Latest news with #StormMartinho
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
We Are the Oceans
The oceans belong to all of us. They feed and protect our peoples. They inspire dreams and enable travel. They offer sustainable energy, means to trade, resources, and infinite scientific knowledge. One in three people relies on the oceans for their livelihood, yet they remain little-known, with neither global governance nor the financing needed for their preservation. The dangers they face are great and can be seen in the worrying numbers: more than 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year, according to a study in Science; more than a third of fish stocks suffer overfishing; while ocean acidification, rising sea levels and the destruction of marine ecosystems gain pace—direct consequences of climate change. More than ever before, we must make sure that multilateral action is equal to the challenges of protecting the oceans. Santo Amaro de Oeiras beach is covered by sea foam after the passage of Storm Martinho in Oeiras, Portugal, on March 20. Santo Amaro de Oeiras beach is covered by sea foam after the passage of Storm Martinho in Oeiras, Portugal, on March 20. PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images France will be hosting the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development June 9 to Jun 13. For this crucial event, some 100 heads of state and government will converge, as well as tens of thousands of researchers, scientists, people of business and finance, activists and citizens from around the world. On this occasion, France's aim will be clear: protecting the oceans through tangible action. Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, which established a binding global framework to limit climate change, this UNOC, in Nice, offers a historic opportunity. The "Nice Ocean Agreements" will form an international compact for conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, fully in line with the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. To make this work, the talks in Nice need to be action-focused and practical, not pie in the sky, but rather aiming for better governance, more financing and greater knowledge of the seas. When it comes to governance, the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is essential. The high seas, which represent more than 60 percent of the oceans, are currently the only space not governed by international law. The lack of oversight and common rules is causing a real social and environmental disaster, with massive hydrocarbon and plastic pollution, illegal and unregulated fishing techniques, and the taking of protected mammals. To end this legal vacuum, we need the BBNJ Agreement to come into force. To achieve that, it must be ratified by 60 countries. The protection of the oceans also requires public and private financing and support for a sustainable blue economy. To continue enjoying the incredible economic opportunities offered by the oceans, we need to make sure marine resources can regenerate. In Nice, several commitments will be announced for global trade, shipping, tourism and investment. Lastly, how can we protect what we don't know or understand sufficiently? We must enhance our knowledge of the oceans and share it better. Today, we are capable of mapping the surface of the Moon or of Mars, but the depths of the oceans—which cover 70 percent of Earth's surface—remain unknown. Together, we need to put science, innovation and education to work to better understand the oceans and raise public awareness. The oceans are not just one more issue of environmental concern: they are everyone's business. Even as multilateralism becomes more challenging, we must not forget our shared responsibility. The oceans join us all together and are central to our future. Only Together, can we make the third UNOC a turning point for our peoples, for future generations and for our planet. This conference is not about things that are far in the future or far from American shores. It is important to remember that the United States has the world's largest maritime space. Through various scientific agencies, it produces highly valued knowledge for better understanding the oceans. Some U.S. companies are at the forefront of an innovative and sustainable blue economy and the US administration aims to revitalize its domestic maritime industries. The Ocean Caucuses in the Senate and the House are both bipartisan, a reminder that the challenges and opportunities of the oceans unite us all. We look forward to welcome U.S. stake holders in Nice for that historical Summit. Laurent Bili is the ambassador of France in the United States. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful Spanish seaside town named best place for expats to live
