 "Castilla y León Landscape")
© Castilla y León
About the region
The region of Castilla y León is situated in the north-western/central part of Spain and is the largest region in the country by size. There are 2.3 million people living in Castilla y León.
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© Castilla y León
Main climate risks
heatwaves
The intensity and frequency of heatwaves are expected to increase across Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, impacting population and economic sectors, particularly agriculture [1]. Rural areas in Castilla y León, which are less adapted to heat, will face more severe effects compared to urban areas [2]. Heat-related mortality is a significant concern, with Spain recording one of the highest rates in Europe [3]. The region's viticulture, which constitutes a major part of the local economy, is also at risk, and policymakers must consider adaptation measures [4].
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© Castilla y León
wildfires
The Iberian Peninsula, including Castilla y León, is a wildfire hotspot, with significant events in the provinces of Zamora and León [5, 6]. Recent wildfires in Sierra de la Culebra, exacerbated by intense heatwaves and dry periods, led to catastrophic consequences such as loss of lives, homes, crops, and damage to protected areas and cultural heritage sites [7].
droughts
Severe droughts are common in the Iberian Peninsula and will worsen due to projected reductions in rainfall and higher temperatures. During recent droughts, 60% of the peninsula was under “alert” conditions, severely impacting crops, soil moisture, and river flow [8]. The Douro/Duero River basin, particularly vulnerable, will require tailored adaptation measures to ensure the sustainability of agriculture and water resources in Castilla y León [9]. The 2024 drought already had negative impacts on crop conditions and vegetation growth [10].
Focus during Pathways2Resilience
During P2R, Castilla y León expressed interest in developing territorial climate adaptation pathways, including multi-level governance framework within the region. In addition to this, water management was indicated as a critical issue for the region.
“Castilla y León is committed to improve the adaptation to climate change at multi-level stage.”
Interesting highlights
The region is working at the assessment of climate risks and strategy about climate change. Moreover, it has been using nature-based solutions at urban areas and schoolyards, considered as vulnerable sector, to improve the adaptation to impacts of climate change. Additionally, it has been developing indicators to assess the climate vulnerability and risk, including climate proofing at infrastructures, and considering equipment and actions to manage the rural areas, such as pastures. And the effects of climate change about health and human wellbeing are being considered.
Regional Resilience Journey
Castilla y León has high preparedness for all RRJ steps.
Castilla y León has equal capacities in all KEC.
Key community systems priority areas
water-management
nature-based-solutions
infrastructure
land-food
health-wellbeing
economy
Key enabling conditions priority areas
finances-resources
governance-engagement-collaboration
behavioural-change