Water is considered the circulatory system of the biosphere. Until recently, scientists assumed that sufficient fresh water was available. However, a reassessment of this planetary boundary shows that human interference is already far more profound than previously thought. Unusually dry soils are becoming increasingly common in Austria too — and are causing lasting damage to the climate.

Nine planetary boundaries were defined in 2009 by international scientists led by Johan Rockström — then Director of the Resilience Centre (SRC) at Stockholm University. They are intended to show how much room for manoeuvre humans have left in their interference with the Earth's natural processes before a dangerous threshold is reached...

The Austrian climate research network (CCCA) also summarises concrete measures for protecting — particularly green — water in a fact sheet. In Austria, drinking water has so far been used almost exclusively for additional irrigation of plants. Storing rainwater and reusing water from bathrooms and kitchens would be more efficient, according to CCCA.

Read the article at orf.at