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14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 JUNE 2022 NEWS NICOLE MEILAK LOCAL crops and livestock could be at risk as Malta's climate becomes hotter and drier, a new study carried out by the National Statis- tics Office. Sun lovers can somewhat rejoice, as sunshine du- ration has shown a clear upward trend since 1961. But the sharpest rise was registered in the winter months, with the highest increase seen in February. Over time, this is equivalent to an increase of 0.1 hours per decade throughout the 60-year period. Ambient air temperature has similarly been on the rise, increasing by around 0.2°C per decade. Overall, Malta's annual average am- bient temperature is about 1.5°C higher now than it was in 1952. Meanwhile there have been extended consecutive drought years, especially noticeable since 2000. In fact, rainfall de- creased by 10.33mm per decade since 1952. The effects of climate change on Malta go beyond higher air and sea tem- peratures. Between more frequent heatwaves and drought conditions, and increased torrential rains and flooding, the report in- dicates that future climate change will negatively affect natural freshwater supplies, livestock and crop survival. At an economic level, there has been a significant decrease in revenues from grape, olives and wine pro- duction since 1946. Malta faced a 69% decline in grape production and 22% fall in wheat production, among other crops. Increased rates of evapo-transpiration, where water travels from the earth's surface into the at- mosphere, could induce further stress on locally scarce freshwater resourc- es, according to the study. On top of this, higher lev- els of ambient temperature and humidity could lead to stressed livestock. High night-time temperatures do not allow livestock to shed the heat from the day be- fore, and three consecutive days of high temperatures could be dangerous for ru- minants. Indeed, the report indi- cates that current condi- tions are already subjecting local livestock to a signifi- cant level of discomfort and alertness in the summer months. Regardless of any efforts to mitigate climate change, the report indicates that the future projected trend of the Aridity Index shows a drastic decrease under all future climate scenarios by 2050 and 2070. What does Malta's climate have in store for us? The future of Malta's climate could pose risks to our grape, olive, and wine production facilities LAUR A CALLEJA AN unexpected number of jel- lyfish in Maltese waters over the past few weeks was caused by the fact that the sea tem- perature went down to 14.6°C during the first two weeks of March, marine biologist Alan Deidun told MaltaToday. Temperature changes in the sea affect the development of many species, including that of jellyfish. "In this particular case, we're talking about the mauve sting- er jellyfish, which is one of the most commonly sighted jellyfish in Malta," Deidun ex- plained. Deidun said that jellyfish on- ly live for around a year and reproduce and shed their eggs between December and March. After that, they take about three months to develop in- to adults. "Usually, by around April and May, we would see a bloom of young jellyfish." The marine biologist said their development is affected by the sea temperature, just like many other things happening in the sea. "Normally, the de- velopment cycle of the mauve stinger jellyfish from egg to adult takes three months. This year, it took longer because of the colder than average sea temperatures." Deidun said colder-than-av- erage sea temperatures result- ed in the mauve stinger jelly- fish being around for a longer period of time, rather than their usual three months, fol- lowed by a few weeks of which they bloom. "This year, we have had jel- lyfish developing at different rates; this means that we have had different stages appear- Drop in sea temperature linked to jellyfish invasion At an economic level, there has been a significant decrease in revenues from grape, olives and wine production since 1946. Malta faced a 69% decline in grape production and 22% fall in wheat production, among other crops Adaptation measures needed The report makes several warnings in its concluding re- marks. For the agricultural sec- tor, the researchers point out that changes in temperatures and precipitation patterns will inevitably take their toll on pro- duction if adaptation measures are not implemented. "Extended drought periods may lead to stunted crop growth and lower crop yields while warmer winters may cause high- er incidences of diseases and pests. Decreased cloudiness can also bring about higher land sur- face temperatures and increased rates of evapo-transpiration, both of which can be detrimen- tal to an agricultural sector that is reliant on seasonal rainfall and the extraction of groundwater that depends upon rainfall for its replenishment," the NSO said. Meanwhile, the decrease in rainfall will likely result in a de- crease in the natural recharge of Malta's aquifers, leading to. Higher pressure on the coun- try's sole natural water resource. "With regards to the tour- ism industry, projected climate change impacts will lead to in- creased infrastructure damage, additional emergency prepared- ness requirements, and higher operating expenses. These are just examples of the impacts that climate change is bound to have on these and other sectors."