After the Floods: Saving Spain’s Turtles

Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
2M ago
36 views
Carla leads efforts to protect sea turtles in flood-damaged Valencia as climate change and tourism threaten their nesting habitats. This matters because the survival of the species is at stake due to environmental degradation.
After the Floods: Saving Spain’s Turtles
A What happened
Carla, a 27-year-old environmental lawyer and conservationist, is at the forefront of a battle to protect sea turtles along Valencia's coastline, which has been severely impacted by climate change and mass tourism. The Mediterranean's rising temperatures have led to an influx of turtles seeking nesting sites on Valencia's beaches, but these vital habitats are under threat from unchecked development and recent catastrophic floods. Following the floods of 2024, Carla has taken it upon herself to rally her community to restore the coastline and safeguard turtle nests. With the nesting season coinciding with peak tourism, she urgently seeks volunteers to help protect each nest, emphasizing the critical nature of their efforts for the survival of the species. The documentary
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Key insights

  • 1

    Community Mobilization: Carla rallies local volunteers to protect turtle nests.

  • 2

    Impact of Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures threaten turtle nesting habitats.

  • 3

    Tourism Challenges: Mass tourism exacerbates environmental degradation in Valencia.

Takeaways

Carla's efforts highlight the urgent need for community action in the face of climate change and tourism pressures, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable species like sea turtles.

Topics

Culture & Society Society Climate & Environment Climate Change Wildlife