Latest news with #Catalan
Boston Globe
10 hours ago
- Boston Globe
Barcelona residents fear sea level rise is swallowing their beloved beaches
The fishing town turned summering spot is no stranger to change. Fishing was once the main economic activity in the 'Maresme,' or marshlands, north of Barcelona, but everything changed in 1986 when Spain's second-largest city was named the host of the 1992 Olympic Games. Where once there were just rocks, breakwaters, and thin stretches of sand, several new beaches were constructed, helping turn the city into one of Europe's premier tourism hotspots. Advertisement Climate change is threatening that transformation in small coastal towns like Montgat by intensifying storms that erode coastline and driving sea-level rise. While authorities have responded by replacing the lost sand and building some breakwaters, the efforts haven't kept pace with the coastline's erosion. Ramon Torra, manager of Barcelona's Metropolitan Area, acknowledges that simply adding more sand isn't enough. 'What we must do first isn't just replenish the sand, but rather stop the loss of it,' Torra said. 'In the case of the 'Maresme' region here, we are talking about structures such as breakwaters because they confine the beach.' Advertisement Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service. As the planet warms, sea levels rise, largely due to the melting of glaciers and the thermal expansion of seawater as it grows warmer. That increases the risk of coastal flooding and storm surges that lead to land loss. At Montgat and nearby beaches, the main damage takes place in the fall and winter, when destructive weather systems known locally by the Spanish acronym DANA bring powerful storms to southern Europe. The storms have wreaked havoc on Montgat's coastline in recent years. In April 2024, a storm system brought waves that climbed as high as 16 feet and left parts of Montgat virtually without a beach. Afterward, a line of rocks serving as a breakwater was built after the waves reached a line of beachfront houses. Montgat Mayor Andreu Absil reckons only a third of the beach survived from a year ago. He stressed the importance of the beach for locals. 'The beaches are the last democratic space we have,' Absil said. 'And they should be for all of us to use and enjoy all year long.' Barcelona's authorities estimate $70.2 million is needed to stabilize the coastline in metropolitan Barcelona's 26 miles of coastline, 18.6 miles of which are beaches like Montgat. Add to that the yearly maintenance costs after storms. Scientists say the biggest problem will arrive when the sea reaches the town's infrastructure, including the train line, homes, and businesses. Advertisement The rate of sea level rise portends more loss, academics say. Agustín Sánchez-Arcilla, a maritime engineer at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, said current trends show sea levels along the Catalan coast are four times higher today than three decades ago. He said it has risen by 5.5 inches in 25 years while waves are on average 11.8 inches higher. 'So we don't need to predict it will accelerate. We can say already it has multiplied by four since the 1990s,' he said, adding that he believes the time for climate adaptation is now. Those measures include building seawalls, planting vegetation as a barrier to the sea, and more. Local business owners in the town depend on summer tourism and worry what could take hold when the sea swallows up more sand. Those who come year after year for the fresh seafood and cold beer share the concern. José Luís Vélez, a retiree, has been coming to the same beach bar for years, having witnessed the changes Montgat underwent after the '92 Olympics, as well as its coastline in retreat. 'It's been great but the sea has started to erode all the sand. And we aren't seeing people really doing something about it. So we think this could have an expiration date,' Vélez said.
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Marcus Rashford set for emotional reunion with ex-Man Utd star and close pal in one of his first games for Barcelona
MARCUS RASHFORD could line up against one of his closest mates in one of his first games for Barcelona once his move is confirmed. Rashford, 27, is Advertisement 4 Marcus Rashford is set for an emotional reunion in one of his first games for Barcelona Credit: Getty The England forward, Once the move is officially confirmed by both United and Barca, Rashford could be cleared to take part in the Catalan club's pre-season tour of That three-match warm-up tour will see FC Seoul is the unlikely home of former Man Utd star and Rashford's close friend Jesse Lingard. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Lingard, 32, has been playing out in South Korea since early 2024, where he has made 49 appearances for FC Seoul, scoring 12 times and registering six assists. Rashford and Lingard played together at United between 2016 and 2022, sharing the pitch together 134 times. While they also represented Barcelona will also take on Vissel Kobe and Daegu during their Asian tour. Advertisement Most read in Football 4 Jesse Lingard plays for South Korean side FC Seoul Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Rashford and Lingard are close pals after their time playing together at Man Utd Credit: Getty CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Despite Rashford's likely inclusion in the pre-season tour, reports suggest that he could fail to make his competitive debut for some time. Advertisement That's because Barcelona fans welcome Rashford with incredible mural Barcelona have been hit by LaLiga spending limits in recent years, with last season, only to later have their registrations revoked. LaLiga president Javier Tebas said the club's financial situation also blocked a deal for Barca are thought to have agreed to pay Rashford's hefty £325,000-per-week wages IN FULL during his loan switch. Advertisement 4
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Marcus Rashford set for emotional reunion with ex-Man Utd star and close pal in one of his first games for Barcelona
MARCUS RASHFORD could line up against one of his closest mates in one of his first games for Barcelona once his move is confirmed. Rashford, 27, is set to seal a season-long loan move to the Nou Camp this week, bringing an end to a drawn-out saga that has seen his time with boyhood club Manchester United end on a sour note. 4 Marcus Rashford is set for an emotional reunion in one of his first games for Barcelona Credit: Getty The England forward, who is already in Spain to seal the move, is only leaving on a temporary basis, however Barcelona will hold a buy-option believed to be around £26m in his contract. Once the move is officially confirmed by both United and Barca, Rashford could be cleared to take part in the Catalan club's pre-season tour of South Korea. That three-match warm-up tour will see Barcelona take on K League outfit FC Seoul - setting up a clash against a familiar face for Rashford. FC Seoul is the unlikely home of former Man Utd star and Rashford's close friend Jesse Lingard. