Geography 5 Final Project ~ The Environment of Greece

The beautiful country of Greece, has been a top tourist destination for millions of people across the globe. No doubt, many tourists come to witness ancient Grecian civilization including, where Greece’s political system began, the Acropolis. The anticipation of basking in the warm Mediterranean environment, which has warm summers and mild winters, is also truly a haven for the travelers who are able to make Greece their destination. However, little do unsuspecting travelers know that the Grecian ecosystem is dwindling away. Unfortunately, the various forms of pollution in the soil, air and detrimental forest fires over the years are some of the triggers to Greece’s dissipating ecosystem. In order to stop this current ecosystem trend,  the Grecian vegetation must be protected. Securing this important natural environment with it’s diverse habitats, water systems, and lush forests is vital.

The diverse ecosystem of Greece provides large populations of trees and other vegetation, but in recent generations the plant life has been negatively affected. Before exploring what ecological problems exist today in the region, a general geographical knowledge of Greece must be understood. The location of Greece lies south of the Balkan Peninsula, and borders the Mediterranean, Ionian and Aegean seas with a population of 11.26 million people (Eurostat, 2008-12).

http://www.greek-islands.us/map-greece/greece-map.gif

Evergreen and Deciduous Forests cover 25.5% (3,359,000 acres) of the land and another 23.9% (3,154,000 hectares) consist of woodlands that are often involved in deforestation (WWF Greece, 2004). Mountains cover 80% of the country and the forests that lie there contain 6,000 large variations of species that are mostly indigenous like the Greek Fir, the Black Pine, and the Birch (Eurostat, 2008-12. par. 3). 

Greek Fir

Black Pine

Birch Forest

These trees add to the exceptional beauty of Greece and are very important because they help maintain the vast ecosystem. A few of the ecological values brought by Greece’s forestry is that they produce oxygen, bind carbon dioxide, act as natural air conditioners, block wind and noise, retain soil, preserve nutrients, and prevent soil erosion (par. 2). Another major part of this ecosystem are the animals that are indigenous to the area. There are numerous endemic species in these forests, but the major forest mammals include: the Red Deer, the Brown Bear, the Golden Jackal, and the Grey Wolf, the Boar and the Badger (par. 3).

Brown Bear

Golden Jackal

Badger

In such a diverse and lush environment, threats are bound to arise. Especially as urban development, tourists, and population increase. Forest fires have become a significant problem that continues today as large portions of forestry in Greece are wiped out.  As a matter a fact, in 2007, a devastating fire in Greece made Time Magazine’s 2011 top 5 devastating wildfires burning approximately 670,000 acres (Rosenfeld, 2011). Fire emissions are highly underestimated and actually “produce significant ozone when mixed with urban pollution” (Tzannatos, 2010).

The wildfire ablaze near the Acropolis

The wildfire close to the historical monuments

In addition, the large production of gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides make what is called ‘acid rain.’ Acid Rain is defined as a large mix of industrial pollutants in rain that become very acidic; even worse than the substance of vinegar ("Acid Rain," 2007). 

According to the governmental Air Pollution Control in the United Kingdom, the effects of acid rain first target trees directly as they “become more vulnerable to disease, weather, and insects” and then indirectly through rain washing the nutrients and good minerals away so the trees cannot use them for growth (Fresh Air, 2012. par. 7). The effects of acid rain from high levels of emissions in the country are detrimental not only to the forests, but also to many important ancient monuments such as the much visited Acropolis found in Athens, Greece.

Pollution in atmosphere present in Athens

Pine tree branch on right not effected by acid rain

Wiped out portions of forestry

Acid rain causes great harm to these ancient buildings made of limestone and sandstone. Limestone and sandstone make the portions of the building to powder off and wash away, which weakens the buildings causing more damage in the last 50 years than ever before (Fresh Air, 2012. par. 7). Acid rain found on marble sculptures also demonstrates the powerful effects of this agent. Once acid rain touches the marble, surface degradation begins as chemical transformation begins to soak up into the monuments and cause cracking or break offs (par. 7).

