WILLAGRI
The tourist island of Kos in Greece is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves that are altering the island’s economic capacity. The cultivation of olive trees is directly impacted by these climate changes: during the summer, the flowers cannot survive the extreme heat, and during the winter, the unusual warmth prevents the essential cooling required for tree growth. Producers are anticipating a production decrease of half compared to the previous year.
Olive trees are not the sole victims of climate change; bees are disrupted by premature blooming due to mild winters. By the time of pollination, the flowers have already withered.
Vineyards also undergo chemical transformations due to the heat, affecting harvests, winemaking, and the flavor profiles of local wines.
On the island of Kos, the sequence of extreme phenomena such as storms or heatwaves is impacting the growth and life cycles of fauna and flora. Operators are witnessing a degradation in their production, both in terms of volume and quality.
Source: Euronews