Resources and sectors of activity

Likely impacts of climate change

Precipitation (general trends)

Changes in precipitation patterns will have impacts on the hydrological system and erosive processes (heavy precipitation alternating with dry periods will increase soil erosion) as well as vegetation.

Water regimes/water quality

­ Increased winter flows (heavy precipitation, flooding) and decreased summer flows by up to 100% due to high evaporation

­ Draught is much more pronounced in July and August (due to greater evapotranspiration)

­ Water pollution problems due to the discharge of untreated wastewater by populations

Agriculture, forestry, biodiversity

­ Modification of the water regime, a determining factor in the medium term for forest stands (forest cover) and the duration of biological activity

­ Possible decrease in soil water content

­ Bour crops will be subject to strong constraints of water availability

­ Lack of water is a problem for livestock (the concentration of livestock around rare water points favors the circulation of various diseases)

­ Decrease in crop and forage production (following droughts)

­ Decrease in forest areas and degradation of forest cover

Tourism

­ Conflicts of use for water resources

­ Decrease in flows and levels favoring eutrophication and various forms of water pollution

­ Drinking water supply conditions could be affected locally

­ Decreased water content of soils will have an impact on the landscape