Country – France
Discover the main objective of this prospective study
To meet the current challenges of climate change and sustainable management of water resources in ISère, this prospective study aims to characterize climate change and its impact on water resources, with a view to integrated management of these uses. This analysis, structured in three distinct phases, addresses retrospective and prospective aspects of resources at the level of Isère’s 11 sub-watersheds, in order to assess vulnerabilities and anticipate future hydroclimatic conditions.
Phase #1 Retrospective and prospective analysis of water resources and climate by sub-watershed
The first phase of the prospective study consists of a detailed analysis of past and projected climate trends over the last 60 years, focusing on each sub-catchment area. This phase enables us to identify climate trends, such as rising temperatures, more variable precipitation or more frequent periods of drought. The retrospective study examines historical data over several decades, while the prospective analysis is based on EXPLORE2 regional climate projections.
An in-depth analysis of hydrological variations provides a better understanding of how climate impacts water resources, by assessing river flows, groundwater levels and the frequency of drought episodes. This phase is crucial to establishing a baseline and enabling an assessment of future changes. The distinction by sub-watershed is crucial, as it takes into account local geographical and hydrological specificities, thus ensuring a more refined and adapted approach to water resources.
Phase #2: Assessment and hyroclimatic scenarios for sub-catchments
The second phase of the prospective study builds on the analyses carried out in phase 1 to produce a balance sheet of available water resources and their vulnerability to projected climate change. This assessment is then used to create different hydroclimatic scenarios, specific to each sub-watershed. These scenarios aim to anticipate extreme situations (prolonged drought, flooding, increased seasonal fluctuations) and their impact on water reserves and uses.
The development of typical scenarios is a key element in enabling better planning. Thanks to this approach, local decision-makers, water managers and users will be able to evaluate management options and make informed decisions to prevent shortages or manage flood risks. These scenarios take into account not only climate projections, but also socio-economic dynamics, such as increasing demand for water and changes in land use.
Phase #3: Creation of a departmental database of climate and hydrological projections
Finally, the third phase of the prospective study aims to create a departmental database bringing together all the climatic and hydrological projections developed during the previous phases. This database will provide centralized, structured access to climatic and hydrological information for those involved in water management. This resource will make it easy to consult data, track climate trends by geographical sector and access projected scenarios for Isère’s 11 watersheds.
A departmental database is a strategic asset for decision-makers. It facilitates access to the information needed to anticipate the effects of climate change, and provides a valuable resource for local authorities, businesses and water resource management bodies. In the long term, this database can be regularly updated to incorporate new climate projections, technological advances in modelling and changes in water use.
In conclusion, this prospective study, divided into three main phases, provides the essential tools for integrated, sustainable water resource management in the Isère department. Thanks to a detailed analysis of past trends and projections tailored to each sub-catchment, this approach aims to anticipate and minimize the impacts of climate change on water resources. By adopting a proactive, data-driven strategy, it becomes possible to preserve this vital resource and ensure greater resilience for future generations. This forward-looking study combines oursclimate change data and water resources data.