Cleeves, Maike Susan (2023) Prevent droughts and build climate resilience in the Upper Rhine Plain in Southern Palatinate. Master thesis.
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Abstract
Climate change is affecting the world in various ways. In the research area, recent trends indicate more frequent droughts and heat waves combined with reduced groundwater recharge from decreased precipitation, which has led to diminishing water resources. Drier conditions are already affecting regions, with lower groundwater storage or heightened agricultural irrigation needs. These trends are expected to worsen in the future, posing significant challenges. This study aimed to identify measures of climate adaptation and integrated water resource management, as well as related barriers, to achieve a transition of the current water management in the research area towards drought resilience. For this, a combination of literature review, document analysis and semi-structured interviews was conducted to answer the research questions. The results show that a larger number of actors are involved in the region's water management. Nevertheless, the main responsibility lies with the upper water authorities. A vast list of possible adaptation measures was identified together with multiple barriers which need to be overcome. Otherwise, a successful transition towards drought-resilient and sustainable water management is not possible. For effective water management in this research area, several key steps are recommended. Robust monitoring of water extractions to evaluate the water balance must be established to address the current lack of supervision. Communication and consultation among stakeholders should be enhanced to bridge the gap between awareness and action, especially in agriculture and water supply. For this specifically, a drought information network is recommended. The Agricultural sector as a main actor in the research area must be engaged to adapt to the changing climate by implementing more efficient irrigation technologies and changed land-use practices. Further, a focus shift from flood prevention to more holistic water management is needed, promoting strategies like on-site infiltration and retention for groundwater recharge. Lastly, the introduction of legal obligations and political support will ensure compliance with necessary changes.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Environmental & Infrastructure Planning |
| Supervisor: | Theron, C. |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Dec 2023 08:10 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Dec 2023 08:10 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4432 |
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