Climate change mitigation - State and impacts (Portugal)

There is a close relationship between climate change and GHG emissions. Climatic phenomena linked to heavy precipitation and droughts look likely to become more frequent in the future. The effects in Portugal can already be seen throughout society to a varying extent and mitigation measures are therefore needed in all sectors. Portugal is also extremely exposed as a result of its vulnerability to rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

Since 1970, the average temperature has increased in all Portuguese regions at a rate of 0.35 ^oC per decade, which is more than double the world rate. Heat waves occurred in 2003, 2005 and 2006 and, during the period 2004-2006, the country was hit by the most severe drought since 1940. Precipitation levels do not display any significant tendencies, although there is some irregularity at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. There are also some months with heavy precipitation and snow fall in low altitude areas.