A city in the Costa del Sol has been named the top destination for expats considering a move to Spain, highlighting its easy-going lifestyle and excellent weather A new ranking has named this seaside town the best place for expats to settle down in Spain. Beating out cities like Barcelona and Madrid, this destination topped Nomad Capitalist's ranking thanks to its convenient access to the sea and the 'relaxed lifestyle' of residents. Malaga sits in the heart of Spain's popular Costa del Sol, which has been a hub for holidaying Brits for years. The beaches are the biggest draw of the region, with miles and miles of sandy shores - many of which are dog-friendly - and pristine waters. The city centre of Malaga is "lively and a cultural hub" according to Nomad Capitalist, but the if you're looking for something a bit quieter, the villages east of the capital might be a better fit. Villages in the province of Malaga like Frigiliana are tranquil and filled with whitewashed houses in the classic Andalusian style. The weather and superior transport in Malaga compared to other Spanish destinations are other factors that contributed to its top ranking. Though Malaga did experience a freak hail storm this past March, the result of Storm Martinho. While the merits of Malaga are certainly bountiful, it's important to note that housing shortages and the impacts of over-tourism have caused tensions to grow between locals, foreigners and city councillors. In April 2025, mass demonstrations overtook 42 cities across Spain including Malaga to draw attention to soaring rental prices and housing shortages. The clear and defiant message seems to have resonated with the Malaga City Council, which reportedly cancelled plans to build 1,300 tourist homes in the city. The new city strategy will veer away from property sales to non-Spaniards, considering a ' total ban ' altogether. Malaga City Council has already worked to introduce new measures to curb the construction and acquisition of tourist housing after growing animosity from locals in recent years. But after recent protests and the projected plans for a summer of tourist disruption, Mayor De La Torre said 'a global moratorium' is under consideration. Despite the growing tensions, Malaga remains one of Spain's top tourist destinations, attracting around 14 million visitors last year. And while it tops Nomad Capital's list of the best expat destinations in Spain, they emphasise that there is no one single Spanish city ideal for all expats. While Malaga may be best for sunbathers, Barcelona is ideal for foodies and Granada has proved to be an excellent based for winter sports enthusiasts. You can find the full ranking of the Top 11 Spanish expat destinations below. The top 11 Spanish destinations for expats Malaga Sotogrande Madrid Barcelona Seville Valencia San Sebastian Granada Bilbao Ibiza Zaragoza
The Independent
03-04-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Tourists warned ‘hurricane-force' winds to hit Canary islands as red alert issued for Storm Nuria
Spanish authorities are bracing for 'hurricane-force' winds of up to 80mph after a red alert was issued for the Canary Islands. Residents and tourists have been urged to take shelter as Storm Nuria looks set to bring high-wind speeds to the archipelago, just two weeks after the islands were battered by Spain's last named storm. La Palma, in the north west of the island group, will face the strongest winds, possibly exceeding 80mph, and heavy rain of up to 30mm in just one hour. The eastern half of the island is under a red weather warning that will remain in place until around 5pm on Thursday, Spanish forecaster AEMET said. Storm Nuria will also hit Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, El Hierro and the popular tourist island Tenerife with winds of up to 62mph. Amber warnings for wind have been issued for the islands. It is the 14th named storm in the Spanish storm-naming season, coming just two weeks after Storm Martinho battered holiday hotspots in the Canary Islands. Sharing the possibility of wind speeds exceeding 80mph in the eastern side of La Palma island, AEMET said: 'The danger is extraordinary. Extreme caution!' The forecaster added on X: 'The formation of the storm Nuria this Thursday will lead to very strong gusts of wind in the Canary Islands (hurricane-force winds in La Palma, where there is a red warning in its eastern area). 'It will also bring heavy rains to the archipelago, which will then move to the Peninsula.' All amber warnings are currently set to be lifted on Thursday at 10pm, Aemet says. By Friday, there will be no weather warnings remaining in place. Yellow rain warnings have also been issued southwestern areas of the Spanish mainland, AEMET's website showed, with rain accumulations of up to 15mm in one hour possible, including in Catalonia, Basque Country and Andalusia. Two weeks ago, Spain was battered by strong winds, large swells and intense rainfall as Storm Martinho struck large parts of the country. Dozens of roads were closed and the Spanish government urged residents to avoid travel accordingly, due to forecast heavy rain and the water levels of the Manzanares River in Madrid remaining high. AEMET said storm Martinho was heaping more rain onto areas on Friday and through the weekend that have already experienced plenty of rain in the last few weeks.
