(^34) Public Perceptions/ Knowledge about Climate Change Human Development Report - Croatia 2008
The Croatian Climate
Chapter 3 Summary
Climate conditions are directly linked to human development and the way a society de-
velops. Over the last century, emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) caused by human
activity have already led to an impact on the climate system. Three direct characteristics
of the climate, and changes to those characteristics, can have an impact on human devel-
opment:
- Temperatures, which appear to be increasing in Croatia
- Precipitation, which appears to be decreasing in Croatia – especially during certain
seasons - Extreme weather events, such as storms, heat waves and droughts – which are al-
ready having significant impacts on human development
In Croatia during the 20th century, most regions had a decrease in precipitation and an
increase in temperature in almost every season. It has not been possible to distinguish
how much of this is due to natural climate fluctuations or to human influence, but climate
models for Croatia point to significant future changes in climatic conditions especially if
emissions are not cut dramatically.
In the future, Croatia is expected to be hotter and drier – especially in the summer. In-
creased temperatures nationwide are expected to have considerable impacts: increase
of water temperature in the sea and in inland bodies of water, soil temperature increase,
groundwater temperature increase which may lead to higher rates of evaporation and a
decrease in the groundwater table, a decrease of lake and river levels, decreases in soil
moisture leading to droughts, more heat waves that affect health, and numerous other
impacts.
Though the State Hydrometeorogical Service – DHMZ – has been developing good coop-
eration with the end users of its services and with regional partners, more progress will
be necessary to integrate climate information into short-term emergency preparedness,
seasonal preparedness, and long-term climate forecasting in Croatia.