Human Development Report - Croatia 2008 The Croatian Climate^353.1. Introduction
When examining the vulnerability of Croatia to climate
change it is necessary to have a basic understanding
of the current climatic conditions within the country,
as well as predictions for the future under various cli-
mate change scenarios. Climate is directly linked to
human development and the way a society develops.
Humanity is already having an impact on climate. (For
a basic description of how climate change occurs due
to human influence, see Box 3-1.) Climate also affects
humanity. Three characteristics of the climate can af-
fect human development:
- Temperatures, which appear to be increasing;
- Precipitation, which appears to be decreasing,
although in a less pronounced way; - Extreme weather events, such as storms, heat
waves and droughts, which have been increasing
in frequency and intensity in recent years.
Temperature affects both human health and econom-
ic development. Average temperatures and precipita-
tion are critical to several Croatian industries. For ex-
ample, climate conditions, such as plentiful rain, have
made agricultural practices possible – often without
irrigation. The tourism season is also determined
by climate. Therefore, increases in temperature and
changes in precipitation will affect numerous sectors.
Precipitation affects economic development in sev-
eral ways. Clean, abundant, and affordable drinking
water is essential for human health. Water in general
is an essential factor in certain industries such as agri-
culture, hydro-power, tourism, fisheries, and more. De-
creases in precipitation and changes in precipitation
patterns may lead to reductions in the availability of
water, which will affect many sectors of the economy.
Drought can also lead to an increase in wildfires, which
may cause significant damages to human health, the
environment and the economy.
Extreme weather events such as droughts, heat waves,
storms and floods can also lead to property damage
and can threaten human health and well-being.
This chapter examines the current climate conditions
in different parts of Croatia during different seasons.
It also looks at the existing information available from
climate models for future climate conditions in various
parts of Croatia during the various seasons. Finally, it
will examine what is needed to fill the gaps to be able
to understand the likely future climate in Croatia.Figure 3-1: Severe bora in Senj on 14 November 2004.Source: Damir Šenčar, HINA.Increases in
temperature
and changes in
precipitation will
affect numerous
sectors