Morocco: Historic Heatwaves This Summer, Experts Speak Out
Morocco is experiencing record temperatures this summer, reaching up to 47 degrees Celsius, causing significant challenges for the population and vital sectors. Moroccan climate change expert Mustapha Alissat attributes this situation to natural and human factors, such as hot southern winds and global warming.
Immediate Impacts and Emergency Measures
This heat wave has a direct impact on the country’s water reserves. Dams have fallen to 23% of their capacity, threatening drinking water supplies and agricultural production. The government has responded by adopting new strategies to prevent forest fires, including the purchase of “Canadair” planes and the use of drones.
In response to the water crisis, King Mohammed VI called for the acceleration of the construction of seawater desalination plants. These projects, once completed, are expected to provide more than half of the country’s drinking water needs by 2030 and irrigate vast agricultural areas, thereby strengthening food security.
Underlying Causes: Natural and Human Factors
Mustapha Alissat explains that the hot southern winds, known as “chergui,” are partly responsible for these extreme temperatures. However, global warming due to greenhouse gases and the failure of many countries to comply with the Paris Climate Agreement also play a crucial role.
The Paris Agreement, signed by 190 countries in April 2016, aims to limit global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, climate injustice between industrialized and developing countries remains a major problem, with the latter paying the price for the actions of the former.
Long Term Consequences
Alissat warns of the risks of the heatwave’s persistence, such as water scarcity, fires and damage to biodiversity. Forest fires, fueled by the heat, have already prompted the government to adopt new prevention strategies. In addition, drought continues for the sixth consecutive year, worsening the situation.
Extreme temperatures have already caused loss of life, with 21 deaths reported in Beni Mellal on 25 July. The current climate situation in Morocco poses serious challenges for the future, highlighting the need for urgent and coordinated action to mitigate the effects of climate change.
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