Information on national adaptation actions reported under the Governance Regulation
Reporting updated until: 2023-04-26
Item | Status | Links |
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Meteorological observations |
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Climate projections and services |
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Adaptation portals and platforms |
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Monitoring, reporting and evaluation (MRE) indicators and methodologies |
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Key reports and publications |
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National communication to the UNFCCC | ||
Governance regulation adaptation reporting |
Temperature
The annual air temperature as an aggregated mean for Germany between 1881 and 2022 was determined statistically to have risen by 1.7 °C. A comparison of the climate reference period (1961–1990) with the actual reference period (1991–2020) confirms that the air temperature mean in Germany rose from 8.2 °C to 9.2 °C. This change has gone hand in hand with a fall in the number of freezing and ice days and a rise in the number of summer and hot days. The frequency of hot days with a maximum temperature of at least 30 °C has increased in Germany nationwide, whereas ice days have become more and more infrequent during the past 60 years. At the same time, the frequency of intensive hot periods has increased, and the heat intensity has increased nationwide in Germany. Since 1951 there has been an increase in the number of hot days in terms of the surface area mean for Germany from a mean of approximately three days per annum to a current mean of approx. ten days per annum. The years with the most hot days were 2018, 2003, 2015, 2022 and 2019. This increase is backed up by statistics, notwithstanding great variability of this index from year to year.
Precipitation
Contrary to temperature, there are distinct differences in changes to precipitation in Germany, especially by season but also in spatial terms. In summer the rainfall mean has remained largely unchanged whereas in winter especially, conditions have become significantly more humid. Likewise, the amounts of precipitation have increased at times of seasonal change, although this increase is distinctly lower and statistically unproven. Overall, the surface area mean for Germany since 1881 shows an increase in the annual mean precipitation of 7.3 %. The most distinct changes have so far been observed for the winter season. The surface area mean for average precipitation levels has increased by 25 % since winter 1881 / 1882. With regard to the summer months, there has been hardly any change so far. It is more difficult, however, to make reliable statements regarding trends of heavy precipitation events. On one hand, such events display great variability both spatially and temporally. On the other hand, especially during summer months, convective events (the development of showers and thunderstorms) are considered relevant in cases where they occur either within the space of an hour or less. Although it is possible to observe tendencies towards a greater frequency of heavy precipitation events in the course of the past 65 years, it has so far not been possible, owing to the lack of available data, to make any statistically backed climatological statements on changes in heavy precipitation events.
Sea level rise
In the period since records began, the mean sea level has risen by around 2 to 4 mm per year along the entire North Sea coast. North Sea: Sea level records for the German Bight go back to 1843 (Cuxhaven), although most date from the 1930s. There are large differences in the rate of relative sea level rise of between 1.7 mm/year and 4.1 mm/year depending on geographical location.
Baltic Sea: The absolute sea level on the Baltic Sea coast has risen by around 1.4–2.0 mm/year. Apart from the south-west Baltic Sea, relative sea level is falling in all other coastal regions as a result of the ongoing post-glacial rebound.
Biogeophysical characteristics: https://www.dwd.de/[…]/report.html (30 MB, Upload not possible)
Demographic Situation: https://www.destatis.de/[…]/datenreport-2021.pdf?__blob=publicationFile (29 MB, Upload not possible)
From the end of 1990, the year of German reunification, through the end of 2002, Germa-ny's population increased from 79.8 million to 82.5 million (+2.8 million). Then, the popula-tion declined until the year 2010. In 2011, the population began increasing again. Pro-nounced population growth occurred in the years 2014 through 2016, as a result of high levels of immigration. During this period, the largest number of immigrants (+978,000 per-sons) was registered in 2015. Population growth remained robust in the years 2017 and 2018 (2017: +271,000; 2018: + 227,000 persons). It was somewhat lower in 2019 (+147,500). From 2019 to 2020, Germany’s population remained nearly unchanged (- 12,000). Overall, Germany's population grew by 2.4 million persons (+3.0%) in the years 2014 through 2020. In 2020, the population density for Germany as a whole was 232.5 in-habitants per km².
According to the main variants of the 14th coordinated population projection, which was carried out in 2019, Germany’s population will continue to grow until at least 2024, and it will begin to decrease by no later than 2040.
Germany’s demographic trends differ sharply by region. For one thing, population growth between 2014 and 2019 was concentrated in cities: In 2014, a total of 55.8 million people lived in communities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. By the end of 2019, the total population of such communities had grown by 1.8 %, or by 1.0 million people. During the same period, the total population of cities with 100,000 or more inhabitants grew by 3.7 %, to 26.3 million (+ 1.0 million). In addition, the differing trends seen in the eastern and west-ern parts of Germany continued after German reunification. For example, the population in the territory of former West Germany grew continuously (except in the years 2006 through 2009), by a total of 8.8% (5.4 million persons).