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL YELLOW MOAN Fans horrified by woke club's new kit 'designed by Year 11 on work experience' Lingard, 32, has been playing out in South Korea since early 2024, where he has made 49 appearances for FC Seoul, scoring 12 times and registering six assists. Rashford and Lingard played together at United between 2016 and 2022, sharing the pitch together 134 times. While they also represented England alongside one and other on 18 occasions. Barcelona will also take on Vissel Kobe and Daegu during their Asian tour. 4 Jesse Lingard plays for South Korean side FC Seoul Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Rashford and Lingard are close pals after their time playing together at Man Utd Credit: Getty CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Despite Rashford's likely inclusion in the pre-season tour, reports suggest that he could fail to make his competitive debut for some time. That's because Barcelona are said to be unable to register Rashford with La Liga until they have flogged a number of their current players to free up salary space. Barcelona fans welcome Rashford with incredible mural Barcelona have been hit by LaLiga spending limits in recent years, with delays in registering Dani Olmo and Pau Victor last season, only to later have their registrations revoked. LaLiga president Javier Tebas said the club's financial situation also blocked a deal for Nico Williams, who instead signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao. Barca are thought to have agreed to pay Rashford's hefty £325,000-per-week wages IN FULL during his loan switch. 4 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
Business Upturn
19 hours ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
No proposal for Denzel Dumfries; Barca focus on Jules Koundé's new deal
Barcelona are focused on Jules Koundé's new deal and feel he along with Eric Garcia can be a great option at Right-back for next season. By Ravi Kumar Jha Published on July 22, 2025, 19:03 IST Barcelona are focused on Jules Koundé's new deal and feel he along with Eric Garcia can be a great option at Right-back for next season. Barcelona have been offered Denzel Dumfries whose release clause of €25 million is valid until July 31. Barcelona aren't making any contacts with Inter Milan for the right-back as they have prioritised Koundé's new deal. Barcelona are currently focused on securing a new contract for Jules Koundé, viewing the French defender as a key part of their future plans. The club believes Koundé, alongside Eric Garcia, can form a reliable right-back pairing for the upcoming season, reducing the urgency to pursue reinforcements in that position. Despite being offered Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries — who is available for €25 million until July 31 due to a release clause — the Catalan giants have shown no interest in opening talks. Instead, all efforts are being channelled towards finalising Koundé's extension, a move that underlines the club's trust in his versatility and long-term value. Eric Garcia, who spent last season on loan at Girona, has also impressed the coaching staff, further strengthening Barcelona's belief that internal solutions can address their defensive needs. While Dumfries remains on the market, Barcelona are not expected to shift focus from their current plan. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Ravi kumar jha is an undergraduate student in Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia and Mass Communication. A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication and he also has a genuine interest in sports. Ravi is currently working as a journalist at
Scottish Sun
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Leaked video of Marcus Rashford's bizarre Barcelona unveiling emerges as Man Utd star stands next to phone box
But there's a chance Rashford may not get to play for Barcelona HOLD THE PHONE Leaked video of Marcus Rashford's bizarre Barcelona unveiling emerges as Man Utd star stands next to phone box Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MARCUS RASHFORD has been spotted filming his unveiling at Barcelona's training ground... with the England star bizarrely posing next to a PHONE BOX. The England star, 27, is on the brink of joining the LaLiga champions after falling out of favour under Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Marcus Rashford flew to Barcelona to complete his loan move Credit: INSTAGRAM 4 A mural of Rashford in a Barcelona kit pulling off his trademark celebration has already popped up in the city Credit: @mikinoelle But now a leaked video appears to have shown Rashford's bizarre unveiling. The forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, appears to be plonked next to a traditional British, red phone box as part of the filming. Rashford is seen sporting the famous red and blue of Barcelona in the clip. One other clue from the leaked clip appears to be that he has not yet been assigned a squad number. READ MORE SPORT STORIES YELLOW MOAN Fans horrified by club's new kit 'designed by Year 11 on work experience' That's despite a mural which popped up in the city showing him wearing the No19. Rashford has been working out at Barcelona's training ground for the past two days while he prepares to officially complete his transfer. He's set to initially join on a season-long loan, with a £26million permanent option as part of the deal after Aston Villa refused to activate their £40m permanent option. However, Rashford is - for now at least - BANNED from playing for the Catalan giants. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS According to talkSPORT's Andy Brassell, financial restrictions could delay or even prevent the England star being officially registered to play. Speaking on the Trans Europe Express show, Brassell said: 'There's still no guarantee, certainly if you believe Javier Tebas, the president of LaLiga, that Barcelona will be able to register him for the moment. Man Utd's Marcus Rashford 'may not be able to play for Barcelona due to registration issues' 4 Rashford has been working out all summer in a bid to find a new club after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim Credit: Instagram @MarcusRashford 'That is something that we have to keep an eye on as with every Barcelona signing. "That was what made Nico Williams back out of the deal. 'Rashford doesn't have an enormous amount of options partly because of his salary partly because of a disappointing last couple of years even if he did show bits of his old self at Aston Villa. 'Both sides needed this to happen quite badly, which I think is great news for Marcus Rashford, it's great news for England, and if it all works, it's good news for Barcelona as well.' Barcelona have been hit by LaLiga spending limits in recent years, with delays in registering Dani Olmo and Pau Victor last season, only to later have their registrations revoked. League president Tebas said the club's financial situation also blocked a deal for Williams, who instead signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao. Barcelona have moved for Rashford after missing out on Williams and being priced out of a move for Liverpool's Luis Diaz. Barca are covering the full wage package for the loan but there are reports Rashford has waived image rights and bonuses to push the deal through.
