"What future for the Alentejo region (Portugal) in the context of climate change?"

The activity consists of a Case Study dedicated to the topic “What future for the Alentejo region (Portugal) in the context of climate change?”, developed within the Geography curriculum.

The activity involves a case study of the rural region of Alentejo (southern Portugal), relating its physical and human characteristics to climate change. The project will be carried out in groups of four students from the 11th grade, with an average age of 16 to 17, who live in an urban area near Lisbon.

Motivation for the activity begins with researching and reading media news articles and watching videos related to the environmental, economic, demographic, and social problems of Alentejo, one of the most disadvantaged regions in the European Union.

Next, students develop a geographical, economic, and social profile by researching the natural characteristics of Alentejo (soil and climate conditions, relief, river systems, etc.), its main economic activities, and the region’s endogenous potential.

They then produce a current portrait of the region under study, which has long been known for drought and highly irregular rainfall, for economic activities mainly based on intensive irrigated agriculture (e.g. olive and almond groves), and for the role of the Alqueva Dam, built on the Guadiana River shared by the Iberian countries.

During the development of the project, a field trip is carried out to the Alqueva region, including a guided visit to the dam, considered an anchor investment for regional development. Students take photographic and video records and administer surveys—previously designed by them—to the population of the Alqueva region.

Based on the information collected and the characteristics identified, students will identify difficulties, particularly environmental ones, that the Alentejo region faces in a context of climate change. They are also encouraged to propose solutions to mitigate the various problems faced by this geographical area.

The presentation of the projects and conclusions to the school community, supported by digital media, will take place on the school’s annual day, followed by a debate between students and invited guests connected to environmental issues in Portugal. At the end of the debate, a playful mini peddy-paper (treasure hunt) created by the students will be carried out for younger pupils at the school. Assessment and self-assessment of the work developed will be conducted later by the students during Geography classes.