Report Working Sessions- Impacts of Climate Change relevant to the WFD Workshop River Basin Management Plans & Climate Change 21 November 2007

1. Main impacts of climate change Water temperature: Blue; Black, Green; Pink; Red; Yellow River flow (annual & seasonal); glaciers; snowmelt/storage – groundwater recharge; water availability: Blue; Black; Green; Pink; Red ; Yellow Frequency and intensity of extreme events floods: Blue; Black; Green; Pink ; Yellow water scarcity & droughts: Blue; Black; Green; Pink ; Yellow Change in pollution load/water quality : Blue; Black; Green; Pink; Red ; Yellow Effects in aquatic ecosystems Loss of species and protected areas (e.g. loss of wetlands): Blue; Black; Green; Pink; Red ; Yellow Changes in eco-regions (northward movement); Blue; Black Alien – invasive species: Red

1. Main impacts of climate change Sectors and other issues Hydropower: Green, black, Pink; Red Cooling water for power plants: Green, black, Pink; Red; Yellow Navigation: Pink; Red; Yellow Water supply/Water resource management plans: Green, black; Red; Yellow Infrastructure: Green, black Sea level rise; salt water intrusion; coastal erosion : Green, black; Pink Land use changes: Yellow Regional differences

Lake and river temperature Higher air temperatures lead to higher water temperatures. During last century the water temperature of European rivers and lakes has increased by 1-3 °C

Climate change: Change in seasonal flow Change in daily average river flow between 2071-2100 (blue line) and 1961-1990 (black line). Rhône Danube Indalselven Guadiana Source: JRC 2007

Source: Environment Agency 2007 Caker Stream This is a chalk fed tributary of the River Wey that was dry during the drought of 2006. 2006 2007 Source: Environment Agency 2007 http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waterres/1014767/1131486/?version=1&lang=_e

Is this the situation in European waters?

Change in pollution load Swedish catchment: nitrogen load Tonnes/km2 Current Future Source: På tal om Vatten

1. Main impacts of climate change Blue group Longer drought periods in summer Longer periods of low flow Reduced water availability Higher water temperatures Flash Floods, more frequent extreme floods, storm surges

Etcetera Blue group water quality effects, o.a. on physical-chemical conditions reduced groundwater recharge in some regions, more pronounced fluctuations in groundwater levels in others changes of water related ecosystems, changes in the species composition Regional differences