Climate Change

Global temperatures are rising. Carbon and other pollutants in the atmosphere are causing what is known as a “greenhouse effect”, meaning heat is trapped in our atmosphere. In addition, ozone in the stratosphere (10 to 30 meters above earth’s surface) that would typically absorb UV rays preventing them from entering the atmosphere, is being depleted, allowing more sunlight to enter the atmosphere. The combination of these two effects is causing the climate of earth to rise. The consequences of the rising climate include glaciers melting, rising sea levels, increase in droughts and heat waves, increase storm and hurricane intensity, and much more (Earth Science Communication). These consequences are currently only happening in certain areas, but it is only a matter of time before the effects are seen worldwide. Climate change is one of the biggest problems the world faces today. However, emphasis on its importance and prevention varies significantly, and certain areas will see disproportionate consequences.

Climate Change Awareness in Barcelona

European countries, Spain specifically, are already experiencing some effects of climate change. In Barcelona, the summer months are consistently warmer, and often face a shortage of water. People in Barcelona and Spain consistently see the effects of climate change, which is the main reason they are consciously aware of their impact on the environment (Agueda Quiroga, personal communication, June 29, 2016). Their awareness means most people are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. For example public transportation is widely used and maintained. Barcelona, specifically, is known for having a metro system that is easy to use, enticing more people to avoid personal vehicles. Of the people that do have a personal vehicle, they typically have one car per family rather than multiple (Agueda Quiroga, personal communication, June 29, 2016). The population distribution also helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road, the city contains the majority of the population, with easily accessible trains to and from the few small neighboring cities. Personal motorcycles or mopeds are also common alternatives to driving cars. The city aids the use of motorcycles and mopeds by allowing parking on the sidewalks as well as in actual parking spots. Comparing the use of motor vehicles in the United States to Barcelona, there is a definite difference in thinking. Although many major cities in the U.S have some form of public transportation, there are many cities where personal vehicles are the main form of transportation.

From my time abroad, I found there to be a stark contrast in the level of concern over climate change in Spain compared to the U.S. According to research done by Pew Research Center, of the nations surveyed, the U.S has the “highest carbon emissions per capita, but is among the least concerned about climate change and its potential impact” (Wike). Europe was found to be among the most concerned about climate change (Wike). Although the United State has the highest carbon emissions rate per capita, it is other countries that are seeing the majority of the consequences of the rising climate.

Water Conservation

Conservation of water is a big concern in Barcelona, especially during the summer months. For example, rather than maintaining plants in the sections dividing sides of a street, Barcelona currently does not do anything to the strips of dirt. Instead the city lets plants grow naturally, letting them survive on their own. Other small water saving improvements, like the use of low flow shower heads and toilets that save water, were pushed in the late 90’s and early 2000’s (Roberts).

Rainwater and Greywater reuse systems are also gaining momentum in Barcelona. Grey water reuse is the recycling of the relatively clean water from showers, washing machines, sinks, and other household items. A water saving ordinance involving the installation of rainwater harvesting and/or greywater reuse systems in new buildings, has been approved by 50 municipalities (Innovation). One thing I found interesting was that most restaurants in Barcelona serve bottled water rather than tap water. Partly because bottled water is extremely cheap for the restaurant to buy, but also because many people don’t like the taste of the tap water in Barcelona (Barcelona Basic). Although the water in Barcelona is perfectly safe to drink, and serving tap water would reduce the amount of waste produced in the city.

Water conservation in the U.S, aside from drought ridden places such as California, is almost nonexistent. Especially in the Pacific Northwest, where there is typically an abundance of water, water conservation is not a priority.

Local Pollution

(Figure 1) There are similarities between Barcelona and big cities, for example; despite the awareness of climate change and actions taken to reduce their carbon footprint, air pollution is a big problem in the city. Barcelona is on the coast, with a hillside just inland of the city. Wind comes in from the ocean, mixing with the pollution produced in the city, and is trapped by the hillside.

(Figure 2) To reduce the local air and noise pollution in Barcelona, the city will be implementing a new “mobility plan”. The goal is to reduce traffic by 21%, by creating “citizen spaces” (Bausells). Citizen spaces are mini neighborhoods which traffic will flow around, with the goal of 60% of streets currently used by cars being turned into “citizen spaces” (Bausells)

(Figure 3)

References
 
Agueda Quiroga, personal communication, June 29, 2016.
 
Barcelona Basic Information. Barcelona Tourist Guide. Retrieved August 25, 2016. 
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/shopping/barcelona-basic-facts.html#water
 
Bausells, Marta. (May 17, 2016). Super Blocks to the rescue: Barcelona’s plan to give streets back to residents. The Gaurdian. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/may/17/superblocks-rescue-barcelona-spain-plan-give-streets-back-residents.
 
Earth Science Communications Team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. (August 16, 2016). The Consequences of Climate Change. NASA. Retrieved August 2, 2016.  
http://climate.nasa.gov/effects/
 
Innovation Seeds. Rainwater and Greywater Reuse Systems in Barcelona. Innovation Seeds. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
http://www.innovationseeds.eu/Policy-Library/Core-Articles/Rainwater-And-Greywater-Reuse-Systems-In-The-Barcelona.kl
 
Karin.L.Gleason@noaa.gov. (20 March 2008). Stratospheric Ozone; Monitoring and Research in NOAA. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 2, 2016.  
http://www.ozonelayer.noaa.gov/science/basics.htm
 
Roberts, Tanya. (June 23, 2016). What Spain Can Teacch Us About Water Conservation. Build Direct. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
https://www.builddirect.com/blog/what-spain-can-teach-us-about-water-conservation/
 
Wike, Richard. (April 18, 2016). What the World Thinks About Climate Change in 7 Charts. Pew Research Center. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/18/what-the-world-thinks-about-climate-change-in-7-charts/

Edited by Laurie Bridges