Ice and snow on the retreat: what climate change means for our water
Artificial snow slopes wind their way through green forests and meadows. Last winter once again took a heavy toll on ski resorts. But climate change is not only a major challenge for tourism. If it is too mild and dry during the cold season, this also has a negative impact on the water balance. "The snow cover fulfils an important function. When it melts in spring, it supplies the rivers and replenishes the groundwater," says Wolfgang Schöner from the Department of Geography and Regional Science at the University of Graz. The researcher is involved in a new study on the effects of climate change on Austria's water management. The study was commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (BML).