They themselves will upload their results and place them under the correspondent question. Don´t forget to write the name of your country.

There is one question that every country should answer "Local water issues" and one that students should answer, the last one "What question(s) would you like to address in this project?"

To inspire students for their work, you could also show some YouTube videos dealing with this issues. Check Digipad

Climate change - Oceans - Digipad by La Digitale

digipad.app/p/663501/986021423465f

The padlet will show all results from the different countries. With the results of each country we teachers will meet up in an online conference and decide the main question to address in this project.

Enjoy and have fun!

Pollution of the enviroment

Factories

Cars

Rubbish

Ioannina, Greece

Ioannina,Greece

1. The extremely high temperatures can lead to feelings of discomfort

2. The uncertain rise or fall of the temperature can make it difficult to plan ahead for a trip.

3. The elevated levels of UV radiation can cause harmful skin conditions ( ex. skin cancer.)

Ioannina, Greece

First of all, it is of great importance to prevent domestic water waste, by always closing the tap after we are done using it, not letting the water run for a long time when we shower. Further, we ought to use the most water-efficient cycle when usibng the washing machine and dish washer.

another, action we can take ourselves, is avoiding to use our car if it is not necessary and rather use public transportation

2) waste of water

3) water pollution

4) a small amount of water needs to be delivered equaly to huge fields

Ioannina, Greece

Portugal has been facing increasingly severe shortages of water in Alentejo and Algarve due high demand from intensive agriculture and tourism (golf courses), caused by prolonged periods of drought and improper manage of water recourses.

On the other hand Flood Risk Poland is prone to flooding, particularly during periods of intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt in the spring. Floods have historically caused significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and homes, particularly in the Vistula, Oder, and Warta river basins.

Some of the main threats include Plastic Pollution nowadays millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans every year, causing damage to marine ecosystems. Marine animals often mistake plastic for food, which can be fatal. Another threats is Overfishing that depleting fish stocks at an unsustainable rate. This not only threatens specific species, but also disrupts the entire marine ecosystem.

A key solution to combat this issue is the reduction of CO₂ emissions, especially through the transition to renewable energy sources and more sustainable practices. Additionally, reforestation plays a crucial role, as trees absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis, helping to reduce the amount of this gas in the atmosphere. Forests also protect marine ecosystems and help maintain local and global climate balance.

• Reduces single-use plastics by limiting plastic consumption at home reduces the demand for disposable products that often end up polluting the oceans and choosing reusables and bulk items can significantly lower plastic waste, protecting marine life from plastic ingestion and entanglement.

• Support sustainable seafood by opting for sustainably sourced seafood helps combat overfishing and encourages responsible fisheries, which protect delicate marine ecosystems and species populations and finally reduced seafood intake further eases pressure on ocean biodiversity.

• Lower carbon footprint by transportation and energy choices impact climate change, which in turn affects ocean temperatures and acidity. Using renewable energy, carpooling, or public transportation can lessen global warming’s harmful effects on marine environments.

This factor is caused by the intensive burning of fossil fuels (oil and coal) by industry, transport and energy production, which is one of the main causes responsible for these changes, due to the release of GHGs in large quantities.

The increasing pace of deforestation, the reduction of which is largely related to the conversion of forests into agricultural areas, pastures or urban areas, causes a decrease in the amount of CO2 consumed by trees. In addition, agricultural practice, namely livestock farming (methane release) and increased use of agricultural chemical fertilisers (N2O release) are harmful.

As such, the excessive production of waste due to the increase in population, especially plastics, and their inadequate decomposition in landfills contribute to the release of GHGs, such as methane.

Thus, human actions are destabilizing the balance of the planet, resulting in increased global warming, changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels, and other negative effects known as climate change. To address these causes, it is essential to adopt renewable energy sources, implement sustainable land-use practices, and develop effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Human activities have had a detrimental impact on the ocean. Overfishing has pushed many species to the brink of extinction, pollution has contaminated marine habitats, and climate change has led to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification. These factors threaten the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

One of the most important steps is lowering the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. According to the Paris Agreement, we need to reduce carbon emissions by about 1 to 2 million tons each year. 

