Consequences of climate change in Fuerteventura

Despite the island being a Biosphere Reserve, the consequences of climate change in Fuerteventura , as throughout the world, are being felt.

Climate change throughout the Canary Islands is manifesting itself in rising temperatures, coastal phenomena, winds of up to 70 km/h, and rising sea levels.

All this is putting at risk the cities of Fuerteventura including El Cotillo , Morro Jable and Costa Calma , as well as the inland areas of the island.

Although Fuerteventura’s climate is predominantly arid, extreme weather events are observed, including episodes of intense and unusual rainfall and strong winds.

However, in recent years, climate change in Fuerteventura has made the Calima phenomenon more frequent, lasting for many days.

Among the main impacts of climate change in Fuerteventura we can list:

• Warming where average annual temperatures are increasing, indicating a warming trend
• Coastal hazards with rising sea levels and increased storm surge intensity threaten the island’s coastal infrastructure and beaches.
• Extreme events , where periods of unusual bad weather occur, such as heavy rains that have even transformed the arid landscape of the island

However, the Cabildo de Fuerteventura is not standing idly by and has developed climate action plans, particularly in the tourism sector, to analyze the impacts and promote sustainability.

To respond promptly to the consequences of climate change on the island, the President of Fuerteventura has increased measures to strengthen sustainable tourism.

In this case, it promoted recycling, which is a cornerstone of the circular economy, reducing pollutant emissions, saving raw materials, and supporting the environment.

It should be emphasized that the island of Fuerteventura is a leader in the Canary Islands for quality recycling and environmental sustainability.

However, the President of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura stated that:

“Climate change is not the future, but the present, and we must promote a sustainable economic model not only for tourists, but also for those who live and work on the island.”

This is with the aim of improving the quality of life in Fuerteventura, periodically monitoring the impact of climate change on the island and the need for timely interventions.

 

Fuerteventura at risk of desertification: what to know

Fuerteventura is one of the driest islands in the Canary Islands, and the risk of desertification is an increasingly pressing issue. 

The island’s geographical characteristics, combined with the scarcity of rainfall and constant winds, make the territory particularly vulnerable. 

In recent years, a progressive reduction in vegetation cover has been observed, with consequent soil erosion.

Desertification does not mean immediate transformation into desert, but a slow degradation of the land which loses fertility and water-retaining capacity. 

This phenomenon is aggravated by the intensive use of water resources, especially in tourist and agricultural areas.

To combat the problem, local institutions are promoting sustainable practices such as water recovery, reforestation with native species, and controlled land management. 

Residents and tourism operators also play a key role in reducing environmental impact.

Understanding the risk of desertification in Fuerteventura is essential to preserving the island’s unique landscape and ensuring a balance between economic development and environmental protection.

Although in recent months, climate change in Fuerteventura has allowed a fascinating face of the island: colors between green, purple and red.

All this is due to the continuous rains , never seen so frequently in the last 20 years in Fuerteventura.

 

Temperatures in Fuerteventura over the last 10 years

Over the last ten years, temperatures in Fuerteventura have shown a progressively increasing trend. 

Although the island has always enjoyed a mild climate year-round, recent data show higher temperatures and periods of prolonged heat.

Average temperatures in the months of June – August often exceeded 30°C, with increasingly frequent peaks above 35°C, especially in inland areas. 

The months of December – February are also slightly warmer than in the past, with lows rarely below 15°C.

Another significant element is the increase in tropical nights, during which the temperature does not drop below 20°C. 

This phenomenon affects living comfort and energy consumption (despite the use of solar and photovoltaic panels ), increasing the use of air conditioning.

However, most buildings throughout Fuerteventura do not have perfect thermal insulation and are not suited to heavy rainfall .

Although the climate remains one of the island’s main strengths and among the best in the world, the trend shows a slow and gradual change.

This could have negative consequences on the territory and on the daily habits of those who live there every day and those who are on holiday in Fuerteventura .

Monitoring temperatures in Fuerteventura in recent years is essential to understanding climate change and planning effective adaptation strategies.

 

Fuerteventura’s climate today vs. past

Fuerteventura’s climate has always been considered stable and favorable, but in recent years significant differences have been noted compared to the past. 

