FAQ · Environment & Climate 31

The Avencas Marine Protected Area, or AMPA, is a marine protected area located on the Atlantic coast in the municipality of Cascais. It stretches along approximately 2.5 kilometers of coastline between São Pedro do Estoril and Parede. This area includes several beaches such as Bafureira and Avencas, as well as rocky platforms, cliff faces, and tide pools. Originally designated as a biophysical interest zone in 1998, it was reclassified and expanded in 2016 to strengthen protection. The current restrictions aim to conserve biodiversity and protect the rocky intertidal habitat.

There are 93 mammal species occurring in Portugal according to the IUCN Red List. Among these species, one is classified as critically endangered and three are considered endangered. Additionally, eleven species are vulnerable and one is near threatened. Rodents represent the largest order of mammals in the country, making up over 40% of the mammalian species. Lagomorphs, such as rabbits and hares, are also present and are considered a separate order from rodents.

One area known for being rich in wildlife is Pateira de Fermentelos. This is a small natural lake located near Aveiro. It stands as one of the largest natural lakes in the Iberian Peninsula. You can also find various lagoons along the Atlantic shores. Examples of these include the Albufeira Lagoon and the Óbidos Lagoon near Foz do Arelho.

The flora in this park is distributed across three geomorphological environments including western barrocal, coastal plateaus, and coastal mountains or ravines. You will find a mixture of Mediterranean, North-Atlantic, and African vegetation, though Mediterranean types predominate. There are approximately 750 species present, with over 100 being endemic, rare, or localized. Some species are even unique to this specific area and do not exist anywhere else in the world. The natural tree species are dominated by cork oaks and cerquinho oaks, while introduced species include maritime pines, eucalyptus, and acacias.

The area around Cape Espichel is rich in various types of marine fossils. Visitors can find diverse ichnofossils as well as various types of marine coral and mollusk fossils. These are located within strata of Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous age. The cliff faces consist of limestone, clayey limestone, marl, and sandstone deposited in different coastal environments. These geological layers are displayed along the western cliff faces as a natural cross-section.

Pollen analysis confirms that the Iron Age was a period of intense deforestation in Northern Portugal and Galicia. During this time, meadows and fields expanded at the expense of woodland. The inhabitants used axes for woodcutting alongside tools like ploughs, sickles, and hoes. This process supported the growth of various cereals and vegetables for the local economy. Such land changes were part of a shift toward an economy based on necessity goods.

Climate change in Portugal is causing rising temperatures and longer-lasting heat waves. The country is experiencing decreases in average rainfall alongside an increase in the number of extremely rainy days, which leads to droughts and floods. Additionally, rising sea levels threaten many coastal populations. Portugal is also among the countries worst affected by wild fires. In 2023, the country emitted around 339 million tonnes of greenhouse gases.

Portugal is working towards becoming climate neutral by 2050 and aims to cover 80% of its electricity consumption with renewables by 2030. The country has moved away from coal, with the last coal power plant closing on 19 November 2021. Renewable sources used in the country include biomass, hydropower, wind power, solar power, and geothermal energy. In the Azores, geothermal energy accounts for 24% of the energy produced. These efforts aim to make the country almost completely reliant on renewable energy in the coming years.

In 2023, Portugal emitted approximately 339 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. This amount is equivalent to about 5 tonnes per person. These emissions represent around 1% of the global total emissions. The country is also dealing with environmental issues such as air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions. Climate change in the region is leading to rising temperatures and longer-lasting heat waves.

Quercus is a Portuguese environmental organization that has campaigned for the reduction and correct processing of different kinds of waste in Portugal. As a non-profit national environment organization, it works to create awareness about the environmental problems the country faces. They also present more environmentally friendly options to the public. Their actions include presenting these issues through formal complaints in Portuguese and European courts regarding unlawful actions against the environment.

Water supply in Portugal is continuous except during periods of drought. However, drinking water quality is not consistently good, particularly in smaller systems. The country does not comply with several EU drinking water parameters, such as iron, manganese, and various coliforms. Additionally, Portugal does not yet fully comply with EU regulations regarding wastewater discharges. Even where treatment plants exist, they do not always function properly, especially in cities with combined sewers after heavy rains.

