Climate risks in Baronia and Nuoro

PRESS RELEASE

SASSARI. An important research and environmental awareness initiative is starting thanks to the collaboration between a research group from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (DUMAS) of the University of Sassari, coordinated by Donatella Carboni, full professor of Geography, and the Environmental Education and Sustainability Centers (CEAS) of Baronia and Nuorese.

As a macro-objective, there is that of increasing awareness and the capacity for adaptation in local communities, in line with the Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (SRACC) of the Sardinia Region. The active participation of the population is considered essential.

The actions will start with a survey on the territory, aimed at schools and citizens. The results of this research will be the basis of a participatory process, aimed at improving the awareness of local communities on climate risks and on the operational tools of civil protection for risk mitigation.

Through these activities as well as the identification of good transfer practices with respect to risk communication and emergency management strategies, the project will allow to identify the strengths and weaknesses also in terms of information, supporting local administrations in the dissemination of Municipal Civil Protection Plans, strengthening local strategies to promote multilevel approaches between institutions and citizens.

In the territories involved (Siniscola, Lula, Osidda, Onanì, Alà dei Sardi, Nuoro, Bolotana) the project is aimed at all categories of citizens, applying an interdisciplinary and participatory approach that combines academic research and territorial practices to promote concrete impacts on the adaptation of local communities.

The intensification of extreme weather and climate events is now a fact, as highlighted by the European Extreme Events Climate Index (E3CI). In October 2024 alone, records of maximum temperatures were recorded in Europe in Slovenia, the Faroe Islands and Finland, followed by Croatia and Norway, while unexpected droughts occurred in Lithuania and Latvia.

Also in Italy, the cumulative index of extreme climate events reached the value of 2.7 in April 2024, compared to a minimum of 1, signaling a significant increase compared to the previous decade (2014-2024). In Sardinia, between 2021 and October 2024, there were 7 peaks of maximum temperatures, never reported before, 26 drought events (almost as many as those of the entire period 2011-2020, equal to 27), 5 extreme rainfall events (12 between 2011 and 2020), numerous large fires, including the devastating Montiferru fire of 2021, which destroyed over 12,000 hectares of woods and agricultural crops.

The CEAS involved participate with beneficiary projects of the regional call dedicated to projects of education for sustainable development and global citizenship, intended for public bodies holding CEAS of the INFEAS network – YEAR 2024 (D.G.R. N. 4/132 OF 15.02.2024 – ACTION 2): Onanì – Project "Let's Cultivate Change!" (Coop. Veranu); CEAS Julia di Lula – Project "ClimaLab" (Coop. Veranu); Osidda – Project "Climate Path" (Coop. Veranu); Santa Lucia di Siniscola – Project "The Changing Climate" (Ass. Environmental Hydromantes); Nuoro, Bolotana and Alà dei Sardi, – Project "Water Planet" (Alternatura. In total, 7 partnerships are involved.

Information: carbonid@uniss.it