Water scarcity in Greece Water scarcity in Greece | Page 8

The majority of the
countries of the
Mediterranean
region are
characterized by a
strong seasonal
distribution of
precipitation,
which may be one
of the main
reasons for the
water scarcity
problems that they
are facing.

The likely effects of climate change on the water
resources of the eastern Mediterranean and Middle
East region have been investigated using a highresolution regional climate model (PRECIS) by
comparing precipitation simulations of 2040–2069
and 2070–2099 with 1961–1990 (29). The projected
change in internal water resources is assumed to be
the same as the projected change in precipitation.
Greece is expected to have an 18% precipitation
decrease by midcentury, and 22% by the end of the
century. With modest population decline expected,
Greece’s per capita water resources are expected to
decline somewhat by midcentury but still remain
high compared to the majority of surrounding
countries. Thus, climate change is likely to
necessitate modest changes to Greece’s water
resources management.