Title: Climate changes and their impact on agriculture in Greece: a critical aspect for medium- and long-term environmental policy planning

Authors: Constantinos Cartalis, Theodora Nikitopoulou, Margaritis Proedrou

Addresses: Department of Applied Physics, University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Build. PHYS-V, Athens 157 84, Greece. National Observatory of Athens, Athens, Greece. Department of Applied Physics, University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Build. PHYS-V, Athens 157 84, Greece

Abstract: Climate changes in Greece for the period 1990 to 2030 were estimated with the use of a climatic model (ESCAPE, Univ. of East Anglia, 1992). Four scenarios were constructed, depicting existing or potential measures for the stabilisation, reduction or phase-out of greenhouse gases. Estimates were made regarding the potential suitability zones for some crops (grain maize, grass and hot grapes), the actual crop yield in tons per hectare for chosen years, and the change in yield between 1990 and 2030 and in potential irrigation demand. The results, which indicate the potential impact of climate changes on agriculture, are important in developing medium- and long-term environmental (and land use) policy for Greece.

Keywords: agriculture; climate changes; environmental land-use policy; Greece.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2002.000667

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2002 Vol.17 No.3, pp.211-219

Published online: 09 Jul 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article