In the Alps, the region known as the “roof of Europe”, a battle has begun for the planet's most precious resource. For centuries, crystal-clear waters have flowed from the Alps, but these sources are becoming increasingly restricted, as climate change and melting glaciers could affect the lives of tens of millions of people in the coming years.

Italy wants to use water for crops during spring and summer. Swiss authorities want to hold back water flow to ensure the operation of hydroelectric power plants when needed.

For the first time in four years (following a break due to the pandemic), representatives of the eight Alpine countries' governments have met to discuss the challenges of water as a resource. Under the Alpine Convention, which was drafted 30 years ago to help coordinate living, recreation, and the limited resources of the mountains, national representatives met in the southern Swiss town of Brig.
Photo by Anthony Anex/AP used for the original article