During the conflict in 1961, Portugal viewed the loss of Goa as an aggression against its national soil and its own citizens. Prime Minister Salazar maintained that Goa was a province of Portugal that was as integral to the nation as the Algarve. He asserted that the residents of Goa held Portuguese citizenship with full rights. This included the ability to access all governmental posts and earn a living in any part of the Portuguese territories. The debate centered on whether the territory was an integral part of the nation or a colonial possession.

Portugal faces very high wildfire risks when temperatures reach extreme levels such as 42 °C. Yellow weather warnings were expanded to all districts due to significant public health concerns and these fire risks. During July, over 14,000 hectares of forest burned down across the country. The North region was the area hardest hit by these fires. Additionally, a large forest fire impacted the municipality of Valpaços in Vila Real on 29 July.

A massive earthquake struck Lisbon on November 1, 1755, at 9:20 am. This event was followed by a tsunami and a fire that resulted in the near-total destruction of the city. Up to 90,000 people were killed out of a population of 275,000. Approximately eighty-five percent of the buildings in Lisbon were destroyed during the catastrophe. The disaster also impacted the country's 18th century colonial ambitions and political tensions.

The deadliest flood in Portugal occurred on 25 and 26 November 1967 in the Lisbon metropolitan area. This event resulted in 500 to 700 deaths, which accounts for more than half of all the nation's flooding fatalities in 100 years. It was the deadliest natural hazard in the country since the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The flash floods were caused by heavy rainfall and a high tide that caused river levels to rise significantly. Many people were caught by surprise because no flood alert system existed at that time.

Portugal is one of the warmest and sunniest countries in Europe. Snow is common in the winter within the mountainous areas of the north. This occurs especially in Serra da Estrela, which is one of the highest mountains in the north. However, the snow melts quickly once the season is over. Temperatures further inland can reach several degrees below 0 °C.

The highest point on the island is known as Morro dos Homens. This peak crowns the southern rim of the Caldeirão. It reaches an altitude of 718 m above sea level. The island itself was formed from a central volcano called Monte Gorde. This geological structure emerged approximately 730,000 years ago.

Portugal is located on the Mediterranean Basin, which is the third most diverse hotspot of flora in the world. Because of its position between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the country has high levels of biodiversity both on land and at sea. It contains six different terrestrial ecoregions, ranging from temperate mixed forests to Mediterranean sclerophyllous forests. Over 22% of the land area is part of the Natura 2000 network, which includes many special conservation areas. However, the introduction of exotic species poses a challenge to native habitats across the country.

Portugal has several species that are considered invasive by investigators. Some of these species, such as the Asian clam, Chinese mitten crab, and Colorado potato beetle, hold a specific legal status as invasive species. Other examples include the Argentine ant, signal crayfish, and the red swamp crawfish. Certain species like the cottony cushion scale or the Japanese beetle are also noted. Additionally, some species are classified as invasive specifically in Madeira.

Zoomarine has faced significant criticism from animal welfare authorities and conservation groups regarding its treatment of dolphins. In 2015, a reality show production was suspended because it was considered potentially harmful to the dolphins and contrary to protection norms for animals in captivity. A 2019 report by World Animal Protection highlighted suffering and the use of circus-style tricks involving the animals. Additionally, reports have noted that dolphins face constant stress and controversial training methods like food restriction. These issues have led to strong mobilization from various animal rights organizations against using animals for human entertainment.

Historically, intense hunting contributed to the reduction of various mammalian populations across the country. Species such as the red deer, Iberian ibex, wild boar, red fox, Iberian wolf, and Iberian lynx were once widespread but saw their numbers decline during the 19th and 20th centuries. This decline was also driven by habitat degradation and pressures from agriculture and livestock. Some mammalian species, such as the Portuguese ibex, even became extinct due to these factors. However, certain species like the Iberian hare are currently re-expanding their native range.

Fishing is a major economic activity in Portugal with a very long tradition. The country has one of the highest fish consumption rates per capita in the world. The sector is divided into industrial fishing and artisanal fishing, with artisanal fishers making up nearly 75% of the fleet. Additionally, both freshwater and marine aquaculture are well-established throughout the country. This includes everything from shellfish and marine fin-fish to trout and micro-algae.

