Climate change and energy

The growing demand for climate-friendly hydropower is increasing pressure on our bodies of water. In residual water stretches located downstream of power plants, a large part of the natural run-off is missing. Hydroelectric power plants also cause unnatural dynamics in watercourses and disrupt fish migration. The basis of life for aquatic organisms is thus severely impaired. Hydroelectric power plants can also reduce the water supply for groundwater, our most important source of drinking water.

If the temperature of the atmosphere rises, bodies of water also warm up. Warmer water means stress for some forms of aquatic life. At the same time, others benefit from the warming. This changes the overall species composition. For example, certain algae, some of which are toxic, can better spread and thus harm other living organisms in and around the water. The circulation of the lakes is also altered. As a result, the time period during which the lakes mix their water from the surface to the bottom of the lake in winter becomes shorter. This can lead to an oxygen deficiency at depth and reduce the supply of nutrients in the upper layers of the water, an adverse impact for a great many fish and other aquatic life.

Heat, drought or extreme precipitation not only cause problems for the environment, but also for us humans, especially in densely built-up cities. Water (blue) in streams, ponds and water basins, as well as plants (green) on roofs, on façades and in green spaces can help cool cities. In order to mitigate the consequences of climate change, there are therefore plans to store more water in urban areas and to manage rainwater and wastewater in a climate-adapted manner.

Eawag observes and studies how environmental changes and the increasing use of water resources affect aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants. It uses models to analyse how lakes, rivers and groundwater could develop in the future under different scenarios. Building on this knowledge, Eawag researchers are developing solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimise the impact of climate change on humans and the environment and make the energy transition sustainable and more climate-friendly.