Adapting to climate change is an important part of climate policy as a whole, alongside curbing emissions. Both nature and society are predicted to face an exceptionally rapid warming of the climate and the proliferation of extreme phenomena in water conditions. The use of water resources and water supply depend on the quantity and quality of water. The magnitude and direction of the impacts vary by region and season, due to the characteristics of water bodies. In order to minimize harm, systematic adaptation is required.
‘Satakunta Natural Water Adequacy and Quality Security (VesiVara)’ project by Pyhäjärvi Institute, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences/Wander Institute and Prizztech Oy seeks solutions for adapting to climate change in Satakunta to ensure the sufficiency of high-quality water both in the aquatic environment and for the needs of the operating conditions of the population, business life and energy production. Because it is impossible to accurately predict climate change and its impacts on natural water resources, water flow scenarios are needed as a basis for the calculation and assessment of the impacts of sector-specific climate risks.
Satakunta’s water supply security for adaptation to climate change has not previously been assessed at the regional level. Therefore, the VesiVara project extensively examines the functionality and preparedness of water supply security in adaptation to climate change, covering factors related to the ecological sustainability of water environments, the need for drinking and domestic water for the population and service sectors, and the adequacy and quality of primary, industrial and energy supply water.
VesiVara project increases awareness of adaptation to climate change in terms of the business life, the operating conditions of the population and the sustainability of the aquatic environment of Satakunta. The project brings together actors from different sectors, public and private, to discuss water supply security and to develop solutions for the sectors that have not previously been co-developed. Solutions that strengthen regional and local climate resilience will be piloted in Satakunta target environments and enterprises during the project period.
In the national and international climate change debate, the development of resource-wise and climate-resistant preparedness solutions for managing the sufficiency and quality of water is a current topic. The project will also bring this discussion to the local level in Satakunta.