November last year the Zemgale Planning Region (ZPR) organized an online seminar titled “Climate Change Impacts on Society and Territories”, which brought together 65 participants from Latvia and Lithuania. Experts at the seminar shared observations and forecasts on climate change, discussed adaptation plans and tools, and emphasized the importance of inter-institutional cooperation and accurate data in developing effective climate change adaptation strategies.
Storms, floods, and heat Waves: Latvia faces the consequences of climate change
Andris Vīksna from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC) presented climate change observations and forecasts for Latvia. Recent years have seen an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events – storms, floods, and heat waves. Analyzing climate trends by season, the expert pointed to an expected increase in air temperature and precipitation. These changes pose significant risks to nature, human health, and infrastructure.
To help residents, businesses, and municipalities prepare for the challenges of climate change, LVĢMC has developed a free tool with detailed data and scenarios on expected climate changes.
In the discussion on necessary measures at the national level to reduce the risks posed by climate change, experts called for integrating climate data into legislation and planning documents to promote sustainable development and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. Experts also highlighted the need to implement a nationwide alert system using cell broadcasting as one of the most important steps.
Lithuania to see increased frequency of extreme weather events by 2050
Diana Samulionytė from the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service emphasized the reality of climate change in Lithuania, which is manifested in increasingly unpredictable weather – droughts, storms, and heavy rainfall. Forecasts indicate that these risks will increase by 2050, posing challenges in various sectors, including agriculture. Climate change will also affect animal populations and may increase the risk of extinction for certain species.
The expert also presented a study on public interest in climate change issues. Analysis of social media posts revealed that discussions about climate are most active on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Interestingly, the study observed a correlation between public interest in climate issues and the Covid-19 pandemic – an increase in the number of climate-related posts was recorded after restrictions were lifted.
National and regional initiatives in climate change adaptation
Kristīne Zommere-Rotčenkova from the Latvian Ministry of Climate and Energy presented the Latvian climate policy framework, highlighting national initiatives to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including the developed Latvian Climate Law. The specialist emphasized that today’s decisions affect the future climate and will determine the risks and challenges faced by future generations.
Evija Ērkšķe from the Zemgale Planning Region (ZPR) presented the Zemgale socio-economic forecast for 2030, which analyzes the impact of climate change on 11 sectors in the region. The forecast predicts that climate change will affect both tourism and agriculture, and will increase the area used for agriculture. In the environmental field, the impact of climate change may manifest itself in the introduction of invasive species, while in the energy sector, wider use of renewable energy resources is predicted. The forecast also emphasizes the need to promote public health, taking into account the risks posed by climate change, such as heat waves.
Ingrīda Brēmere from the Baltic Environmental Forum presented aspects of climate change adaptation in the planning documents of Zemgale municipalities. She emphasized that the city of Jelgava and Bauska Municipality have been including climate risks and adaptation measures in their planning documents since 2020. The expert also informed about the Zemgale Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan under development, which will serve as a tool for municipalities in the implementation of specific activities until 2030. Experts from various sectors are involved in the development of the plan, promoting intersectoral cooperation and exchange of experience to create a comprehensive and effective adaptation strategy for the region.
The recording (in Latvian) of the seminar is available on the Zemgale Planning Region’s Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/Hq451CTJJUw