340
L. Zaharia et al.
mean multiannual runoff, significant increases of discharges in the winter months
and pronounced decreases in late summer and autumn.
In Valea Cerbului River catchment we investigated the streamflow changes based
on historical data, as well as the possible hydrological changes, as indicated by simulations using the WaSiM-Eth model, under B1, A2 and A1B climatic scenario, for
the time horizon 2001–2065 relative to 1961–2000 period. The simulations indicate
a slight decrease in mean annual runoff (of −2% up to −6%) by 2065 and more
or less significant changes in the annual flow regime. Thus, from January to April,
an increase in mean monthly discharges (of 4–22%) is projected by all considered
scenarios, while during May–December the simulations generally show lower mean
monthly discharges (between −10 and −29%).
Overall, we highlighted the importance of methodological approaches for estimating climate change and hydrological impacts. Thus, the results of the studies
are more or less similar and accurate, depending on the time scale, data used and
characteristics of each model. This raise the question of knowing the uncertainties,
which is a challenge for interpreting final results. Accordingly, the adaptation policies to climate change and hydrological impacts should take into account this issue
of uncertainty, by considering feedback loops, reversible and flexible options, soft
strategies for shorter time horizons, or other uncertainty-management methods.
In accordance with the actions taken at international and EU levels, Romania
proceeded to the development of strategies and action plans regarding the adaptation
to climate changes. The first National Strategy for Climate Change (NSCC) and
the related National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) were designed in
2005 and planned measures and actions for the period 2005–2007. In 2008, the
Guide regarding the adaptation to climate change effects was adopted, aiming the
identification of necessary measures to limit the negative effects projected by climatic
scenarios until 2030 [185]. Later, the NSCC and the related action plan were revised
and updated. Currently, in Romania, it is in force the National Strategy on Climate
Change and Economic Growth based on Low Carbon Emissions for 2016–2020 and
the associated national action plan for its implementation, approved by the Romanian
Government in 2016. The strategy addresses two main components: greenhouse gas
concentration reduction and adaptation to climate change [186], which has become
nowadays a major challenge faced by all, from individuals to local, regional and
national authorities. The adaptation is a crucial key to the human existence, enabling
the people to survive in changing and critical/extreme conditions, such as those
related to climate alteration [187].
According to the NSCC, the process of adaptation to the effects of climate changes
must occur at different spatial scales (nationally, regionally, and locally) and in different activity sector, with specific approaches for each location/sector. In the water
field, NSCC propose many recommendations and measures to minimize and limit
the impacts of the climate changes on water resources and to ensure the adaptation
to these changes. A major recommendation concerns the development and updating of scientific knowledge on: water resources availability and requirements for
different uses; future impacts of climate changes on rivers flow; water-related risks
and their management. The scientific studies must be the basis for the adaptation
L. Zaharia et al.
mean multiannual runoff, significant increases of discharges in the winter months
and pronounced decreases in late summer and autumn.
In Valea Cerbului River catchment we investigated the streamflow changes based
on historical data, as well as the possible hydrological changes, as indicated by simulations using the WaSiM-Eth model, under B1, A2 and A1B climatic scenario, for
the time horizon 2001–2065 relative to 1961–2000 period. The simulations indicate
a slight decrease in mean annual runoff (of −2% up to −6%) by 2065 and more
or less significant changes in the annual flow regime. Thus, from January to April,
an increase in mean monthly discharges (of 4–22%) is projected by all considered
scenarios, while during May–December the simulations generally show lower mean
monthly discharges (between −10 and −29%).
Overall, we highlighted the importance of methodological approaches for estimating climate change and hydrological impacts. Thus, the results of the studies
are more or less similar and accurate, depending on the time scale, data used and
characteristics of each model. This raise the question of knowing the uncertainties,
which is a challenge for interpreting final results. Accordingly, the adaptation policies to climate change and hydrological impacts should take into account this issue
of uncertainty, by considering feedback loops, reversible and flexible options, soft
strategies for shorter time horizons, or other uncertainty-management methods.
In accordance with the actions taken at international and EU levels, Romania
proceeded to the development of strategies and action plans regarding the adaptation
to climate changes. The first National Strategy for Climate Change (NSCC) and
the related National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) were designed in
2005 and planned measures and actions for the period 2005–2007. In 2008, the
Guide regarding the adaptation to climate change effects was adopted, aiming the
identification of necessary measures to limit the negative effects projected by climatic
scenarios until 2030 [185]. Later, the NSCC and the related action plan were revised
and updated. Currently, in Romania, it is in force the National Strategy on Climate
Change and Economic Growth based on Low Carbon Emissions for 2016–2020 and
the associated national action plan for its implementation, approved by the Romanian
Government in 2016. The strategy addresses two main components: greenhouse gas
concentration reduction and adaptation to climate change [186], which has become
nowadays a major challenge faced by all, from individuals to local, regional and
national authorities. The adaptation is a crucial key to the human existence, enabling
the people to survive in changing and critical/extreme conditions, such as those
related to climate alteration [187].
According to the NSCC, the process of adaptation to the effects of climate changes
must occur at different spatial scales (nationally, regionally, and locally) and in different activity sector, with specific approaches for each location/sector. In the water
field, NSCC propose many recommendations and measures to minimize and limit
the impacts of the climate changes on water resources and to ensure the adaptation
to these changes. A major recommendation concerns the development and updating of scientific knowledge on: water resources availability and requirements for
different uses; future impacts of climate changes on rivers flow; water-related risks
and their management. The scientific studies must be the basis for the adaptation