Climate change is causing glaciers to melt and permafrost soils to thaw. This affects the availability and quality of water in lakes and streams, especially in the Vinschgau valley. Heavy metals like nickel and uranium accumulate in rivers and exceed environmental quality limits in the river Etsch-Adige. Rising temperatures and the disappearance of cold habitats endanger aquatic ecosystems. Post-glacial landscapes offer protection for threatened microbes and invertebrates and are crucial for addressing the climate crisis.
Stefano Brighenti is a researcher in alpine aquatic ecology. For about ten years, he has been studying the ecological and hydrological impacts of climate change at high altitudes. His studies include the ecology of alpine streams in the Vinschgau valley, the hydrological significance of glaciers and permafrost, as well as the chemical quality of alpine waters. Brighenti has coordinated global research on the climatic resilience of mountain regions and the chemical quality of streams influenced by permafrost.
The event can also be followed online on the Museum’s YouTube channel.
Illustration by Vanessa Arrighi
