Outlook on Climate Change Adaptation in the Western Balkan Mountains

Summary of Key hazards, vulnerabilities and risks (continued)

Climate hazard

Key vulnerabilities

Key risks 8

ENVIRONMENTAL

Rising temperatures (continued)

• Temperature requirements of ecosystems to function as expected

• Changes and disruption of balance of ecosystems leading to loss of ecosystem services and change of ecosystems distribution and diversity (e.g. migration to higher altitudes) • Progressive decline in soil moisture leading to increased fire risk, reduced agricultural productivity, economic losses, and reduced ecosystem functioning • Deaths from cardiovascular diseases in vulnerable populations (elderly); increased morbidity in the form of lung inflammation; increased asthma attacks due to heatwaves

SOCIAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL

• Soil moisture relevance for managing floods and fire risks

SOCIAL

Increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves

• Rural and urban populations alike, especially elderly, who are more likely to experience respiratory and cardiovascular problems during heatwaves

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