Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 9
Converging Threats: Driving Pressures
for Adaptive Capacity
Abstract
Previous studies of adaptive capacity have shown the value in utilising
past climate events to explore the experiences in mobilising adaptive and coping
responses. The case events used in each case study area served as reference points
of climate variability and as useful indications for the impact of extremes in a future,
warmer climate. The exploration of past experiences in relation to climate related
extreme events acted as a means to understand and assess adaptive capacity. This
chapter details the extreme events used as focussing events for the exploration of
adaptive capacity, as well as the attenuating management challenges which frame
the context within which adaptive capacity must be mobilised. This chapter provides
an in depth account of the focussing events, in the context of climate change impact
projections, as based on interview data, archival data and primary research utilising
meteorological and climate model data.
Keywords
Rhône, Canton Valais, Switzerland Aconcagua, Region V, Chile
Exploration of past climatic events Coping and adaptation actions Drought
Flooding
9.1
Switzerland
The climate of the Alpine region is characterised by Beniston (
2004
) as having a
high degree of complexity due to the interactions between the mountains and the
general circulation of the atmosphere. Resulting features of this complexity are the
aforementioned rain shadow effect in the Valais as well as blocking highs and föhn
winds. Precipitation patterns vary according to altitude, sun exposure (which is
greater in the Southern Alps), and dryness of climate (Weingartner
2007
) . To date,
the warming experienced in the Alps since the early 1980s has been roughly three
times as strong as the global climate signal (Beniston et al.
2003
) . Broadly, climate
change impacts in the European Alps will lead to higher winter temperatures and a
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