The Canary Islands are an archipelago off the coast of southern Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean. One of Spain’s autonomous communities, the seven islands lie in the transition zone between tropical and temperate regions (Climate Change Adaptation Strategy). They generally have a subtropical climate, although there is variation among the islands. The archipelago’s main natural hazards are volcanism, riverine and coastal flooding, landslides, and wildfires particularly during the summer months (Ferrer and Herrera, 2024). Populations are highly concentrated in urban areas across the islands (but mainly Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife), which, along with limited resources and isolation, make communities more vulnerable to disasters (ibid.).  

In terms of climate threats, rising temperatures are expected to increase both the duration and severity of droughts by the end of the twenty-first century, particularly in higher-elevation areas. (Carrillo et al., 2023). Heatwaves and Saharan dust events are also expected to increase as the climate warms, posing a threat to human health and to the islands’ flora and fauna (Hernandez et al., 2018). 

The islands are making climate adaptation plans, such as the one adopted by Gran Canaria, which promotes projects reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and protecting biodiversity and coastlines.