Climate catastrophe: Green Lake in Styria completely dried up!

Climate catastrophe: Green Lake in Styria completely dried up!

The Green Lake in Styria, Austria, has completely dried up for the first time in its history. This happened after the lake lost its water level in April 2023 and is now a desert of rock and earth. There has been no comparable event in the last 60 years. Normally the lake loses water in the spring months when meltwater flows from the mountains between May and June. But the current situation shows dramatic effects of climate change.

The water levels in Lake Constance are currently worrying. The level in Vorarlberg is 277 centimeters, which is 30 centimeters below the average for April 5th. In Konstanz, Germany, the water level is still a worrying 2.73 meters, 70 centimeters lower than last year. André Postel, spokesman for the Baden-Württemberg State Office for Environmental Protection, describes the current water level as very low. The reason for this is the very low rainfall and a below-average snow cover in the Alps, which dramatically influence the water level.

Consequences for the region

Lake Constance has reached its lowest level in 40 years. The Untersee in the west is particularly affected, where the port of Mannenbach in Switzerland is completely dry. Stranded boats and exposed boulder fields are visible. In addition, both tourists and professional fishermen are suffering from the drastic consequences of this development, as many ports can no longer be accessed. Due to the low water, the ships in Bregenz have to go backwards because they cannot turn. There are already problems at the start of the season in the port of Ludwigshafen in the Konstanz district.

The lower water levels not only have economic but also ecological impacts. Climate change is exacerbating the situation, particularly due to the lack of oxygen in the deeper water layers. This has already led to fish deaths, which has a negative impact on professional fishermen. Low water levels also lead to unpleasant odors caused by exposed silt and algae. According to the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy, the situation at Lake Constance is worrying as it acts as an important drinking water reservoir and habitat for numerous animal and plant species.

Climate change as the main cause

Climate change is having a clear impact on Lake Constance. Since the 1990s, air and water temperatures have increased by over one degree Celsius. These temperature changes favor heat-tolerant fish species such as carp, while cold-preferring fish species such as whitefish and lake trout are at risk of having their habitat affected. In addition, the weak winter mixing in recent years has led to low oxygen concentrations in the deep water.

The changes in water levels are also concerning as they affect riparian ecosystems and alter the food supply in the lake. While higher water levels are observed during certain periods, generally lower water levels can be expected in summer. The drinking water supply with Lake Constance water has not yet been seriously affected, but future treatment could become more complex and expensive. In particular, the invasive quagga mussel, which comes from the Black Sea, could clog drinking water intake pipes and thus increase treatment costs.

The ongoing monitoring and research programs on the effects of climate change on Lake Constance, which have existed since the 1960s, are crucial to document long-term changes and develop strategies. While there is positive feedback on cleanliness measures, monitoring water quality and ecological balance remains essential to protecting this important water resource.

The current developments on the Green Lake and Lake Constance clearly illustrate the challenges the region faces due to climate change. A concerted effort is required to counteract these negative trends and preserve the ecological and economic value of water bodies.

For detailed information on the dramatic changes in water levels, please refer to the reporting by oe24, while the social and economic consequences on Lake Constance Mercury be treated. A comprehensive analysis of the climatic conditions and their effects can be found at Green State Parliament BW.