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Showing posts from May, 2025

Week 16

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 Morocco faces significant natural hazards, notably prolonged droughts and seismic activity, which pose substantial threats to its population and economy. These hazards are prioritized due to their frequency, severity, and the extensive damage they cause. Droughts have become increasingly severe in Morocco, with the country experiencing one of its driest years in eight decades in 2023, leading to rainfall deficits of 48% below average . This has critically impacted water resources, with reservoir levels plummeting to alarming lows. The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of Morocco's economy, has been particularly hard-hit, with the 2024 wheat harvest projected to decline by approximately 50% . Livestock farming has also suffered, with a reported 38% decline in herds over the past nine years .( Drought Control Portal ) Seismic activity is another pressing concern. The 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.9, resulted in over 2,900 deaths and widespread destruction . This...

Week 13

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Morocco's Coastal Challenges and Its Response to Climate Hazards Morocco's coastal regions, encompassing both the Mediterranean and Atlantic shores, face escalating environmental threats due to climate change. These challenges include rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and the risk of tsunamis, all of which endanger local communities, infrastructure, and economic activities. ( Risks to Morocco's Mediterranean coasts: reality and impacts ) Coastal Erosion and Sea-Level Rise Approximately 60% of Morocco's population resides in coastal cities, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental hazards. Coastal erosion is a significant issue, especially along the Mediterranean shore in northern Morocco, notably in areas like the Marchica Lagoon. Factors such as rising sea levels, urban expansion, and untreated wastewater discharge exacerbate the situation. The World Bank reports that two-thirds of Moroccan beaches are affected by coastal erosion, leading to the loss of l...