[Forside] [Indhold] [Forrige] [Næste] [Bund] Denmark´s Second National Communication on Climate Change 8. Adaptation measuresEven the most optimistic emission scenarios imply some future human impact on the global climate. As its apparent from Chapter 7, however, the direct effects of climate change in Denmark will be modest and in some cases will provide a potential advantage. No adaptative measures have yet been taken, but the possibilities have been investigated and have been discussed in national reports (Fenger & Torp 1992; Fenger et al. 1996 and references therein). In the agricultural sector a change in crops including a switch to more winter wheat may be advantageous. This can be accomplished at relatively short notice. In forestry, the most common tree, the Norway spruce, is already threatened by mild winters and should be substituted with more stable mixtures including oak and beech. A temperature rise in combination with a small reduction in precipitation will require more efficient water resource housekeeping and restoration of freshwater systems. A sea level rise of the order of 50 cm will augment present coastal retreat, but can be counteracted by coast nourishment. Problems with regard to dykes can be solved in the course of general maintenance. Necessary renovation of the sewerage system must take a possible sea level rise into account. Note that these consideration do not take into account "surprises changes in the global greenhouse", for example a change in the Gulf Stream. |