Veronika Zwirglmaier from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) stayed at the ICWRGC from 13 May – 12 November 2019 to write her master’s thesis on the topic “Assessment of Future Impacts of Climate Change, Land Use Change and Water Demand on Freshwater Resources in the Mediterranean Region – A Meta-Analysis”. She successfully defended her thesis at TUM on 5 December 2019.
Freshwater is a vital resource for all forms of life on earth. Thus, it is important to guarantee its sustainable management facing multiple pressures such as climate change, land use change and water demand as well as feedbacks between these drivers. The Mediterranean region is particularly vulnerable to alterations in climate and environment. The goal of this thesis is to assess the future development of the quantity of freshwater resources in the Mediterranean region and was performed in the scope of the MedECC (Mediterranean Experts on Environmental and Climate Change) initiative.
The assessment is based on recent, individually published simulation results found during a systematic literature review following pre-defined patterns. By performing qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods, a comprehensive statement on the future freshwater situation in the Mediterranean region at a basin, country and regional scale was made under various climate change, land use change and water demand projection scenarios. An aggregation of individual simulations produces more robust results and should be used as a basis for decision-making. Expanding the performed meta-analysis by further data is possible and increases the robustness of the statements.
If you are interested in reading the entire pdf of the master thesis, you may contact Ms. Zwirglmaier at:
