Studien zum Klimawandel in Österreich ‒ Wasser und Wirtschaft im Klimawandel

Even though the population of Austria considers its plenitude of water nearly part of its national identity, only about 3% of the available water is used. In addition, there are large regional differences regarding the vulnerability to fluctuations in local water supplies through rainfall and other parameters, in part caused by global climate changes. In parts of Lower Austria, Burgenland and eastern Styria, the massive quaternary gravel deposits from the large fluvia-glacial valleys (Murtal, Drautal, Donautal), famous as excellent ground water conductors, are lacking. As well, some of these areas are considered "water poor" districts, as they show the effects of many years of evaporation exceeding the average rainfall. If intensive economic growth occurs in such areas, especially in industries requiring large amounts of water, the water supplies are seriously endangered and the predicted climate changes must be considered a concrete threat to the further social-economic growth of the region and its population. This volume examines these questions as based on a particular region. Eastern Styria, with a population of about 300,000, its booming tourist trade in spas, and altogether a high financial dynamism, can serve as an excellent model for the economic implications of global warming. In addition to taking decisive measures against global warming, our society also needs forward-looking politics that adapt to the clearly evident changes. This volume appraises the different means of securing the water resources in Eastern Styria as a basis for life and the economy.