INTERREG-SUDOE Thermecowat Project: Strengthening the resilience of ecosystems linked to thermal waters

Problems and disciplinary components considered within the framework of the ThermEcoWat project, its consortium partners, and available resources. © BRGM – Christian Iasio Climate and resources: a new balance to be found. The last few decades have been marked by record heat in Europe, with 2020, 2022, 2019, 2015, and 2014 among the warmest years on record. In the SUDOE region (Southwest Europe), 2022 was the hottest year since 1950. This climate change influences groundwater quality and the adaptive capacity of territories, while also altering economic balances. Demographic and migratory dynamics generate additional pressure on water resources and the local economy. The challenges of thermal springs

Thermal springs are at the heart of the development of numerous cities in southwestern France. They constitute a valuable natural heritage, essential for both the local economy (tourism, wellness, agriculture) and the environment. However, climate change threatens their fragile balance: the projected decrease in rainfall could alter their natural properties and affect their ecosystem. Three pilot sites: Chaudes-Aigues (France), São Pedro do Sul (Portugal), and Caldes de Montbui (Spain).