Climate Change and the Iberian Peninsula
40.4N 3.7WThis image offers a look at the Iberian Peninsula, with Portugal by the west coast and Spain occupying the rest of the territory. A recent assessment report has found that the southern Iberian Peninsula could be one of the regions most affected by increase in year-to-year variability in summer climates and thus a higher incidence of heat waves and droughts. Mediterranean droughts would start earlier in the year and last longer.
There is also evidence of significant recent range shifts to higher elevation, with some animal species shifting over 200m up in the lower elevational limit due to increased temperature. Treeline has also shifted to higher altitudes due to increased temperature (click here for more information).