Mediterranean Cyclones in a Changing Climate: A Landmark Review on Their Socio-Economic Impacts Published in Reviews of Geophysics
A major international collaboration bringing together 20 researchers from multiple institutions and Mediterranean countries, led by Dr. Samira Khodayar Pardo, Head of the Meteorology and Climate Research area of CEAM (Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo), has culminated in a landmark review article addressing one of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges: Mediterranean cyclones (Medcyclones). These increasingly destructive weather systems are responsible for numerous meteo-marine hazards across the Mediterranean basin, contributing to flash floods, intense winds, infrastructure damage, and severe socio-economic impacts in both coastal and urban areas. Recent events—such as Daniel (2023), Ianos (2020), and Zorbas (2018)—have underscored the urgent need to better understand and respond to these threats, especially as climate change amplifies their frequency and intensity.
Published in Reviews of Geophysics, one of the most prestigious journals in the Earth and atmospheric sciences, the article titled “Mediterranean Cyclones in a Changing Climate: A Review on Their Socio-Economic Impacts” synthesizes current knowledge and emerging insights into these complex systems. The work was carried out under the joint scientific framework of two COST Actions—MedCyclones (CA19109) and FutureMed (CA22162)—funded by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). These initiatives have fostered a unique interdisciplinary platform for collaboration among experts in meteorology, climate science, socio-economic research, and policy, aiming to enhance regional resilience and inform evidence-based decision-making in the face of a changing climate.
This state-of-the-art review consolidates current knowledge on the socio-economic impacts of Mediterranean cyclones, with a focus on sectors such as public health, energy, transport, agriculture, and cultural heritage. Despite the increasing frequency and severity of these events, the study finds that significant gaps remain in our understanding of their full impact, particularly regarding economic costs and societal vulnerabilities.
The paper highlights the urgent need for improved risk communication, advanced forecasting tools, and stronger cooperation among scientists, policymakers, and local communities. It provides actionable insights and recommendations to enhance resilience, such as integrating impact assessments into early warning systems, identifying regional vulnerabilities, and developing inclusive disaster preparedness plans.
As Medcyclones grow more destructive under a changing climate, this work offers a critical foundation for shaping effective, science-based policies that protect people, livelihoods, and ecosystems in the Mediterranean and beyond.
Link to the paper: http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2024RG000853
