Catalonia launches coastal protection plan to combat rising sea levels until 2100

The regional government outlines measures for 91 municipalities facing severe flood risks and shoreline erosion.

Generic image of a Catalan beach threatened by rising sea levels due to climate change.
IA

Generic image of a Catalan beach threatened by rising sea levels due to climate change.

The Government of Catalonia has drafted the Coastal Protection and Management Plan (PPOL) to safeguard the shoreline against climate change risks through the year 2100.

The plan covers 91 municipalities, including 70 coastal towns and 21 inland areas, aiming to define a future model that integrates environmental conservation, urban planning, and tourism. It addresses the urgent need for better governance among different administrative bodies.
Under a pessimistic climate scenario, up to 21,000 hectares of land could be submerged by the end of the century. Even with sustainable policies, experts predict that 7,000 hectares will be flooded by 2050, resulting in a coastal retreat of approximately 13 meters.
Critical areas such as the Ebro Delta, the Empordà Plain, and the Llobregat river mouth are high priorities. With 70% of the coast considered highly vulnerable by 2060, the Generalitat seeks to implement specific local actions to preserve habitability and natural ecosystems.