Exploring risks: What are the impacts of
adaptation options?
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Why has this question been chosen?
The impacts of climate
change are expected to
affect severely the
viticulture if no
adaptation is
implemented. Therefore
it is important to identify
and assess possible
adaptation options to be
adopted.
Which methods have been applied?
Crop growth simulation
model and Economic
analysis based on an
optimization framework
(Cost Benefit Analysis)
Three adaptation options
were appraised namely:
(a) relocating the grape
production area uphill,
where there is less
climate impact on wine
quality,
(b) using an
"exotic" grape variety
(e.g. southern Italy
variety), which is
drought-resistant, to
replace the current
variety,
and (c) set up a
genetic selection
program in order to adapt
the current varieties to
the expected future
climate conditions
Why have these methods been selected?
Data and a crop model
were readily available for
which there was past
experience in, and
knowledge of the
methodologies,
background studies
Stakeholders request (in
particular about
uncertainty in future
impacts
What results have been obtained?
The adoption of the adaptation
options assessed could help in
reducing the impacts of climate
change on revenue
Reflections on this step
The adaptation path should be
carefully evaluated in order to
choose the best timing and
succession of options in order
to maximize the efficiency of
the measures. A certain degree
of uncertainty, as implicitly
requested by stakeholders
during the study, has also been
considered in the assessment.
The third option (c, "set up a
genetic selection program")
could not be easily simulated,
given the intrinsic features of
the option (for instance it is
widely adjustable during the
process in order to achieve the
objectives)
