Impacts of climate change in the Swiss Alps Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Impacts of climate change in the Swiss Alps Deck (5)
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1
Q

Flooding and Landslides

A
  • Switzerland = almost all glaciers retreating
  • Summer = melting
  • Water can be ponded-up behind debris dams and suddenly release.
  • F and L hit village of Saas Balen = 3 times in past 50 years.
2
Q

Melting permafrost

A
  • Permafrost covers 5% of Switzerland
  • Predicted = thawing = threat of rock avalanches and mudslides
  • Under threat; mountain communities, cable cars, chair lifts (anchored in permafrost)
  • Ski lifts on Titlis Glacier = repositioned 3-4 times every year.
3
Q

Ecosystems

A
  • Alpine = predicted to change as climate warms
  • Rise in temp of 1 degree = treeline pushed up by 100m
  • Specialised flora and fauna = extinct
  • Habitats will change
  • Species threatened
4
Q

Economic costs

A
  • Swiss National Research Programme
  • ‘Rise in temps of 2 degrees’ = CHF 3 billion a year
  • Affecting winter tourism
  • Expensive measures implemented = increased flooding and other natural disasters
5
Q

Ski industry

A
  • Swiss National Science Foundation
  • 2050 = resorts (62%) at 1500m only offer skiing for at least 100 days
  • Currently = 1200m (85%)
  • Low altitude resorts suffering - decrease tourists + local businesses closing