Climate change - Induced water stress and its impact on natural and managed ecosystems

Jan 2008

Climate change will affect water availability differently in Europe – likely a large decrease in Southern Europe, while an increase in the North. However, the largest increases will be felt where very few people actually live – above 60°N, whereas large populations will be affected by shortages. Indeed, if climate change can be thought of as another ‘consumer’ of water, in some countries it will be a larger consumer than current domestic, industrial and agricultural uses combined.
Agriculture also belongs to the main water users in Europe, using ca. 38% of the total abstracted water. Most irrigation is concentrated in Southern Europe, while rain-fed agriculture is common elsewhere. Both will be affected by climate change, as there will be an increase in irrigation demand at a time when water will in many places be less available.
Biomass production will vary as with agriculture – benefiting somewhat from higher temperatures and CO2 concentrations, but hurt by water scarcity, drought, floods, extreme weather and pests.
If, in the short term, the bioenergy targets stimulate an increased production of crops, such as wheat and oil seed rape for first generation biofuels, negative impacts on biodiversity are likely to result. Owing to the questionable economics of conventionally produced biofuels, there is strong pressure for high yields and thus these crops are likely to be produced in an intensive manner. Nutrient input is generally high for wheat, maize, oilseed rape, and sugar beet, in particular, has a relatively high impact on soil structure as it requires the use of heavy machinery during harvesting.

By: European Parliament - Policy Department Economic and Scientific Policy

 
download this document:   1113 kb
home