Clima Now Spotlight: How can we shape the future of water in Switzerland?

How can we shape the future of water in Switzerland?

Switzerland is often referred to as the “water castle of Europe” because it is the source and reservoir of many of Europe’s major rivers.

Now, it is experiencing profound changes in its water systems due to climate change: From melting glaciers to intense rainfall, shifting river flows, longer dry periods and other challenges are disrupting the natural water cycle. These changes affect not only the availability of water, but also how we manage, distribute, and protect it.

But change also brings opportunity.

To secure a livable future, we must rethink how we interact with water. That means addressing both the root causes and the consequences of climate change — with smart, scalable, and impact-driven ideas.

🤝 Together with Patagonia, Graubünden Ferien, Passugger, and snowstainability we are calling for bold ideas to strengthen the Swiss water cycle.

We defined four key areas where we imagine impactful, actionable ideas:

1. Water Protection & Biodiversity

   
   

   Ideas that safeguard aquatic ecosystems, reduce pollution and restore rivers, wetlands, and natural water cycles.

2. Balancing Water Use & Preservation

   
   

   Solutions to balance the competing water demands across sectors like agriculture, tourism, winter sports, and recreation — while protecting long-term water quality.

3. Smart Water Management & Circularity

   
   

   Innovations that develop and increase intelligent, efficient use, reuse and circularity in water systems — to ensure water supply and treatment to close wastewater loops.

4. Water Resilience & Climate Adaptation

   
   

   Strategies to ensure water availability and reliability during extreme weather, while reducing risk and strengthen adaptive capacity.

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