Author:
Prof. Dr. Sherif LUSHAJ1,
Anira GJONI2,
Enkelejda KUCAJ2
Affiliation:
1POLIS University, Albania
2Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania
Abstract
Drought is an extreme weather condition marked by prolonged periods of no precipitation and dry weather. It affects the hydrological balance, soil moisture, temperature, water supply, and river flow rates. Land degradation, biodiversity loss, and significant economic sectors are negatively impacted. Despite its small size, Albania is distinguished by its separation into 13 subzones and 4 phytoclimatic zones, which exhibit noticeable variances in terms of climate indicators and ex- treme weather occurrences. The seasonality of the yearly rainfall, which falls 80% of the time between October and April, the dry summer, and human activities that harm the environment are further factors contributing to drought in Albania. Albania is one of the nations whose dry and semi-arid regions, which make up around two-thirds of its surface, are experiencing drought and the desertification process. Even on a worldwide scale, nearly one-third of the land is degrading. When compared to the 30-year average, meteorological data from Albania suggest that climate change, the phenomenon of drought, and land desertification are increasing. Therefore, in 2020, the amount of precipitation was 14.4% less at 10 meteorological stations around the nation, and the average maximum temperatures increased by +2.8°C, over the multi-year average of 1961–1990. As a result of the escalation and disastrous effects of drought, climate change is considered a “hot” topic that has attracted the attention of governments, institutions worldwide, and international organizations. This will be done through an in-depth analysis of indicators and indices of climate, hydrological and meteorological drought, exposed economic sectors, and land. Additionally, the key findings of the reduction of environmental, ecological, and agricultural drought, adaptation to climate change in relation to drought protection for the soil, and in particular for agricultural land, will be highlighted.
References:
[1] Tallaksen, L. M., van Lanen, H. A. J. (Eds.), 2004. Hydrological Drought: Processes and Estimation Water Sci. 48, Elsevier, Amsterdam
[2] Barbosa P., Masante D., Arias Muñoz C., Cammalleri C., De Jager, A., Magni D., Mazz- eschi M., McCormick N., Naumann G., Spinoni, J, Vogt, J-JRC, 2021, TECHNICAL REPORT, Droughts in Europe and Worldwide 2019-2020,
[3] Lushaj Sh, Aliaj B, 2018 “Th rol of Green and Landscape Planning in urban policies: the case of Tirana” publication on the procensing of TAW 2018 International scientific Conference, Polis PRESS –ISBN 9789928 4459 40), pages 139-1510.
[4] Kucaj E., Osmani M., Phytostabilization Potential of Salix alba as Biomonitors of Heavy Metals in Soil Pollution near the Erzeni Riverbank. International Journal of Environmen- tal Science and Development. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development (IJESD), ISSN: 2010-0264, Scopus.DOI: 10.18178/ijesd.2023.14.1.1411, Vol.14 No. 1, 2023. pp.30- 36.
[5] Kucaj E., Osmani M., Assessment of Physico‐Chemical Characteristics of Lana, Tirana and Ishmi Rivers Using IDW Interpolation. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development (IJESD), ISSN: 2010-0264, Scopus.DOI: 10.18178/ijesd.2022.13.6.1397, Vol.13 No. 6, 2022. pp. 223-230.
[6] Akademia e Shkencave, Instituti Hidrometeorologjik, 1975, Klima e Shqipërisë
[7] Akademia e Shkencave, Instituti Hidrometeorologjik, 1975 Atlasi Klimatik i RPSSH, Korrik 2021 Albania’s First Biennial Update Report.
[8] Instituti Gjeoshkencave, 2020-2021, te dhena meteorologjike.
[9] Christensen, J., Christensen, O., 2007. ‘A summary of the PRUDENCE model projec- tions of changes in European climate by the end of this century’. Climatic Change 81, 7-30.
[10] Dhima K, Gjergji LL, 1980, “Report of experimental tests of the effectiveness of irriga- tion in agricultural crops”.
[11] IPCC Special Report on Climate Change, Desertification, Land Degradation, Sustaina- ble Land Management, Food Security, and Greenhouse gas fluxes in Terrestrial Ecosystems, 2021. [12] Kucaj E, 2022 Monograph “Rehabilitation Technology for the Protection of the Erzen River from Erosion”. Toena Publications,Tirana 2022, ISBN: 978 9928 376 28 2.
[13] Lushaj Sh, Laze P, Kovaci V, Dukoli S, Lleshi B, Dhimitri A, Cukalla M, Mema I, Caushi A, Xhelepi S, Bogdani M, Kurteshi F, Dedej Z, Qokaj A, 2004, “ Study reports for each watershed: “Assessment of the consequences of the environmental impact, hydrodynamic problems and re- habilitation of the condition of all riverbeds in the watersheds” Drin - Bune, Seman, Mat, Vjosë, Erzen, Shkumbin.” me VKM nr.760, datë 13.11.2003).
[14] Lushaj Sh, Toto R, 2018 ”The final report of the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Local General Plan, Dropull Municipality”
[15] Lushaj Sh, 2021 ““Salinization of agricultural land in the coastal area Lushnje-Vlore and measures to prevent further salinization” (Lushaj Sh, 2021, Raport)
[16] OBM, 2016, Buletini, Handbook of Drought Indicators and Indices,
[17] Vörösmarty, C.J., Green, P., Salisbury, J., Lammers, R. B., 2000. Global water resources: vulnerability from climate change and population growth. Science 289, 284-288
[18] Albania (2018). National Strategy of Water Resources Integrated Management 2018– 2027. URL: http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/ pdf/alb181221.pdf
[19] Ciardini, V. et al. (2016). Global and Mediterranean climate change: a short summary. Annali. 52(3). URL: https://annali-iss.eu/ index.php/anna/article/view/471
[20] Office of Policy Development And Research, “The Role of Housing in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”. Summer 2022. https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/Sum- mer22/
[21] UNDP (2016). Risk-Proofing the Western Balkans. URL: http://hdr.undp.org/sites/de- fault/files/risk_proofing_the_western_ balkans.pdf
