Changes are coming - but what exactly?
Climate projections indicate that extreme events such as dry periods or floods will increase in frequency and intensity. These climatic changes will result in long-term changes in relevant variables of the water balance. However, detailed studies on the sensitivity of the hydrological system are currently missing for many regions in Germany.
Declining Groundwater Levels
Brandenburg features highly permeable aquifers
Regional trend of decreasing groundwater levels
Data showing a decrease of the water-level already from 1960th by up to 50 cm/y
(Hydro-) geological heterogeneitiescomplicate analysis and prediction
Waterdemand
Climate change, demographic shifts, and economic development are increasing the pressure on available water resources and the demand for drinking and process water in Brandenburg.
Climate Scenarios
The future release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases depends on factors such as economic development in different parts of the world, as well as on technological progress and the use of renewable energy sources. Since there are many possible pathways for how these developments might unfold, correspondingly different evolutions of greenhouse gas concentrations are possible.
“Hydrological and climatic stress periods” cause shifts between water demand and supply, leading to conflicts over the allocation of available water resources. Effective adaptation of water use to climate change requires that all competing sectors develop adaptation strategies, that temporary prioritization of water use is implemented, and that risk management and actionable response options are established.
