2.1.1.f Scenic beauty

Higher temperatures will affect in particular High-Alps’ landscape. Many aspects of landscape, such as glaciers (already seen above), vegetation and soil, will be particularly affected. Flora and fauna will adapt to new conditions, but some natural processes, like forest growth, only take place slowly. Therefore, many effects will appear only after a considerable delay. Vegetation belts will move upwards. The tree line could theoretically rise 400 m,  assuming the expected 2°C rise for 2050[1]. Because of shifts to higher altitudes, low competitiveness, or inability to migrate, many species (in particular Alpine flora) are expected to disappear (Kienast 1998; Guisan and Theurillat 2000). In addition, there will be an increased inflow of non-native species into Switzerland (OcCC/ProClim 2007; Pauchard, Kueffer et al. 2009) and changes in fauna’s behaviour. For example, bird species that were once migratory already now overwinter in Switzerland (OcCC/ProClim 2007). With a high temperature increase, desertification could occur in the inner Alpine dry valleys if no water resistant plants immigrate (Zimmermann, Bolliger et al. 2006). Vallis, for example, could see some desertification in the time horizon of 2100. All these aspects will affect the landscape and consequently scenic beauty. Changes in scenic beauty could have an effect on tourism flow, both as a risk and as a chance (Scott and McBoyle 2007). Some regions could become more attractive, while others would be less so.

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[1] It has to be kept on mind, however, that in reality actual treeline advance is considerably time-lagged behind the evolution of the climatic treeline due to the slow regeneration process and anthropogenic influences (mostly due to the reduction of alpine farming activities) (Gehrig-Fasel 2007). For example, many alpine meadows exist not because of climate conditions and vegetation belts, but because of pasture. With a retreat of alpine exploitation by agriculture, these open spaces will disappear as well.