Guests: Univ.-Prof. Michael Bahn, ecologist, University of Innsbruck; Univ.-Prof. Josef Eitzinger, agricultural meteorologist, BOKU
Moderation: Marlene Nowotny.
Tune in at 13:00 on: https://oe1.orf.at/programm/20230320#712797/Kein-Regen-im-Winter
In France, it didn't rain for more than 30 days at the start of the year — a historic drought that has led to restrictions on water use there. In Italy, press reports indicate that Lake Maggiore is only 38 per cent full. In Austria, there is far less snow than is usual in winter. Blocking high-pressure systems over Western Europe, which push rain fronts away, are responsible for the low precipitation. The evidence is mounting that global warming is favouring these weather conditions.
The lack of snow and rain will affect the entire coming year, according to forecasts. In spring, there won't be enough snowmelt to replenish groundwater reserves. Ecologist Michael Bahn at the University of Innsbruck is researching the consequences of such drought events on ecosystems. His studies show that droughts also have a direct impact on the climate, as the carbon uptake of ecosystems is severely limited during droughts. However, when heavy rainfall follows a dry period, the system releases increased amounts of greenhouse gases.
With regard to agriculture, Michael Bahn has shown that drought-related productivity losses can be up to 50 per cent greater than previously assumed. Biodiversity makes ecosystems more resilient — the chances that more species will survive adverse conditions are higher. Monocultures, on the other hand, recover considerably less well.
Agricultural meteorologist Josef Eitzinger at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna is investigating precisely when and in what quantities agriculture needs rainfall. Rain becomes particularly important in April and May, when young plants are growing — ideally without drought stress.
How will the winter drought affect our ecosystem? What forecasts exist for drought in Austria? What adaptation measures would make sense? Marlene Nowotny discusses these questions with Michael Bahn and with you: by phone during the programme on 0800 22 69 79 or by email at punkteins@orf.at
