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Human Pressure on Desert Environments


The average temperature has increased over the last century – increasing evapotranspiration which reduces ground surface water surplus. .
             Population growth is also happening in Spain. Some areas of Spain, like the semi-desert Tabernas in Almeria has an annual rainfall rate lower than 200mm. 50% of Spain is classed as sand, making it the direst country in Europe. It was estimated in 2008 that 37% is at risk of deforestation. Most vulnerable areas are in the south such as Andalusia and Murcia.) Again, Southern Spain is so arid because of the pressure that humans are putting on agriculture which can lead to issues with climate change. Temperature has risen in Spain by 1.5 degrees Celsius in the last century, increasing evapotranspiration and leaving us with an even drier environment. Between 1991 and 2000, rainfall in Andalusia fell by 9.5%. As the climate gets hotter there's increased risk of forest fires, causing deforestation and desertification. High temperatures and low rainfall have reduced surface water resources – fewer plants can grow (soil erosion). Over cultivation-nutrient content of soil is reduced to the point where it's no longer productive – 80 million tonnes of topsoil is lost each year in Andalusia because of intense cultivation of olive trees. Over gazing is reducing vegetation cover, causing desertification. Groundwater resources are being pumped to irrigate crops, lowering groundwater levels. Increasingly more water is being used for irrigation because agriculture is carried out in unsuitable areas; Almeria is an important agricultural area as produce grown there contributes $1.5 billion to the economy each year. Almeria is the direst area in Europe though, so this is only possible with intensive irrigation. Crops that need more water than the area can supply are being grown for export. E.g. Spain is Europe's largest producer of strawberries, and 95% of its exports are grown in Andalusia.


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