Climate Change and Sudden Chill.

 

I suspect that climate change does not seem to impinge on us much – unless you feel the desire to slap Greta as she gabbles on on-screen.

This year in Greece we have become more conscious of changes in the air – literally: increased flooding, droughts and wildfires which have already been focused on. This summer we had an extended period of hot weather - some friends have even been sea-swimming till late October – not the norm.

This meant the tourist season was extended as visitors continued to arrive here in large numbers - good news for our economy, given that tourism accounted for 18% of the Greek GDP in 2022.

Agriculture, too, which contributes to the GDP to the tune of 4% is also sensitive to such changes. Cotton is a significant crop in this sector since Greece supplies the EU with 80% of its cotton and with Greek cotton prices increasing by 82% since 2000.  

                                   

 Warm tropical temperatures are exactly what cotton thrives in and  its deep roots are more resistant than other crops to water scarcity and drought. So it is no wonder that cotton can be seen as a ‘winner of climate change’, yet in September 78% of the Thessaly cotton crop was damaged by floods while Storm Daniel was held responsible for the loss of about one fifth of the country-wide cotton crop. It is a case of win some, lose some here.

                                         

Olives are a well-established crop here and are relatively drought resistant. However, the tree goes through a dormant phase which needs colder weather to end and for new growth to be promoted. Without much cold weather last winter, producers are complaining about a drop in olive productivity.

                                           

                                              

And, of course, we cannot ignore wine production/ consumption, which is dear to the Greek heart. The ancient Greeks believed it was a gift bestowed on them by the god Dionysus. It is surprising to learn that only about 10% of the total wine produced is exported.  It must be noted, though, that the ‘home’ market is catering for the thousands of tourists who quaff at the Greek table! We’re not dipsomaniacs here – well not all of us !

Here is what a local wine producer, Gerovassiliou, in nearby Epanomi, has to say in his report on Harvest 2023:

 

Spring saw relatively low temperatures for the season, averaging around 13.5°C, leading to a delay of approximately 12 days in bud break (around March 20th). There were many rainfalls during this period, promoting plant growth but also diseases, which required immediate intervention when necessary.

                                              

These are his extensive vineyards which were saved from such diseases ‘with a lot of hard work and constant vigilance’. Home producers with limited knowledge and resources had vines which produced no fruit at all or were unable to save their plants from disease. This year in general wine production is expected to drop by 30%.

 

It is unsettling to think what lies ahead, things being so changeable. Last week we were basking in midday temperatures of around 18-20 oC. At the weekend there was a huge drop in and huge falls of snow in the north. We even had a delicate powdering on the local Hortiatis mountain.

                                                 

Hard to adjust to the sudden cold but, at least it will help us get into the festive mood and now we know it’s helping next year’s olive crop! 😊