There are several active scientific and conservation initiatives taking place across the country. In the Alentejo region, an expedition was carried out to reintroduce endangered Sorraia horses to a ranch in Vila Viçosa. Additionally, the DinoDawn Expedition is conducting paleontological digs in the Algarve region to search for early dinosaurs and mammal ancestors in Triassic rocks. This research involves excavating sites in the municipality of Loulé, including a bone bed at Fonte Santa. These efforts are supported by various organizations such as The Explorers Club and the Instituto Superior Técnico.

Miss Queen Portugal is a local pageant that focuses on environmental causes. This organization follows the platform of the Miss Earth Foundation. The winner of Miss Queen Portugal serves as the Portuguese representative in the Miss Earth pageant. This competition is considered one of the Big Four international beauty pageants in the world. It operates under the CNB Portugal organization which has managed the Miss Portugal brand since 2022.

Monsanto Forest Park is the largest green space in Lisbon, covering over 900 hectares. This municipal forest offers a well diversified tree-covered area to the Portuguese capital. Within the park, you can find the Ecological Park of Lisbon, which serves as a meeting point for contact with the environment. This ecological area aims to make visitors aware of variables such as geology, climate, flora, and fauna. It also includes an Interpretation Centre with an auditorium and exhibition spaces.

The Coral de Letras da Universidade do Porto (CLUP) is a Portuguese choir based in the city of Porto. It was founded in 1966 by maestro José Luís Borges Coelho, who led the group for over 50 years. Since 2023, the choir has been under the direction of Pedro Guedes Marques. The group performs a cappella repertoire from many different eras and styles. While they perform international works, Portuguese music holds a prominent place in their programs.

While there are no active glaciers, ancient glaciers played a role in the country's geography. Several small freshwater lakes in Portugal were formed from these ancient glaciers. The most notable examples of these glacial lakes are located in the Serra da Estrela mountains. These include Lake Comprida and Lake Escura. These sites serve as important natural features within the mainland landscape.

Alagoas Brancas is a small seasonal wetland located near the city of Lagoa in the Algarve. The area is a popular destination for birdwatchers and is known for large masses of white Ranunculus flowers that appear on the surface in spring. This wetland is the last remaining remnant of a larger area that gave the city of Lagoa its name. Although it was scheduled for construction as a retail park, the project was cancelled in 2023 following public protest and the discovery of rare aquatic plant communities. In 2024, the Lagoa municipality purchased the area with support from Portuguese Government environmental funds.

The AdP Group is the largest entity operating in the environmental sector in Portugal. Their core activity involves the integrated management of the urban water cycle. This includes the collection, transport, treatment, and disposal of urban and industrial wastewaters. Their services also encompass the recycling and reutilisation of these waters. The group currently provides services to over 80% of the Portuguese population.

Since 1 July 2021, shops in Portugal may not give away checkout bags free of charge, whether the bag is plastic or another material, under Decree-Law 102-D/2020. From 1 November 2021 the same guide says single-use plastic cotton buds, cutlery, plates, straws and balloon sticks, plus expanded-polystyrene cups and food containers, may no longer be placed on the market. Restaurants and hotels must offer tap water in a non-disposable cup, may not serve meals eaten on the premises with plastic cups, plates and cutlery, and must accept a customer's own container for take-away food. Decree-Law 69/2021 of 30 July banned the sale of cosmetics, personal-care products, detergents and cleaners that contain manufactured plastic microbeads, meaning particles smaller than five millimetres. These steps follow Directive 2019/904, whose aim is to cut the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, especially water, and on human health. The October 2021 guide presents the change as gradual, so that makers, shops and buyers can adjust.

The Portuguese Environment Agency's water page, updated on 9 November 2026, calls hydrological drought a natural hazard set off by a very significant fall in precipitation. On that date, reservoirs across the monitored basins held 70 percent of their storage, and six basins were below their monthly average in October 2026. The drought index, last calculated for September 2026, showed five active alerts. Ribeiras do Oeste was at extreme drought and the Lima basin at severe drought, while the Mondego and Vouga basins were moderate and the Cávado basin was slight. The Lima basin was storing 36 percent of capacity against a monthly average of 57 percent, and the Ave basin 45 percent against an average of 63 percent. The index itself is worked out at the end of each month, and the page invites people affected by drought to file a report.