In 2020, young people under the age of 20 accounted for an 18 % share of Germany’s population. The population of working age (in the present context: 20 through 64 years of age) accounted for 60 % of the total population, and the senior population (65 years of age and older) accounted for 22 %. About 7 % of the population were elderly – i.e., 80 years of age or older.
According to the current 2017/ 2019 mortality table, the life expectancy of male newborns was 78.6 years and that of female newborns was 83.4 years. In addition, the life expectan-cies for older people have increased sharply.
The economic situation in Germany in Winter 2022/23 is characterised by persistently high inflation, related losses of purchasing power and reluctance in private consumption and investment. A noticeable economic slowdown is expected in the winter half-year 2022/23, but not a broad-based profound downturn. The industrial sector has managed to cut its gas consumption significantly since the beginning of Russian war of aggression against the Ukraine and the German economy became almost entirely independent of direct Russian importsenergy. A large proportion of these savings are due to high energy prices and improved efficiency, since economic output is holding up comparatively well. The rate of inflation remained comparatively high in February 2023 at 8.7 percent. The core inflation rate (excluding food and energy) rose to +5.7 percent as the rise in energy prices passes more and more to other goods and services. However, thanks to the German government's energy prices brakes and easing world market prices for energy, the inflation rate will slow over the course of the year.
Situation on Transport, transport infrastructure
Climate change will affect the modes of transport and the infrastructure facilities in Germany, including the associated operational procedures in various ways and to differing degrees. The proper functioning of transport is extremely important for the German marketplace and can be significantly disrupted from the consequences of climate change. For example heat, frost events, droughts, storms, sea level rise or water levels of rivers impact in different ways the various modes of transport.
Situation on building industry
Climate change impacts the built environment. Germany has relatively high building standards, but extreme weather events such as wind storms or floods show quite plainly how susceptible the buildings can be in all its manifestations. Changing precipitation and temperatures, sea level rise, storms and other extreme weather events can seriously damage buildings and infrastructures in certain regions. Heat will also affect the urban and indoorurban climate.
Situation on industry and commerce
The impact of climate hazards such as extreme weather events and the gradual temperature rise on the action field "industry and commerce" depends on factors such as raw material input, the (global) interconnectedness of value-added chains and the dependence of companies on very precise logistics processes. The key sensitivities of the action field depend on the spatial situation and condition of facilities and infrastructures as well as the water and energy demand of companies.
Situation on energy industry
Gradual and extreme temperature changes, and other extreme weather events will impact the energy industry. The actual impacts of climate change, however, are largely dependent on the current and future composition of the energy infrastructure. Because location, state and performance of sensitive infrastructure such as power stations as well as the location of agglomerations are particularly important for the sensitivity of the energy industry. Diversification and decentralisation play an important role here, for example energy supply is more resilient in regard to drought when produced by renewable energy than by thermal power plants. In particular, conglomerations are affected by climate change because of their energy demand.
The fundamental interactions of Earth‘s climate system are understood. However, the system is so complex that an enormous amount of research still needs to be done to improve the understanding of certain detailed aspects of the climate. This includes gaps in the understanding of specific processes as well as of the interactions between climate system components. The basis for long-term strategies for the further development and refinement of regional and global observation systems needs to be laid in research initiatives and models can be used to test many different hypotheses. Work must also be done to ensure that the relevant processes are systematically recorded over the long term. This requires reliable monitoring of anthropogenic changes and natural variability.
Germany also coordinates the WMO Regionals Association Europe (RA VI) Regional Climate Centre (RCC) Network, and leads its Node on Climate Monitoring (Node-CM), thus providing climate information beyond German borders.
The report provides information about any Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) that are being observed by German institutions, including all ocean ECVs. In Germany, for example, the variables pollen and plant phenology have been identified to play such a nationally specific role. In addition, Germany operates several global data centres for ECVs.
Global climate models are used to asses the development of the climate in the coming years, decades and centuries. The spatial resolution of these global climate models is still very coarse, in order to complete the necessary climate simulation within an acceptable computation time for many decades. Although these models sufficiently describe the large-scale variability of the climate, the resolution is not sufficient to determine the regional differences of climate change in a specific region of the world (e.g., Germany) in detail.
Therefore, methods are used to obtain a higher spatial resolution, which include regional climate models or statistical methods, driven by global simulations.
To simulate the climate several decades ahead, scenarios are used that consider the socio-economic development of the world and the associated greenhouse gas emissions. The climate simulations up to the end of the century, for example, are then referred to as climate projections.
