GENEVA

Spain is confronting 141 climate-related risks that threaten public health, economy, and biodiversity, according to a new government report released on Tuesday.

The Assessment of Risks and Impacts of Climate Change in Spain (ERICC-2025), released by the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge Ministry, identified 51 key risks due to their severity or imminence, and 17 with low reversibility, meaning they could cause permanent damage without swift action.

The findings were previewed on Monday by Ecological Transition Minister Sara Aagesen on the Spanish broadcaster Cadena SER's Hora 25 program.

Aagesen warned that "the most extreme climate scenarios are already materializing," pointing to longer and more intense heatwaves, severe droughts, torrential rains, and an expanding arid climate.

Among the 17 irreversible threats are the loss of biodiversity, degradation of ecosystems and soils, salinization of coastal aquifers, erosion-driven land loss, and rising sea levels.

The report also projects a 2-3C (35-37F) temperature rise by mid-century and up to 6C (nearly 43F) by 2100, which could dramatically narrow adaptation options.

ERICC-2025 noted that these hazards are interconnected, mapping more than 1,700 interrelationships among risks that could amplify each other if left unaddressed.

The report highlighted that arid climates already cover over 20% of Spain’s territory and are projected to expand into new regions, directly threatening water resources, soils, and biodiversity.

It also warned that sea levels could rise around 50-60 centimeters (around 20-23 inches) by 2100, posing serious risks to coastal areas, while the danger of forest fires could increase by up to 30% in the Mediterranean basin, with longer and more intense fire seasons.

Developed in 2023-2025 by a scientific consortium, including the research institute IH Cantabria, Tecnalia research center, and the Basque Centre for Climate Change, the report analyzed 14 strategic sectors, from health and water to energy, tourism, and social cohesion. It will serve as the technical foundation for Spain's upcoming 2026-2030 National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change.