Unfortunately, we missed the chance for a better scenario several years ago.
But hey – have a consolation prize.
A little chocolate to sweeten your naivety?
Take a look at a more realistic level.
Oh – you still believe in a perfect world?
Did you really think there was a better scenario?
You dreamer, you.
Unfortunately, we can’t turn back time.
The past is gone for good.
Can’t handle reality?
It’s okay – we’ve got something to help you.
2023 was not a good year for Rösti.
The potato harvest suffered from heat and prolonged drought. These days, potatoes can no longer be grown without irrigation systems.
A warmer climate lengthens the growing season during which crops can thrive. However, because fruit trees now blossom earlier, the risk of frost damage increases – especially at higher elevations.
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Increasing water scarcity can lead to local conflicts between agriculture and other water users. back to Water Balance
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For now, biodiversity loss does not directly affect agriculture. back to Biodiversity
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Higher CO₂ concentrations promote the growth of wheat, rice, and soy, while pulses such as peas and beans are negatively affected. back to CO₂ Balance
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Heat causes heat stress in livestock and damages crops. back to Heat
Dry summers are a major problem for agriculture, particularly for fodder production, which can decline by up to 25%. Feed must then be imported – expensive, and not exactly ideal for the highly-prized goal of food security.
Yields fluctuate. Winter cereals such as wheat and barley may increase slightly, while summer crops such as maize, potatoes, and sugar beet are likely to decline without adaptation measures.
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Water scarcity reduces the availability of irrigation water and may lead to bans on the extraction of water from rivers and streams. This jeopardizes crop yields. back to Water Balance
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Reduced pollination through insects leads to losses in agricultural production. It is not only climate change, but also pesticide use in Swiss agriculture that has harmed beneficial insects. back to Biodiversity
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Higher CO₂ concentrations promotes the growth of wheat, rice, and potatoes, but reduces their nutritional quality (especially protein, iron, and zinc). back to CO₂ Balance
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Heat can damage crops (leaf scorch, blossom and fruit drop). Heat-loving pests and diseases benefit. back to Heat
In extreme years, national grassland yields for fodder production may decline by 30–40%.
Perhaps veganism has a point?
North of the Alps, too, agriculture suffers massively from water scarcity. What this ultimately means for crop yields is still uncertain.
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Because drinking water supply takes priority, irrigation bans become necessary during acute water shortages. This is devastating for agriculture. back to Water Balance
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Pollination services provided by insects are sharply reduced, and pest outbreaks put additional pressure on agriculture. Pesticide use further facilitates the spread of heat-loving pests. back to Biodiversity
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Higher CO₂ concentrations may stimulate plant growth, but they also make plants more susceptible to pests, as their leaves contain more sugars and fewer defensive substances. back to CO₂ Balance
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Extreme heat leads to yield losses or complete crop failure. Fieldwork increasingly shifts to early mornings or late evenings. back to Heat
That's it. RIP.
That's a bit too much.
Maybe go down a level?
Got it – you're really into extremes.
Game over.
Try a different level.
That extreme? You’ll find the matching soundtrack here.
We’re done with this planet.
On to the next!
Solutionsfor: Agriculture
To adapt to climate-related drought, Agroscope recommends cultivating more resistant varieties and alternative crops. Switzerland may need to grow chickpeas instead of potatoes in the future.
Irrigation will become increasingly necessary – which will, in turn, increase pressure on already scarce water resources.
To ensure irrigation is used efficiently, a four-week soil moisture forecast and the Federal Drought Warning Platform are available.