(ANSAmed) - MILAN, NOVEMBER 17 - The Mediterranean area could be hit by environmental turnaround in the next fifty years, says Antonio Navarra, director of the Euro Mediterranean Centre for Climate Change, adding that there is a risk of winter rain diminishing by 20% if the region is faced with an increase in temperature. In reality this is not a forecast but a scenario which we have been considering in the light of data in our possession, relating to the presence of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere. This percentage could vary considerably, but we are working on increasing the reliability of these studies. While the scientific community issues warnings, the worlds leaders are divided on the issue, with the United States and China having no intention of cutting their CO2 emissions. Neither of them has denied the problem though. It is clear that more time is needed to confront the needs of everyone. And the meeting in Copenhagen in December will be a step in the right direction, even if there is no agreement, said Navarra. (ANSAmed).