The climate crisis refers to radical changes in the conditions of the world’s climate. The increase in global average temperatures is one of the most evident impacts of the climate crisis. The Mediterranean basin is among the regions most affected by the climate crisis. The Balkans, which are located in the Mediterranean climate influence zone, are increasingly facing the negative consequences of the climate crisis each year.
As the Balkans are under the influence of the Mediterranean climate, the severity of drought is increasing day by day. This causes the depletion of water resources and a decrease in agricultural productivity. Additionally, the climate crisis is resulting in weather events to become increasingly severe. As a result, extreme rainfall occurs and causes floods. The Balkans, which have biological diversity, are threatened by the climate crisis. Extreme weather events threaten the diversity in the ecosystem of the Balkans and many species are facing threat of extinction. The agricultural sector, which is a significant economic sector for the Balkans, is experiencing a loss in productivity due to the climate crisis.
In the summer of 2024, the Balkan countries encountered many difficulties due to the extreme heat. In Dubrovnik, one of the most popular tourist cities in Croatia, thermometers showed 30 degrees. Authorities reported that this temperature is the highest ever recorded in the Adriatic. Additionally, in Serbia, because of the excessive use of air conditioners and coolers due to heat energy consumption increased and power outages occurred. These outages were not limited only to Serbia, but also occurred in Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Many Balkan countries have taken measures for the elderly due to the heat. In Greece, areas with air-conditioners have been opened to the public and heavy labor during the hottest hours of the day has been banned.[i] In Bulgaria, forest fires have occurred due to the extreme heat. The fires have spread to the south and southwest of the country. Forest fires have, also emerged in North Macedonia and Albania. Both countries have requested assistance from the EU for the fires. Türkiye, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia sent firefighting planes to these regions.[ii]
The climate crisis in the Balkans is a significant problem which requires regional and international cooperation. In this context, the Balkan countries are engaging in various activities to ensure regional cooperation and coordination. Albania, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia became founding members of the Southeastern Europe Drought Management Center by establishing regional cooperation. The aim of this center is to develop policies and coordinate their implementation from a single hub for addressing droughts. All Western Balkan countries, except Croatia, have signed an agreement on the Southeast Europe Climate Change Framework Plan. This plan aims to create a common vision for the countries in the region regarding climate change. It has set main objectives such as the reduction of carbon emissions and an increase in energy efficiency to combat the climate crisis. It works for sustainable development.
In brief, the Southeastern Europe Climate Change Framework Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for the countries in the region to effectively deal with climate change. This plan aims to develop common strategies, manage risks, increase energy and sustainability, strengthen institutional capacity, and provide funding. Regional cooperation and coordination are critical for the success of this plan.
The EU gives importance to climate change in its accession process. In this context, it has established the Regional Environmental Network for Accession (RENA). The Balkan countries which are currently negotiating to join the EU, also support this network.
As a consequence, the Balkans are a region with significant biodiversity located in the Mediterranean basin. Unfortunately, it has also been the region most affected by the climate crisis. Because of the climate crisis, both lives of humans and other living beings are in danger. To overcome the effects of this crisis, each country is trying to implement measures within its borders. However, the climate crisis is a global problem. In this context, countries are trying to overcome the impacts of the climate crisis by establishing regional cooperation. Balkan states are also engaging in regional cooperation to generate faster solutions and take precautions. In the future, it would be beneficial to disseminate these precautions to all of Continental Europe.
[i] “Aşırı sıcaklar Güney Avrupa ve Balkanlar’ı vurdu”, Euronews, https://tr.euronews.com/green/2024/07/17/asiri-sicaklar-guney-avrupa-ve-balkanlari-vurdu, (Date of Access: 27.07.2024).
[ii] “Balkan ülkeleri aşırı sıcaklar nedeniyle çıkan orman yangınlarıyla mücadele ediyor”, Euronews, https://tr.euronews.com/2024/07/17/balkan-ulkeleri-asiri-sicaklar-nedeniyle-cikan-orman-yanginlariyla-mucadele-ediyor, (Date of Access: 27.07.2024).