Local Spain
24-03-2025
- Climate
- Local Spain
When will it stop raining in Spain?
Weather After a month of almost non-stop rain in much of Spain, will this be the week when sunnier drier weather finally returns to the country? Four storms in twelve days have ensured that March 2025 will be remembered as one of the wettest in living memory in Spain. It is officially the rainiest month of March in cities such as Madrid, where there has never been more precipitation during the third month of the year since records began in 1893. For Spain overall, March 2025 is proving to be the second wettest month in history, only surpassed by March 2018. However, the 114 litres of rain per square metre that have fallen on average in every part of Spain are only figures for March 1st to March 18th, so there is a chance that March 2018's 164.6 litre per sqm could be surpassed if it were to carry on raining until the end of the month. So will it continue to rain in Spain from March 24th to 30th, the last week of the month? According to Spain's Meteorological Agency Aemet, the rain will cease in much of the Iberian Peninsula and "will be limited to the northern third of the country, where it hasn't rained as much throughout the month," as well as to "parts of the Balearic Islands." The tail end of Storm Martinho, which has caused flooding in central Spain over the weekend, will still bring rain to the country on Monday March 24th. In fact, most of Spain can expect to start the week with overcast skies and some rain. The northern regions of Asturias, Cantabria, Navarre and the Basque Country will be the most affected by the lingering bad weather. There will also be showers and strong winds in the Canary Islands. By Tuesday 25th the sun will start to shine in some parts but there will still be rain in the north and the Balearics, as well as cloudy skies and some light rain in other areas. Fortunately, by Wednesday March 26th the dark clouds will clear in southern, central, western and eastern Spain, which will get the much desired dry and sunny weather that's been so absent throughout March. In fact, Spain's national weather agency forecasts that for the following three weeks the weather will be mainly dry. This is likely to be met by cheers by many Spaniards, who aren't accustomed to so much rainy weather, even if it has helped enormously to end a four-year drought in the country. Aemet still forecasts that temperatures "will be lower than usual for this time of year" and that people in Spain will have to wait until April 6th to pack their coats away.
Euronews
21-03-2025
- Business
- Euronews
In a spin: Storm Martinho turns Portugal's turbines to break wind power records
ADVERTISEMENT Electricity produced by wind power in Portugal has hit an all-time high, fuelled by the strong winds of Storm Martinho. The total daily production of electricity generated by wind totalled 112.4 GWh, energy company and national grid operator Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN) said on Thursday. "The Martinho depression also allowed for a new maximum wind power of 5080 MW at 12.15pm," REN said in a statement . The wind production recorded on Wednesday supplied 56% of the country's electricity consumption, the national grid operator said. On the same day, all renewable production was responsible for supplying 92% of the country's electricity needs. Since the beginning of the year, renewable energy has accounted for 79% of Portugal's national consumption, which is broken down into 39% from hydropower, 28% from wind, 7% from solar and 5% generated from biomass. A fire engine drives through rain in Lisbon as Storm Martinho reaches Portugal, 19 March, 2025 AP Photo "These records confirm that Portugal has maintained a sustainable trajectory in the progressive incorporation of endogenous renewable sources, while maintaining the primary objectives of security of supply and quality of service in the National Electricity System, even in more adverse situations such as yesterday's," concluded REN. Last month, renewable production supplied 78% of electricity consumption in Portugal. And in January, conditions were once again very favourable for hydroelectric power, with a production index of 1.28. Portugal's historical average has been one. But at the other end of the scale, REN says conditions were generally unfavourable for both wind and photovoltaic power, with the respective indices registering 0.71 and 0.83, respectively. In the case of solar energy, the continued increase in installed power has made it possible to maintain high year-on-year growth (27%), with power delivered to the grid reaching peaks of around 2,800 MW for the first time. In January and February, the hydropower capability index stood at 1.25, wind power at 1.00 and solar power at 0.82.
