All previous assessments of climate change for the Mediterranean Basin and its sub-regions indicate ongoing warming of the atmosphere and the sea, as well as projected warming and changes in rainfall . The projected increase in climate hazards, in combination with high regional vulnerability and exposure make it a prominent 'climate change hotspot' , with a large number of vulnerable natural systems and socioeconomic sectors . In addition to high temperatures, the main risk factor identified is drought, generally expected to increase in the region, significant already at global warming of only 1.5℃, reaching, for higher warming levels, intensities unprecedented during the past 10 ka . In Southern Europe and North Africa, groundwater recharge and soil water content will consequently decline, especially during summer .
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report