Opportunities and risks of desalination activities in the Mediterranean in the face of climate change and growing water needs

The Mediterranean Basin is a hotspot for climate change. The effects of this on the availability of water resources, which are already highly unequal depending on national socio-economic and environmental contexts, are becoming increasingly significant. This is compounded by significant population growth, causing increasing demand for water in the domestic, industrial, tourism and agricultural sectors. This dual challenge makes it crucial to redefine the use of water resources as a common good. Desalination, although considered a controversial industrial sector because of the associated risks (impacts, economic and energy costs), is seeing increasing opportunities for development. We worked with a statistical and mapping analysis of the DesalData database, to present major trends and developments in the Mediterranean desalination sector since 2013.

Other recent publications

01/09/26

Practical Guide to the Climagine Methodology for ICZM Practitioners

This practical guide provides a step-by-step approach for implementing the Climagine methodology with practitioners of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). Developed by Plan Bleu, Climagine

Read more
28/07/26

Plan Bleu Publishes a New Report to Strengthen the Resilience of Mediterranean Aquaculture to Climate Change

Plan Bleu has published its new report « Spotlighting Adaptation Solutions to Enhance the Resilience of Mediterranean Aquaculture to Climate Change », developed as part

Read more
16/06/26

Mediterranean Tourism Facing Climate Change: Towards a Redefinition of the Tourism Model

The Mediterranean, which welcomes nearly 400 million international tourists annually, is warming 20% faster than the global average, exposing the sector to a dual vulnerability:

Read more
Plan Bleu
“
Building the Mediterannean’s future together
“
Plan Bleu