Climate Change and its Possible Effects in Latvia

Climate Change and its Possible Effects in Latvia

Māris Kļaviņš Although climate depends on a complex system, the main factor influencing climate is solar energy. However, climatic processes do have a high variability influenced by natural processes as well as human activities. There is much evidence supporting the hypothesis that recent climate change associated with global warming is influenced by increased emission of greenhouses gases. Meteorological observations in Latvia are consistent with the general worldwide trends in climate change, indicating that many climate changes have an increasing linear trend. Few others, for example, river runoff or changes in precipitation, have an oscillatory character. Results from the national research program “Climate Change and Waters” (2006–2009) indicate not only the character of ongoing climate change, but also enables the modelling of possible impacts of climate change on aquatic resources. The results of the modelling indicate that there is a need to adapt to ongoing climate change, by putting the adaptation measures in place even before mitigation tools. These adaptations should be considered in planning of development, both at national and municipal levels. They should also be considered in developing river basin management plans according to a EU Water Framework directive.  Results of the national research program thus provide the decision makers and stakeholders with information needed to decide on measures to be taken to adapt to climate change in various sectors, including forestry, agriculture, tourism, fishery, and others. The national research program also supported the development of interdisciplinary scientific cooperation in natural sciences and raised the awareness of the climate change issues in society.