One of the ways to reduce carbon emissions is to use renewable energy, such as solar. Solar power only generated 2% of the total electricity in the U.S. from October 2018 to September 2019. So, consider adding solar panels to your roof. In addition, take public transportation or walk whenever in urban areas. This can reduce the production of fossil fuels and lower your gas expenses.

->Cutting down forests.

->Increasing drought.

->Fertilisers containing nitrogen produce nitrous oxide emissions.

->Fluorinated gases are emitted from equipment and products that use these gases.

 increased drought

flooding

wildfires

sea level rise

These extreme weather conditions are likely to become more frequent and as a result landscapes and biodiversity will be affected. Climate change will also cause human activities such as land-use change, urbanisation and soil degradation to further affect Greek's ecosystems. Ecosystems in Greece are already at their tipping point, close to their environmental limits. Policies and laws have been put in place by the Greek government to try to manage these issues.

~ By 2050 the climate in Greece, specifically on the islands of Cyclades will drastically change. The heat temperature will increase rapidly and the amount of water collected by rain will be seriously reduced.

~These years we already face a shortage of water due to the increased amount of tourists visiting our beautiful island every single year. Since Greek economy is based on tourism, more and more hotels are being constructed as a result the water available is being wasted on numerous swimming pools instead of using it mindfully on agricultural purposes.

By Aisha, Aroa and Clara

By Aisha, Aroa and Clara

Lower water availability and lower crop yields, increased risk of droughts, loss of biodiversity, forest fires.

By Kaoutar, Mariam and Dana

Things like farming, cutting down forests and overfishing are making it worse.

There is no doubt that human activities are causing climate change, which means we are also able to stop it.

By Kaoutar, Mariam and Dana

By Edurne, Naiara and Sira

By Edurne, Naiara and Sira

• Use nontoxic household products.

• Dispose of hazardous household products properly.

• Save water and recycle.

• Don't flush old prescription drugs down the drain (unless directed).

• Don't let pollutants go down the drain, inside OR outside.

• Recycle used motor oil and maintain your car.

• Take your car to a car wash.

Athens faces several water-related challenges, including aging infrastructure, water scarcity, and pollution. Water quality can be affected by pollution, particularly from agricultural runoff and untreated wastewater from nearby regions.

Greece faces significant water issues, including water scarcity, overexploitation of groundwater, and pollution of water sources, exacerbated by climate change and seasonal droughts. The agricultural sector's high water demand, inefficient infrastructure, and aging systems further strain water resources. Coastal areas and islands rely on costly desalination and water imports, while urbanization increases demand in cities. Efforts to address these challenges include improving water efficiency, promoting recycling, and enhancing integrated water management, but sustainable solutions remain crucial for the country’s water security. Much of Athens' water distribution infrastructure is also old and inefficient.

Rising temperatures are speeding up the melting of ice and glaciers, which leads to rising sea levels: this puts coastal areas at risk of flooding and destroys habitats for animals that live there. In fact, as ecosystems and temperatures change, many plants and animals can’t adapt quickly enough or find new places to survive. This is causing a loss of biodiversity, which throws off entire ecosystems and ends up harming people who depend on them for food or resources.

In addition to that, hot, dry weather makes it easier for fires to start and spread quickly, destroying forests and the wildlife that depends on them.

On top of everything, climate change directly affects human health. Heatwaves are making heat-related illnesses and breathing problems more common.

So here some ways to Help Our Ocean:

1.conserve water

2.Reduce Pollutants

3.Reduce Waste

4.Shop Wisely

5.Reduce Vehicle Pollution

6.Use Less Energy

7.Fish Responsibly

8.Practice Safe Boating

9.Respect Habitat

10.Volunteer

-Health risks: rising temperatures and more extreme weather events can increase the spread of diseases. Heatwaves can cause heat strokes and worsen existing health conditions like heart and respiratory diseases. Air pollution can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues.

-Extreme weather events: increased frequency of extreme events, such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires, can result in loss of life, injury, and displacement of people. These events also damage infrastructure and disrupt access to basic services like clean water, food, and healthcare.

-Food and water security: changes in precipitation patterns, droughts, and flooding can disrupt agriculture, affecting food production. This can lead to shortages, price increases, and malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable communities. Reduced freshwater availability can worsen water scarcity.