Traditionally, the island enjoyed balanced temperatures and limited but regular rainfall, especially more frequent in the Costa Calma area.

Since the Pico de la Zarza , also known as the roof of Fuerteventura, is located in this area , the clouds manage to stop.

Rainfall was more sporadic and concentrated in short periods, while long months could pass without precipitation throughout Fuerteventura.

Today, however, we are seeing greater climatic variability, more frequent rainfall and waves up to 3 m, also causing significant damage in the vicinity of the ravines.

Even the winds of Fuerteventura , a typical element of the island, seem to be more intense in some seasons, contributing to soil erosion. 

At the same time, heat waves and the Calima phenomenon are more frequent and long-lasting than a few decades ago.

The comparison between the climate of Fuerteventura today and that of the past therefore highlights a real, albeit gradual, climate change. 

Understanding these differences is essential to adopting sustainable solutions and preserving the island’s environmental characteristics.

 

Climate change impacts tourism in the Canary Islands

Climate change is having a real impact on tourism in the Canary Islands, and Fuerteventura is no exception. 

Rising temperatures and declining water resources can impact visitor experiences and the sustainability of accommodations.

On the one hand, the climate, the heavenly beaches of Fuerteventura and the extraordinary landscapes around every corner continue to attract tourists all year round.

On the other hand, extreme events such as heat waves, sandstorms and heavy rains can create inconveniences and change travel habits in Fuerteventura .

And why not also put a stop to those who want to move to Fuerteventura with their family to work as self-employed and reduce the number of pensioners in the Canary Islands .

The tourism sector is starting to adapt, investing in more sustainable solutions, such as energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy, and improved water resources.

The promotion of sustainable and responsible tourism is also becoming increasingly central.

Climate change in Fuerteventura and the entire Canary Islands represents a challenge, but also an opportunity to innovate the tourism model. 

Focusing on environmental sustainability and quality of services can ensure a more stable future for the island’s tourism sector.

 

Fuerteventura: environmental sustainability and tourism

Environmental sustainability has become a key element for the future of tourism in Fuerteventura. 

The island, thanks to its unique natural heritage, must find a balance between tourism development and environmental protection.

More and more facilities are adopting sustainable practices, such as energy conservation, the use of renewable sources, and responsible waste management. 

Water consumption, a limited resource on the island, is also at the heart of sustainability strategies.

Sustainable tourism concerns not only those who live and work in Fuerteventura, but also the visitors who choose it as a tourist destination. 

Choosing eco-friendly accommodations, reducing waste, and respecting the environment are essential to preserving the island.

The wonderful island of Fuerteventura has all the potential to become a model of sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands. 

Investing in responsible practices today means ensuring a more balanced future, protecting the environment and enhancing the tourism experience.

 

Measures adopted by the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo of Fuerteventura

As the consequences of climate change in Fuerteventura are increasingly felt, the governments of the Canary Islands and Fuerteventura are not standing idly by.

The Council of Fuerteventura has presented its action plan with measures adopted to combat climate change.

In short, a roadmap to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint and optimize very precious resources such as water and energy.

The document, developed with the participation of the public and private sectors, proposes measures for the decarbonization, environmental adaptation, and sustainability of one of the island’s main economic drivers.

Fuerteventura is taking an important step towards a responsible tourism model , a strategy that aims to reduce environmental impact without hindering the island’s economic development.

The plan focuses on some key aspects such as:

• energy efficiency
• responsible use of water
• sustainable mobility 
• waste reduction, involving businesses, citizens and government

However, the plan also includes measures to address climate change, such as adapting to high temperatures, coastal erosion, and resource scarcity.

The tourism sector will play a key role, integrating renewable energy and promoting greater environmental awareness.

This strategy follows the guidelines established by the European Union and Agenda 2030, strengthening the island of Fuerteventura’s commitment to a sustainable future.

While the Canary Islands Government advisors stressed:

• Environment Advisor: The Canary Islands face a concrete reality and the work carried out by the Ministry of the Environment is fundamental.
• Advisor for Ecological Transition and Environmental Sustainability: The aim is to continue working on the technical-scientific contribution to define policies that raise awareness and enable the adoption of strategic decisions for Fuerteventura and the rest of the islands.