PROTECTING THE FRAGILE BALANCE

The shrinking of the glaciers is one of the most spectacular consequences of global warming. As a result, changes must immediately be enacted, such as the closure of the Val d’Isère and Tignes glaciers last summer. However, aside from depriving skiers of a summer activity, this phenomenon has also had a knock-on effect: 68% of irrigated farmland in the valleys depend on water flowing down from the mountains. According to the French National Observatory on the Effects of Climate Change (ONERC), the “annual changes in temperate glaciers are the result of the antagonistic effects of both winter snowfall and summer temperatures. These elements of natural environments are the most sensitive to temperature variations.” The organization measured the shrinking of French glaciers, which have lost 25m (water equivalent) on average within 20 years. As for the level of snow cover, the researchers said: “We have observed a significant reduction in snow levels as of 1 May across all mountain ranges. This translated to a 12% decrease per decade in relation to the normal levels seen from 1981-2010.”

The Alps are home to a rich biodiversity

With more than 30,000 animal species and 13,000 plant species playing a major role in mitigating the effects of climate change (Source: Les Alpes, entre nature et culture, WWF).

The research project, Analyse des effets économiques du changement climatique en station de montagne, by the Green Cross France et Territoires group, describes that the increase in vegetation above 1,700m of elevation and the decrease in the permanent snowpack are leading to a loss of biodiversity while accentuating warming through the Albedo effect (the capacity of a surface to reflect light and limit the thawing of high-altitude regions). This raises the risk of rockfalls and landslides, as well as making it more likely that water stocks will dry up. The study also observes that farming and grazing practices, which play a major role in the protection of the landscape, must adapt to climactic phenomena (such as drought, frost, wind, and storms). These lead to the intensified effect of this context while accelerating overall fragilization and the development of certain devastating patterns.

Mountains

in France are

formed of 43% of protected natural spaces (including 7 national parks)

58% coverage by forests and semi-natural environments

38% coverage by farmland (Avenir Montagnes)