Spain is now among the 10 countries most affected by climate change, as revealed in the latest Global Climate Risk Index by Germanwatch.
The report, which analyzed climate impacts across 171 countries over the past three decades, ranks Spain eighth worldwide in climate-related human and economic losses.
Between 1993 and 2022, extreme weather events linked to climate change caused 27,000 deaths in Spain and resulted in economic losses of nearly €25 billion. The report highlights that heat waves, floods, and droughts have been the most devastating natural disasters for the country, with the Mediterranean region being particularly vulnerable to these extreme conditions.
Extreme Weather Events on the Rise
Spain has experienced a series of severe climate events in recent decades, with some of the most devastating being:
- The 1999 drought in the south, which significantly impacted agriculture and water reserves.
- The 2019 floods in southeastern Spain, causing widespread damage to property, infrastructure, and crops.
- The recent drought in 2024 revealed the remains of the ancient town of Peñarubia in Málaga due to the near-total depletion of the Guadalteba reservoir. Greenpeace has recorded temperatures as high as 63 degrees Celcius in Madrid.
According to David Eckstein, Senior Advisor on Climate Finance and Investments at Germanwatch, Spain has faced numerous extreme heat waves, which have had both severe human and economic consequences over the years.
Spain’s Struggle with Climate Adaptation
Experts warn that Spain has room for improvement in adapting to climate risks. Marta López Saavedra, a specialist in multi-risk assessments and researcher at the Natural Risk Assessment and Management Service (NRAMS), points out that while Spain has historically faced floods, heat waves, and droughts, climate change is intensifying these natural disasters both in frequency and severity.
“Spain has a significant margin for improvement in order to face climate change risks. The problem is that adequate measures are not being implemented to mitigate these effects and adapt,” Saavedra stated.
The Global Climate Crisis: A $4.2 Trillion Challenge
The Germanwatch report also presents global figures on climate-related disasters. Between 1993 and 2022, there were more than 9,400 extreme weather events, leading to over 765,000 deaths worldwide and economic losses of nearly $4.2 trillion (adjusted for inflation).
Among the most deadly and economically damaging disasters recorded:
- Storms accounted for 35% of deaths and 56% of economic losses ($2.33 trillion).
- Heat waves contributed to 30% of deaths, with their frequency increasing.
- Floods caused 27% of deaths, making them one of the most destructive weather events.
Urgent Call for Climate Action
With climate disasters becoming more frequent and intense, experts stress the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation measures. The Munich Security Conference (February 14-16), attended by around 60 world leaders, will discuss climate change as a threat to global security.
Germanwatch’s Laura Schaefer, co-author of the Climate Risk Index, emphasizes that bold multilateral actions are required to address climate risks and secure funding for adaptation measures, particularly in vulnerable regions.
A key challenge in fighting climate change is securing adequate financial resources. While COP29 in Baku (November 2023) led to a new climate finance commitment, the report criticizes it for lacking ambition. The agreement’s $300 billion annual target by 2035 is seen as insufficient, with experts calling for greater support from high-emission countries.
Spain’s Climate Future: What’s Next?
As Spain grapples with increasing climate threats, experts insist that urgent policy action is needed to strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance climate resilience, and accelerate emission reductions.
The country must invest in sustainable infrastructure, improve water resource management, and implement stronger heat adaptation strategies to cope with the growing climate crisis.
With its rich biodiversity, major coastal cities, and Mediterranean climate, Spain is at a crucial crossroads. Whether it takes bold action now or continues to bear the brunt of extreme weather will determine its future in the fight against climate change.