Sediments washing off and damaging buildings of historical value

Effects of acid rain on marble sculpture

Although these monuments do not add to the ecology of Greece parse, they play an important role in the identity of Greece and its world wide popular intrigue. The beautiful city currently depends on tourism for its upkeep. Greece depends on tourism for somewhere between 15% and 20% of its overall GDP of nearly $350 billion (Karabell, 2011). In order for the ecosystem to be protected, the government must carefully examine the environmental issues alongside the economic ones. Maintaining the invaluable Acropolis in Athens and the large forests and vegetation throughout Greece is vital. Thankfully, there have been measures over the past few years to eliminate the formation of acid rain and pollutants, but more extreme measure must be taken.

Although the city of Greece has several dangerous threats encroaching on the environment, there are several steps that have been taken over time to help protect the unique ecosystem. The effects of Athens pollution clearly became aware in the 1970’s with the rise in the demand for vehicles and electricity (Eurostat, 2008-12).

http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/eea-32-nitrogen-oxides-nox-emissions/eea-32-nitrogen-oxides-nox

 The emission produced by the industry were so bad that laws were put in place ten years later. The laws enacted limited the gas emission release in order to reduce acid rain and other pollutants, but the high emission rates in Greece still remain (Fresh Air, 2011. par. 7).

According to the EEA, pollution causing activities, emission standards and regulations like the “further promotion of natural gas in industry, power supply and residential sector and renewable sources” have been helpful (EEA, 2010).  In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency requires that power plants “install electrostatic precipitators and baghouse filters” to get rid of solid particles (EEA, 2011). Europe has also installed these types of pollutant reducers because they are known to be effective. Besides targeting power plants close to Greece to get rid of emissions, there have been several laws that affect people directly. Just this year in September the government enforced a law that lowers emission in the atmosphere by allowing only low-emission cars to drive in the capital (EEA, 2010). Amongst all these different regulations from the EU to help Greeces environment, national parks play a vital role in salvaging what beautiful trees, lakes, and wildlife remain as well. There are currently ten national parks; an increased number since the 1970’s (WWF Greece, 2011. par. 8).

Parnassos National Park

Samaria National Park

In the same manner, more aggressive measures to educate Greece’s environmental state in the schools should be pursued. Adaptions of wind and solar energy have already taken place and should continue to be developed throughout the country.

Wind Energy Farm in Greece

Martifer Solar Hellas Photovoltaic Plant in Greece

Currently, the Mediterranean Education Initiative for Environment and Sustainability is just one organization that helps teach students the importance of promoting environmental issues and developing new innovative ways people can help make a difference (MEDIES, 2012). By further enforcing MEDIES as well as introducing other environmental friendly educational steps, the threats laid against Greece’s environment will eventually diminish. 

Greece needs to continue improving its environment by strengthening its implemented regulations as well as developing new ones. Incorporating concerns for the environment in economic decisions and teaching the people about good environmental upkeep will profit the country much. As they continue to do this many residents and much needed tourists can enjoy the unique beauty of Greece for many years to come.

Works Cited

"Acid Rain." The Geography Site: Acid Rain. N.p., 4 Sept. 2007. Web. 01 Dec. 2012.

EEA. "Air Pollution: Greece." European Environment Agency (EEA). N.p., 26 Nov. 2010. Web. 01 Dec. 2012.

Eurostat. "Greece's 4th National Communication to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change; Greece's National Allocation Plan for 2008-2012." European Environment Agency Technical Report No. 10/. N.p., Mar. 2006. Web. 1 Dec. 2012.

Fresh Air. "A Serious Environmental Problem: Acid Rain." Effects of Acid Rain. Fresh Air UK, n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2012.

Karabell, Zachary. "What Can You Do To Help Greece? Go There." Business Money What Can You Do To Help Greece. Time, 7 June 2011. Web. 01 Dec. 2012.

MEDIES. "Handbook on Methods Used in Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development." MEDIES. Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development, 2012. Web. 05 Dec. 2012.

Rosenfeld, Everett. "Top 10 Devastating Wildfires." Time. Time, 8 June 2011. Web. 1 Dec. 2012.

Tzannatos, E. "Ship Emissions and Their Externalities for Greece." Atmospheric Environment Journal. 44.18 (2010): 2194-2202. Pages 45-51. Print.

            WWF Greece. "Assessment of the Greek Protected Areas System: From Theory to Practice." World Wildlife Fund Greece, Sept. 2004. Web. 1 Dec. 2012.