Climate Change Threatens Millions of Jobs in Morocco’s Blue Economy

Morocco’s blue economy, a key sector for job creation, faces serious risks from climate change as rising temperatures and coastal erosion could slash up to 32% of tourism jobs by 2035, threatening the country’s coastline which generates nearly 60% of its GDP.
The blue economy already generates around 50 million jobs across Africa, and this figure is expected to grow to 78 million by 2063. In Morocco, sectors like fisheries, maritime shipping, and coastal tourism are key contributors.
However, climate change is putting this potential at risk. Morocco’s coastline is vulnerable, with coastal erosion averaging 14 cm per year on the Mediterranean coast and 12 cm on the Atlantic. This rate is nearly double the global average, leading to a growing threat to infrastructure and local livelihoods.
In addition to erosion, rising temperatures are projected to hit 40°C by 2032, making the Mediterranean region, including Morocco, too hot for tourists. Studies show that nearly 70% of tourists would change destinations if temperatures became uncomfortable, severely impacting coastal tourism.
A recent World Bank study warns that the number of tourists could drop by 8–18% by 2035 due to climate change. This could lead to a 14–32% loss of jobs in hotels and restaurants, while other sectors like transportation [NOT TRANSPORT!]and entertainment would also be heavily affected.
Smaller businesses are especially vulnerable. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) may struggle to survive the economic shocks caused by climate change, especially in coastal areas dependent on tourism income.
To address these challenges, Morocco is investing in climate resilience measures. The government is working with the World Bank’s Blue Economy Program for Results to support sustainable practices, such as installing solar panels in tourism enterprises and restoring coastal forests to protect against erosion.
Building climate resilience in Morocco’s blue economy is critical to securing jobs and ensuring sustainable growth in the face of increasing environmental challenges. Without these efforts, the country risks losing vital sectors and economic stability as climate change intensifies.