Farmers have made use of the mild winters that allow crops to grow throughout the year in places with mediterranean climates. The dry summers however pose problems so many irrigation schemes have been developed.

The dry, hot and sunny climate has been very attractive to holidaymakers and tourism is now the main industry in areas such as Majorca and the Algarve. This in turn has led to worries about pollution with increased sewage and pressure on water supplies. Again there is the conflict between the wish for development with the economic benefits it brings, and the need to look after the environment.