Alpine glaciers in a changing climate: Effects, challenges and solutions
Direction départementale des territoires (DDT), 17 Bd Joseph Vallier, 38040 Grenoble (FR)
- https://76f4797.online-server.cloud/Plone/en/events/alpine-glaciers-in-a-changing-climate-effects-challenges-and-solutions
- Alpine glaciers in a changing climate: Effects, challenges and solutions
- 2025-06-24T09:00:00+02:00
- 2025-06-24T17:15:00+02:00
- Glaciated areas are particularly sensitive to climate changes causing cascading effects. On regional and local scales, glacier meltwater is an important contributor to and modulator of river flows. Some of the main consequences of glacier retreat and permafrost thaw include reduced slope and rockface stability, loss of habitats for highly specialized species and changes in seasonal melting patterns, which can increase the risk of water scarcity, affecting many people and economic activities (e.g. agriculture and hydroelectric power production).
Glaciated areas are particularly sensitive to climate changes causing cascading effects. On regional and local scales, glacier meltwater is an important contributor to and modulator of river flows. Some of the main consequences of glacier retreat and permafrost thaw include reduced slope and rockface stability, loss of habitats for highly specialized species and changes in seasonal melting patterns, which can increase the risk of water scarcity, affecting many people and economic activities (e.g. agriculture and hydroelectric power production).
Objectives
The workshop will address glacier and permafrost changes and their cascading effects. The discussion will contribute
to better understanding of the related mechanisms and processes, improving the capacity to manage associated risks
but also to seize new territorial opportunities, thus contributing to improving the quality of life of the Alpine population.
In particular, this workshop will
1. offer the opportunity to combine existing knowledge about glaciers with a transdisciplinary approach (scientific,
economic, cultural, etc.), and
2. present a foresight exercise to support a sustainable transition of the Alpine territories.
The discussions will provide a base of expertise for the ongoing work on the 11th Report on the State of the Alps, but
also valuable contributions to the elaboration of the Alpine Biodiversity Action Plan, with respect to postglacial
ecosystems that are emerging as potential new biodiversity hotspots on surfaces vacated by the glaciers.
Interpretation
Interpretation in English, Italian and French will be provided.