This book deals with the present-day environmental and demographic, economic and sociological trends in the Mediterranean area with particular emphasis on the possible impact of climatic change and corresponding sea-level rise. A 1.5°C increase in temperature would lead to a major increase in land degradation, deterioration of water resources, decline in agricultural production and damage to natural, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The future impacts on Mediterranean society of non-climatic factors (e.g. population increases and present development plans) may far exceed the direct impacts of, climate change. Non-climate factors will cause continuous increases in society's vulnerability to climatic stress, particularly in the South. Together, these demographic and climatic changes should increase the probability of catastrophic events and hasten their occurrence.