Water Wars Loom in the Alps

1st July 2023

Last modified on July 23rd, 2023

Switzerland wants to retain more water for its own electricity production.

Other nations, including France and Italy, are unhappy at the move.

Much water used in Europe comes from melting snow  and ice in the Alps that flows into the major rivers of Europe.

Its water flows into the Rhône, the Rhine and the Inn, a tributary of the Danube.

River Inn, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI

The Po in Italy is also fed by water from the Swiss mountains.

• Lack of winter snow in Alps threatens Italian drought

For centuries the Alps have provided tens of millions of people in Europe with water.

But as water becomes more scares then its importance rises.

The Swiss government says the situation carries “a significant potential for conflict”, particularly in light of global warming.

See more in this article on Swiss Info.

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