Environmental threats

Climate change

Global warming is the gradual increase in Earth's temperature caused by greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. Today's average temperature is about 0.85 °C higher than at the end of the 19th century, and each new generation experiences warmer conditions.

Although the climate has changed in the past, today's warming is largely caused by human activities such as burning coal, oil, and gas, deforestation, and intensive livestock farming. These actions increase the number of gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most harmful gas and causes most of the warming, accelerating climate change processes. Scientists warn that a temperature increase of 2 °C could lead to serious and dangerous environmental changes, such as melting glaciers and rising sea levels.

Although nature's balance has been disturbed, there is still a possibility of slowing down further warming.

Increasing acidity of the world's seas - the second co₂ problem

As carbon dioxide releases into the atmosphere mainly from burning fossil fuels, it dissolves into seawater lowering the ocean's pH and alters its chemical composition.

In the Adriatic, as in oceans worldwide, scientists have recorded a steady rise in acidity over the past two decades. When CO₂ mixes with seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which intensifies the acidification process. Since pre-industrial times, the average ocean pH has dropped from 8.2 to 7.9, amounting to a 26% increase in acidity. Today, the oceans absorb roughly one-third of all human-generated CO₂-about 22 million tons every day.

If CO₂ emissions continue at the current rate, ocean pH could fall by another 0.5 units over the next century. Such a shift poses serious risks for shellfish, crustaceans, plankton, certain fish species, and coral reefs-ecosystems that support an enormous diversity of marine life.

Plastic pollution

After more than seven decades of use, plastic has become the most widespread material in our daily lives. Today, about 50 kg of plastic per person is produced worldwide each year, and this amount doubles roughly every ten years. Of particular concern is that 40% of plastic is designed for single use, mainly bottles and bags, while less than 10% is recycled. It's no wonder that plastic accounts for as much as 73% of the waste found on beaches.

All the plastic ever produced still exists in some form: an average plastic bag is used for just 12 minutes, yet it can take up to a thousand years to break down. The consequences are felt by plants and animals, and ultimately by humans as well. Every time we choose to use less plastic, we choose a healthier world for ourselves and for future generations.

Invasive species

Alien, or "non-native," species are introduced into new ecosystems either intentionally or accidentally. When they displace native species, they are considered invasive. Humans are responsible for the introduction of about 90% of invasive species, and climate change further accelerates their migration, increasing the threat to native species and disrupting ecosystem balance.

In Croatia, more than 600 non-native plant species and around 300 non-native animal species have been recorded, with an estimated 10-15% considered invasive. At the European Union level, a list has been established of invasive alien species of concern to the EU. Currently, the list includes 114 species, 31 of which have been recorded in Croatia.

Citizens can actively participate in monitoring invasive species by recording and reporting their observations online through a dedicated form. Every observation contributes to a better understanding of the spread of invasive species and helps protect native ecosystems.

Ghost nets - abandoned and lost fishing gear

Ghost nets are abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing nets that continue to trap marine life long after they have served their purpose. They pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems, endangering not only fish but also larger animals such as dolphins and sea turtles. Additionally, ghost nets damage coral reefs and seagrass meadows, further disrupting ecosystem balance. Often made from synthetic materials like plastic, these nets can persist in the ocean for decades, or even centuries.

The problem of lost fishing gear is global, but it is not confined to the open ocean far from shore. Ghost nets can also be found in the Adriatic Sea, particularly in areas with intensive fishing and heavy tourist activity.