has exceeded the average temperature of the previous year, causing the earth’s temperature to rise steadily, reaching an increase of approximately 0.85ºC since the end of the 20th century. This situation of continuously rising temperatures is due, for the most part, to the burning of fossil fuels and their consequent emission of greenhouse gases.

To better understand this changing climate situation, we need to understand what climate really is. Climate is the result of the interaction between the atmosphere, oceans, and the earth’s surface, among other factors.  This relationship has been affected by human interaction and industrial production in recent years, coupled with increased emissions of greenhouse gases.   

Effects of climate change on the ocean

According to data published by the World Bank, the oceans are the planet’s largest heat sink, absorbing 90% of the excess heat caused by climate change. They are also a highly efficient carbon sink, absorbing 23% of human-generated CO2 emissions.

Climate change causes detrimental changes in the oceans, including temperature rise, sea level rise and acidification. In fact, the oceans are becoming more acidic as they continue to absorb CO2 into the atmosphere, causing oxygen levels to decrease. Another consequence is a significant change in ocean current patterns, affecting the health of the oceans and marine species. That is why from the LIFE COSTAdapta project we remind today the importance of becoming aware of the current situation regarding the effects of climate and its consequences.

The European LIFE COSTAdapta project is carrying out a series of initiatives to adapt to the needs of climate change and its consequences. The main objective of the LIFE COSTAdapta project is to address the adaptation of the coast of Gran Canaria to sea level rise through an innovative methodology. To this end, the objective is to design and test an innovative and progressive tidal pool-reef system, which uses, partially, the traditional technique of tidal pool construction, common elements in the Canary Islands and the rest of Macaronesia, for the coastal adaptation of Gran Canaria to climate change.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

The main objective of the LIFE COSTAdapta project is to address the adaptation of the coast of Gran Canaria to sea level rise through an innovative methodology. To this end, a progressive tidal pool-reef system will be designed and tested, which will combine traditional tidal pool construction techniques with advanced solutions.

This will contribute to the progressive adaptation of the coast of Gran Canaria to climate change, crucial given the high vulnerability of the Canary Islands to climate impacts, including sea level rise. In addition to strengthening the resilience of coastal areas, LIFE COSTAdapta aims to conserve habitats characteristic of these areas and protect the local tourism economy. The project will ensure economic sustainability by providing solutions to flooding and maintaining the region’s tourist attraction, which in turn will support coastal stability.

The project, with a duration of 7 years and a total budget of EUR 3,409,864 (EUR 2,045,818 subsidised by the European Union through the LIFE Programme), is coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC) of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, with the support of its seven partners.