The Academy of Athens, Greece’s most respected research institution, and the University of Stockholm in Sweden have signed an agreement to create a climate change observatory in the Peloponnese, it was revealed yesterday.
The center will record changes in the composition of air and water with the aim of assessing how global warming is affecting the eastern Mediterranean’s ecosystem.
“The Ionian is a crossroad for airborne pollution from industrialized countries like Germany and the Czech Republic,” said Professor Christos Zerefos, who is representing the Academy. “It also has wide biodiversity and is already facing the consequences of climate change, such as a reduction in the amount of rainfall.”
The deal was reached as an international climate change conference begins in Denmark. The observatory will be located in the large holiday resort of Costa Navarino in Pylos, Messinia, and should begin its work next summer.
(KATHIMERINI, 12/08/2009)