2.1.1.e Water scarcity - drought

Because of the increase in intense rainfall , flooding will  increase both in summer and in winter. In the summer, while there might be fewer showers, rainfall will occur with greater intensity (Beniston 2004). Additionally, in the summer the combination of less abundant precipitation and more intense evapotranspiration could mean a regional decrease in water contained in soils along with an increase in water scarcity and drought. Moreover, because of snowpack reduction in the Alps, rivers will dry more frequently, leading to a decrease in seasonal water accumulation. Furthermore, the disappearance of glaciers could lead to more frequent drought during the post-summer periods in these areas. Taking as reason only the over-mentioned decrease of mean rainfall and of the number of rainy days, droughts (similar to the 2003 one) could last longer and be more frequent, in particular during the summer (Frei 2004; Ecoplan/Sigmaplan 2007). The midlands and Jura will be the regions mainly affected (OcCC/ProClim 2007). It should also be pointed out that climate change will cause a decrease not only in water quantity, but also in water. Tourism in Switzerland is dependent on water in many ways: in addition to simply for basic needs, water fills swimming pools and spas, irrigates golf fields and produces energy. Water is also frequently used for artificial snow production (Agrawala 2007). If water becomes scarce, this could create conflicts with others sectors, as for example agriculture or energy production (OcCC/ProClim 2007; Freiburghaus 2009). 

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