According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report from 2007, there are some dire predictions for most of the continents on Earth, with devastating consequences for human health and ecosystem health. Zurich, Switzerland is no exception. There are many changes that are projected to take place. As with many regions of the world the temperatures are expected to rise. Precipitation is expected to decline, which means less accumulated snow pack, a source of fresh water for the lakes and rivers in the region. Glacial retreat is also happening at an alarming rate,and is expected to continue with further warming. The ecosystems in the alpine regions greatly depend on cold temperatures to maintain their natural processes. Disturbing this system could be catastrophic.
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| This is the Rhone Glacier. Studies
estimate these glaciers are losing a meter of thickness every year.
Source:
http://www.ethlife.ethz.ch/archive_articles/100607_Gletscher_su/index_EN |
Increases in severe weather are also expected in the region. While precipitation is expected to decline many places will see more frequent heavy rains. This is dangerous to the region because heavier rains cause damage to crops and accelerate soil degradation. With higher temperatures and less precipitation, wildfires tend to be more common. Without trees in the area to maintain soil health, landslides generally result. Switzerland is a mountainous region and with heavy rains, no trees, and steep landscapes, slope instability can be costly. Zurich, as with many Swiss cities is located at the edge of a lake. With heavy rain events Lake Zurich is at a greater risk of flooding. Flood events have increased 25% from 1950-2005. This is partially due to human encroachment on flood plains. Another extreme event that could increase is the occurrence of heat waves. European cities have been experiencing record breaking heat waves in the last few years that have resulted in many lost lives. In Zurich where temperatures are typically cooler than many other cities in Western Europe heat waves are less deadly, but this could change with continued temperature increase.
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| The sprawl of city development increases the urban heat island effect, exacerbating heat waves when they occur. Source: http://www.thenotquitedailydispatch.com/2009/09/25/hit-in-the-head-by-hail-in-a-heatwave/ |
A factor that could make these events more deadly is that much of Europe
has an aging population. Elderly people tend to be more vulnerable in
the face of these issues.
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| Population pyramid year 2010. Source: http://www.nationmaster.com/country/sz-switzerland/Age-_distribution |
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| Population pyramid year 2050, showing a much higher percentage of elderly people. Source: http://www.nationmaster.com/country/sz-switzerland/Age-_distribution |
The result of climate change and extreme events will no doubt have serious impacts on the local economy. Switzerland relies heavily on tourist dollars, for the ski industry, summer hiking, wildlife viewing, and city strolling. With less snow pack accumulation in the Alps the ski industry will suffer, much as it did this season in the Colorado Rockies.
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| Source: http://www.swissworld.org |
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| Source: http://www.swissworld.org |
Hiking and viewing wildlife could be affected with climate change as well. If increased temperatures, lack of fresh water, and increased extreme weather events, the local biodiversity could be highly at risk. However in recent years there have been populations of bears moving into the Austrian-Swiss Alps. The wildlife may be different than it is today, but hopefully there will be areas remote enough to avoid human impacts.
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| Source: http://www.swissworld.org |
Fortunately for the local economy, and the future of the nation, Switzerland is among the top in the world of future thinking in terms of climate change. Zurich is the source of many new environmentally friendly technologies. They are investing economically and academically in the future of the global environment. Many meteorological schools come out of Switzerland to research the effects of climate change. In Switzerland new practices of living are being implemented regularly to combat the anthropological impacts on climate. This region is naturally very windy and they have been taking advantage of that fact with wind farms. There are also large fields of solar panels to help provide energy for residents. The Foundation For Global Sustainability is based in Zurich and they work on solutions to agriculture, urban planning, mobility, energy, and waste disposal. Zurich is highly developed, they have incredible adaptive capacity, and will no doubt thrive regardless of the effects of climate change. More likely than suffer, they will be instrumental in helping others solve their local problems.
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| Source: http://www.swissworld.org |
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| Source: http://www.swissworld.org |
Tourism will never die in a country like Switzerland. Although the ski and snowboard industry may suffer from a lack of snow, there will always be beautiful scenery. Aside from the cheese and chocolate, the hiking and rock climbing will be awe inspiring no matter what!!
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| Source: http://www.swissworld.org |