-Displacement and migration: rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and land degradation may force people to migrate from their homes. This can lead to displacement, creating “climate refugees” and putting pressure on other regions, leading to potential conflicts and strain on resources.

-Economic impacts: climate change can disrupt economies by damaging infrastructure, reducing agricultural productivity, and increasing healthcare costs.

-Social inequalities: the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable, poorer and marginalized communities who have fewer resources to adapt.

-Loss of biodiversity: climate change threatens ecosystems and biodiversity, which in turn can affect humans who rely on these systems for food, medicine, and ecosystem services.

Rising temperatures are speeding up the melting of glaciers and ice, which leads to rising sea levels: this puts coastal areas at risk of flooding and destroys habitats for animals that live there. In fact, as ecosystems and temperatures change, many plants and animals can’t adapt quickly enough or find new places to survive. This is causing a loss of biodiversity, which throws off entire ecosystems and ends up harming people who depend on them for food or resources.

In addition to that, hot, dry weather makes it easier for fires to start and spread quickly, destroying forests and the wildlife that depends on them.

On top of everything, climate change directly affects human health. Heatwaves are making heat-related illnesses and wildfire smoke more common.

-Rising sea levels: Coastal flooding in places like Venice and southern Italy, caused by melting ice and the expansion of warm water, putting infrastructure and historic sites at risk.

-Loss of marine biodiversity: Damage to ecosystems, decrease in corals and native species, and more invasive species due to warmer waters and ocean acidification.

-Ocean acidification: Harm to marine life like shellfish and corals, affecting food chains and coastal protections.

-Marine heatwaves: More frequent heatwaves causing coral bleaching and disrupting fish migration, affecting fishing industries.

-Deoxygenation: Less oxygen in the water, creating “dead zones” where marine life struggles, caused by warming waters and pollution.

-Challenges for fisheries: Lower fish stocks and higher costs for fish farming due to changing migration patterns and ocean conditions.

-Coastal erosion: Loss of habitats and weaker natural defenses like sand dunes due to stronger storms and rising sea levels.

-Tourism impact: Reduced appeal of coastal areas because of harmful algal blooms and ecosystem damage, hurting economies that depend on tourism.

-Increased pollution: More plastics and toxins in the sea due to increased runoff from land and slower currents.

Climate & CO2

Clean Energy Wire

Increasing heatwaves and droughts in recent years have led to regional water scarcity and associated conflicts in Germany and the situation is set to intensify as climate change progresses, a report by the German Environment Agency (UBA) has found. The report looked at the current availability of water in Germany, as well as its future use prospects under climate change conditions.

The availability of water in Germany will decrease in future under the influence of climate change, which may lead to the emergence of conflicts of use or exacerbate existing conflicts. For example, conflicts occurred due to a lack of both surface water and groundwater, impaired drinking water supply, infrastructure problems, distribution issues, and water prices. Since 2015, the number of reported water usage conflicts has increased significantly, with most happening in the country’s northeast as well as along the Lower Rhine River.

Solution strategies and measures that could contribute to the anticipatory handling and avoidance of such conflicts include the promotion of water efficiency and water reuse, the implementation of adaptation measures, and the strengthening of cooperation between the various user groups.

In several regions of Germany, the growth of actually irrigated areas will need to be limited in the future to ensure that public water supply from groundwater can be guaranteed even in the second half of the 21st century during exceptionally dry decades without water scarcity occurring.

Last year, Germany’s government adopted a National Water Strategy that aims to secure the country’s water reserves, take precautions against water shortages, prevent conflicts of use, tackle the backlog of water infrastructure repairs, and improve the condition of water bodies and water quality.

GEL NAXOU MANOLIS GLEZOS GREECE

Irpinia is facing serious water challenges:

• Water scarcity: Springs have decreased by 40% and rainfall by 20%. Many wells are drying up due to low groundwater recharge, especially after snowless winters.

• Aging infrastructure: Over 50% of the water is lost due to old, leaky pipes. Repairs are ongoing, but many leaks remain.

• Management problems: The local water company (Alto Calore) is under financial stress, limiting investment in modern infrastructure.

• Pollution risks: While Irpinia's water is mostly clean, there are concerns about nitrate pollution from agriculture and some salinization in specific wells.

• Climate change impact: Irregular weather, long dry periods, and fewer snowfalls are reducing water availability year by year.