Climate change impacts on Germany(Europe)

Climate change impacts in Germany - what the IPCC 4th Assessment Report has found:

• 4 deciduous tree species leaf-unfold and leaf- colour 1.1 to 2.3 days longer per decade (1951-2000) [1.3.5.1]. 
• 10 spring phases (flowering, leaf-unfolding) 1.6 days/decade earlier (1951-2000) [1.3.5.1]. 
• Alpine summit vegetation elevational shift, increased species richness on mountain tops (due to increased temperature) [1.3.5.2]. 
• English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) poleward shift of northern margin due to increasing winter temperatures [1.3.5.2]. 
• Phenology: Advance of stem elongation for winter rye (10 days) and emergence for maize (12 days) (1961-2000) [1.3.6.1] 
• Phenology: Advance in cherry tree flowering (0.9 days/10 years), apple tree flowering (1.1 days/10 years) in response (-5 days/°C) to March/April temperature increase
  1951- 2000 [1.3.6.1] 
• Phenology: Advance in beginning of growing season of fruit trees(2.3 days/10 years), cherry tree blossom (2.0 days/10 years), apple tree blossom (2.2 days/ 10 years) in agreement with 1.4°C annual air temperature increase 1961- 1990 [1.3.6.1]. 
• In some river basins, e.g. the Elbe river basin, increasing flood riskdrives strengthening of flood protection systems by structural means, with detrimental effects to riparian and aquatic ecosystems [3.2]. 
• The Alps could be one of the regions most affected by increase in year-to-year variability in summer climates and thus a higher incidence of heat waves and droughts. Mediterranean droughts would start earlier in the year and last longer(source:http://wwf.panda.org)