Doctor in Physical Geography and Research Professor at the Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (CSIC), his scientific activity has focused on climate variability and its impacts, and his contribution to better knowledge of droughts is internationally recognized. The relevance of her contributions has been recognized by the jury in the fifth edition of the ACES-Margarita Salas awards, in the Chemistry and Environmental Sciences category. An award promoted by the Association of Spanish Scientists in Sweden and sponsored by the Margarita Salas Foundation and the Spanish Embassy in Sweden, to recognize the international contribution and impact on scientific knowledge of Spanish researchers.
How different was knowledge about droughts a few years ago compared to today?
We usually talk about drought in a generic way, but we have to start from the fact that it is probably the most difficult hydroclimatic phenomenon to quantify. Much more, for example, than extreme rainfall, floods or other phenomena. It is very difficult to determine when a drought episode begins or ends and the severity. Now we have more knowledge of the mechanisms that give rise to droughts, the variability and the changes that are occurring, fundamentally associated with the processes of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions that we are releasing into the atmosphere. With this better knowledge, better planning, adaptation, etc. decisions can be made.
What would they be…
Long-term decisions from an agricultural, hydrological or environmental point of view.
What type of drought affects us most socially?
There is a change over time. Historically, in Spain they were mainly affected by agricultural droughts, because until the middle of the last century that sector had a great weight and the availability of water in the form of rain was essential for agricultural production. In the 50s and 60s, with economic development, agriculture began to lose weight, society became more urban and the availability of water in reservoirs and aquifers clearly had the most weight, from a socioeconomic point of view, for urban supplies and, above all, for irrigation.
In large cities, since water always comes out of the tap, the population barely notices the droughts.
Certainly. There has to be a very prolonged drought for there to be any restrictions, like those that existed in the 90s, when the use of water was not protocolized; Now, there are very clear indicators and protocols. Planning work has been done and it has been done very well. In these situations, the problem we have is with irrigation, which is very oversized and requires very deep reflection. From the point of view of water demand, it is a very real problem that we have in our country. And it is a truly very complex socioeconomic issue, because it is a very important sector in some areas. Reflection also very necessary on forest management issues.
In what sense?
Forests need a lot of water and Spain is the third country in forest area in Europe. We cannot have them abandoned nor expect to clear the country every year. It is not viable. Yes, we can use knowledge, clear some parts so that livestock can enter and maintain them, and create mosaic landscapes.
Speaking of science, little is said about the level of Spanish scientists, which is very high and internationally recognized, as in your case.
In Spain, science is very creative and, indeed, makes very important advances. Climate science, and environmental science in general, has enormous weight. Also in knowledge transfer and application. For example, for the development of monitoring systems that serve society to prevent events and for better planning. In my case, I think I have the best job in the world and, honestly, I am overwhelmed by the recognition I have received.