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Regional climate change and adaptation — The Alps facing the challenge of changing water resources: Drawing on the most recent knowledge of climate change impacts in the Alps and experiences across the region, this report analyses the risks that climate change presents to the region's water supply and quality, identifying needs, constraints, opportunities, policy levers and options for adaptation. It extracts policy guidance on adaptation practice and aims to assist regional and local stakeholders in developing robust adaptation strategies. The focus of the report is on water resources and related adaptation, rather than water-related extreme events like floods, avalanches, landslides or mudflows, which are already well covered by existing studies of climate change impacts in the Alps.
Located in Publications
River flow (CLIM 016) - Assessment published Nov 2012: Long-term trends in river flows due to climate change are difficult to detect due to substantial inter annual and decadal variability as well as modifications to natural water flows arising from water abstractions, man-made reservoirs and land-use changes. Nevertheless, increased river flows during winter and lower river flows during summer have been recorded since the 1960s in large parts of Europe. Climate change is projected to result in strong changes in the seasonality of river flows across Europe. Summer flows are projected to decrease in most of Europe, including in regions where annual flows are projected to increase.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › River flow
River flow (CLIM 016) - Assessment published Sep 2008: Over the 20th century, annual river flows showed an increasing trend in northern parts of Europe, with increases mainly in winter, and a slightly decreasing trend in southern parts of Europe. These changes are linked to observed changes in precipitation patterns and temperature. Annual river flow is projected to decrease in southern and south-eastern Europe and increase in northern Europe, but absolute changes remain uncertain. Climate change is projected to result in strong changes in the seasonality of river flows across Europe. Summer flows are projected to decrease in most of Europe, also in regions where annual flows will increase. Regions in southern Europe which already suffer most from water stress are projected to be particularly vulnerable to reductions in water resources due to climate change. This will result in increased competition for available resources.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › River flow
River flow drought (CLIM 018) - Assessment published Nov 2012: Europe has been affected by several major droughts in recent decades, such as the catastrophic drought associated with the 2003 summer heat wave in central parts of the continent and the 2005 drought in the Iberian Peninsula. Severity and frequency of droughts appear to have increased in parts of Europe, in particular in southern Europe. Regions most prone to an increase in drought hazard are southern and south-eastern Europe, but minimum river flows will also decrease significantly in many other parts of the continent, especially in summer.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › River flow drought
The European environment – state and outlook 2010: Synthesis: The SOER 2010 Synthesis provides an overview of the European environment's state, trends and prospects, integrating the main findings of SOER 2010.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Synthesis
Urban environment - SOER 2010 thematic assessment: The global population is congregating in our cities. Eighty per cent of the world’s estimated nine billion people in 2050 are expected to live in urban areas. Our cities and urban areas face many challenges from social to health to environmental. The impacts of cities and urban areas are felt in other regions which supply cities with food, water and energy and absorb pollution and waste. However, the proximity of people, businesses and services associated with the very word ‘city’ means that there are also huge opportunities. Indeed, well designed, well managed urban settings offer a key opportunity for sustainable living.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Thematic assessments
Water Quantity - Location of Streamflow Gauging Stations: This map shows the location of Streamflow Gauging Stations in Europe, overlaid on the WFD RBDs. The map enables the user to view, select and display information on the location and characteristics of streamflow gauging stations across Europe. The stations depicted on the map represent points where discharge (streamflow) is measured (cubic metres per second) on a daily time step, allowing a comparison of the density and coverage of streamflow monitoring networks across Europe.
Located in Environmental topics › Water › Interactive maps and data viewers by category
Water resources: quantity and flows - SOER 2010 thematic assessment: Europe's freshwaters are affected by water scarcity, droughts, floods and physical modifications. Many water bodies are at risk of failing to meet the aim of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) to achieve good status by 2015. Future policies should encourage demand management through actions such as increasing water efficiency. In addition, water management will benefit from applying an ecosystems perspective, using floodplains and groundwater aquifers for storing water, and making room (space) for rivers.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Thematic assessments
Water scarcity and drought events in Europe during the last decade: The map shows the main drought events in Europe in 2002 - 2011
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Waterbase - Quantity monitoring stations: Water quantity monitoring stations
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs