In how global warming can change holidays in the Mediterranean, and in particular in Greece, reports the Berlin newspaper Berliner Morgenpost. “Little Venice” is one of the most romantic spots of Mykonos (…) But in a few decades this wonderful place may not exist because rising sea levels are eroding the foundations and walls of houses. The rise of the sea level will be felt in the future also on the beaches of Mykonos. The researchers’ predictions for Greece are particularly worrying.”

The report notes that “due to its long coastline, Greece is particularly exposed to rising sea levels” and refers in particular to warnings for 293 Greek beaches by Geography and Climatology professor Nikis Evelpidou in Kathimerini. As the report notes, even famous beaches such as Balos in Crete or the famous Kolona beach in Kythnos could disappear.

According to Kostas Synolakis, Professor of Natural Disasters at the University of Southern California and president of the Scientific Committee to Combat Climate Change in Greece, “recent projections show that sea level in the Mediterranean could rise by 1 meter by 2100”, noting that particularly vulnerable are “beaches with fine sand and gentle slopes”, i.e. those preferred by vacationers. For him, it is important that only environmentally friendly interventions are made.”

However, as the newspaper notes: “Mediterranean beach holidays may be a thing of the past anyway. A study by Intrepid Travel from Australia in collaboration with Foresight Laboratory predicts that holidaymakers will turn to cooler destinations in Northern Europe. Destinations such as Greece and Mallorca will become very hot during the summer months as a result of climate change.”

Why tourism is booming again in Greece

How is the new tourism record in Greece explained and why will it probably not last forever? This question poses a report on Augsburger Allgemeine referring to the lengthening of the tourist season. “The Greek government’s efforts to extend the travel season are paying off. Especially in Rhodes and Crete, islands with good weather even in late autumn, many tour operators have extended their programs until November. As a result, Greece will surpass its pre-coronavirus performance from 2019 and set a new tourism record,” the report states.

As he observes: “Heat waves, bushfires and floods don’t seem to have a lasting impact on people’s desire to travel.” Beyond that, it is also a fact that only two destinations registered a decline this year: “Mykonos and Santorini. Many hoteliers, spoiled by success, raised prices excessively.’ At the same time, according to the report, “this summer’s record-breaking heat of over 40 degrees also shows the expected limits to growth”, with Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni recently focusing on sustainability at a tourism exhibition in London. In closing, the local newspaper notes that “classic beach holidays will continue to take place, but at the same time Greece would like to expand its offer thematically and geographically”.

The huge wind potential of Greece

The Greek government’s plans for floating wind farms in the Aegean and the possibility that the first wind turbines will be put into operation in 2028 are mentioned in an extensive report in the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. Among other things, he states: “Greece already has wind turbines with a capacity of five gigawatts. All are located in mainland Greece and the best sites for their construction are occupied. In the sea on the other side the wind blows constantly and at higher speeds. Offshore wind farms are therefore essential for climate-friendly electricity generation. Without it, Greece would find it difficult to achieve its climate goals.”

However, energy expert George Stamtsis cites “the great depths in the waters of the Aegean” as an obstacle., which “requires the use of floating wind turbines,” an expensive technology still under development. However, the expert expects “great interest from foreign and domestic investors. According to government circles, possible interested parties would include RWE, Helleniq Energy, Ocean Winds, Copenhagen Offshore Partners, Equinor und Iberdrola.