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Switzerland
Summary:
The following country profile is found in the Meister Consultants Group study: Floating Houses and Mosquito Nets: Emerging Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Around the World.
Summary
As in other countries, climate change will lead to extreme weather phenomena in Switzerland, as well as to fundamental changes in the economic and living conditions in the country. Switzerland can serve as a role model with regard to its response to extreme weather phenomena. This is mainly because climate change aggravates challenges associated with Switzerland’s alpine geography; responding to these challenges has always been on the political agenda. During the last few years, Switzerland has shifted its focus from disaster management to preventative measures. Even so, Switzerland is only now beginning to develop a comprehensive strategy for adaptation to climate change (p. 41).
Country Profile
One sector that will be significantly affected by climate change in Switzerland is tourism. It is an important part of the Swiss economy; for many regions in the mountains, tourism is the most important source of income. The loss of reliable snow conditions as well as the increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as avalanches, strong rainfalls, and rock falls (due to melting glaciers and permafrost), threaten the financial stability and long-term viability of tourism. It is possible that summer tourism might benefit, as an increased frequency of heat waves in the Mediterranean countries might induce tourists to prefer the lower temperatures in the mountains.
Swiss forests will also be affected. Rising temperatures foster the emergence of new insect and pest species and hasten the spread of existing ones. In 2003, a heat wave led to a massive infestation by bark beetles. Between 2000 and 2003, the area burned in forest fires has increased from 36 to 564 hectares. Increased frequency of flooding poses additional risks of storms, avalanches, and mud slides. Agriculture is also threatened by extreme weather events. However, global warming might also have positive effects. With longer growing seasons, the productivity of farmlands could increase.
This could make domestic animal feed cheaper, which is advantageous for stock breeding. The potential profits of many crops could rise if simple adaptation measures are implemented. Nevertheless, in case of a temperature increase of more than 3°C the negative effects will likely outweigh any benefits. Not only the tourism-related infrastructure, but the overall infrastructure in the Swiss mountains is at risk from climate change. Roads, bridges, cables and buildings have to be adapted to melting permafrost, retreating glaciers and heavy rainfalls. Especially in river valleys, floods can cause significant damage, because many roads and buildings are built close to water sources.
The Swiss water economy is also affected by climate change. About 60 percent of the Swiss energy demand is met by hydropower. This energy source is highly dependent on the amount, timing and geographic distribution of rainfalls, as well as on the flow rate of the rivers. Therefore, the increasing volatility of rainfall and other weather events will require adaptation measures. Some communities, industries, and farms that depend on the melting water from glaciers will face increased water shortages. The volume of Swiss glaciers has already fallen by about 30 percent since 1970.64 Decreasing rainfalls and increased evaporation reduce the water available for hydropower stations, and thereby can significantly decrease power production. Rising water temperatures fur- ther hamper the cooling facilities of power plants. During two months of the summer heat of 2003, Swiss nuclear plants produced 25 percent less energy due to the lack of cooling water availability.
Source: Dr. Hans-Peter Meister, I. K., Martina Richwein, Wilson Rickerson, Chad Laurent. Additional contributors: Jeff Snell, Elisa Burchert, Florian Lux. (2009). Floating Houses and Mosquito Nets: Emerging Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Around the World. Boston: Meister Consultants Group. p. 41-43.
