Swedish regional climate modelling programme (SWECLIM)

SWECLIM was a 6.5 year national research network for regional climate modelling, regional climate change projections and hydrological impact assessment and information to a wide range of stakeholders. Most of the programme activities focussed on the regional climate system of Northern Europe. This led to the establishment of an advanced couple atmosphere-ocean-hydrology regional climate model system, a suite of regional climate change projections and progress on relevant data and process studies. These were in turn used for information and educational purposes, as a starting point for impact analyses on different societal sectors and provided contributions also to international climate research.

If the global mean temperature continues to rise throughout this century, the effects on the Swedish climate could be appreciable, with palpable consequences for forestry, agriculture and fisheries, etc. A changed climate will also impact biodiversity in Sweden and the other Nordic countries. Furthermore, hydropower as a source of energy could be jeopardised if the availability of surface water is negatively affected by reduced or increased precipitation. Shipping may be affected if ice conditions change. Extreme climatic events also make it difficult for insurance companies to calculate the future risks and hence set insurance premiums and stipulate compensation requirements. The aim of SWECLIM was to provide planners and decision-makers within industry, public administration and political bodies with a good basis for assessments of the future climate in the region.
Further information available at the reference: “Rummukainen et al, 2004. The Swedish Regional Climate Modelling Programme, SWECLIM: a review. Ambio, Vol. 33, No. 4/5 pp. 176-182”. The final report can be required through the SMHI web-site.