Four representative scenarios or representative concentration pathways (RCPs) were chosen in preparation for the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The model simulations which are analyzed for Germany are a climate change mitigation scenario (RCP 2.6), a moderate scenario (RCP 4.5) and a high emission scenario (RCP 8.5). The mitigation scenario (RCP 2.6) is based on assumptions that correspond to the political aim of limiting the increase in global mean temperature to 2 degrees Celsius. It assumes a scenario pathway that is associated with a very strong, very fast reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with current levels. Maximum radiative forcing (3.0 W/m2) is reached before 2050. It then decreases continuously to 2.6 W/m2 in 2100. The high emission scenario (RCP 8.5) describes a world in which the energy supply is primarily based on the combustion of fossil carbon stocks. Greenhouse gas emissions increase from today's level, and there is a constant rise in radiative forcing up to 2100. The moderate scenario (RCP 4.5) describes a lesser increase in radiative forcing and thus lies between the mitigation and the high emission scenarios.
The Sixth Assessment Report of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) uses a further development of the scenarios (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways – SSPS) that lead to the difrerent RCP pathways. Evaluation of global climate change in the report is based on global climate projections based on the SSPs. Regional climate simulations for these recent climate projections, however, are currently being calculated and are not yet available for evaluations for Germay. Thus, only simulations with a horizontal grid mesh of 12.5 km based on the penultimate cycle of climate projections with the RCP scenarios are currently available for Germany.
The results of 44 climate projections covering all of the above listed emission scenarios for the 1971-2100 period are used. Two 30-year periods are used to calculate the difference between the current state and a future state of the climate. The 1971-2000 period of the model runs is used as the reference period to calculate climate change signals in future periods. Two periods, referred as the short-term and long-term planning horizon, are analysed for the future. The short-term planning horizon describes the situation for the 2031-2060 period. The basis for the long-term planning horizon is the 2071-2100 period.
The climate trends calculated with different climate models differ slightly. The resulting ranges of climate change signals uncover uncertainties that must be considered when interpreting ensembles of climate projections. Broader ranges require more cautious statements. In particular, the entire range of the climate projections ensemble must be used to describe the change signals (lowest and highest change values form the ensemble in each RCP scenario).
1. How will climate change affect the environment, our livelihoods, health, daily lives, and economy?
2. Where can we reduce the risks of climate change through adaptation?
3. What areas require urgent action?
The KWRA identifies urgent needs for action by identifying high climate risks and analysing the adaptive capacity and time required for adaptation. Together with 180 experts from 25 federal agencies and other institutions, a scientific consortium analysed 102 climate impacts in 13 action areas. Based on this, each climate risk was assessed in relation to the present, the two future periods of mid-century (2031-2060) and end of the century (2071-2100). The study is based on climate projection data from the German Meteorological Service. These data are based on modeling of different greenhouse gas concentration scenarios, the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). KWRA used projections from the RCP8.5 climate scenario, the scenario of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenario with the highest greenhouse gas concentrations. It uses the range of the RCP 8.5 projection ensemble to include a pessimistic case of stronger climate change (generally the 85th percentile) and a more optimistic case of weaker climate change (generally the 15th percentile). The project also analysed interactions between individual climate impacts and vulnerable systems and identified cascading effects.
Hazard type | Acute/Chronic | Observed climate hazards |
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Water | Acute | Drought |
Flood | ||
Heavy precipitation | ||
Snow and ice load | ||
Chronic | Changing precipitation patterns and types | |
Ocean acidification | ||
Precipitation hydrological variability | ||
Saline intrusion | ||
Sea level rise | ||
Water scarcity | ||
Solid mass | Acute | Avalanche |
Landslide | ||
Subsidence | ||
Chronic | Coastal_erosion | |
Soil erosion | ||
Sol degradation | ||
Solifluction | ||
Temperature | Acute | Cold wave frost |
Heat wave | ||
Wildfire | ||
Chronic | Changing temperature | |
Temperature variability | ||
Wind | Acute | Storm |
Tornado | ||
Chronic | Changing wind patterns |
Hazard type | Acute/Chronic | Future climate hazards | Qualitative trend |
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Water | Acute | Drought | significantly increasing |
Flood | significantly increasing | ||
Heavy precipitation | significantly increasing | ||
Snow and ice load | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Chronic | Changing precipitation patterns and types | evolution uncertain or unknown | |
Ocean acidification | significantly increasing | ||
Precipitation hydrological variability | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Saline intrusion | significantly increasing | ||
Sea level rise | significantly increasing | ||
Water scarcity | significantly increasing | ||
Solid mass | Acute | Avalanche Future | without significant change |
Landslide Future | significantly increasing | ||
Subsidence Future | significantly increasing | ||
Chronic | Coastal erosion | significantly increasing | |
Soil erosion | significantly increasing | ||
Sol degradation | significantly increasing | ||
Solifluction | significantly increasing | ||
Temperature | Acute | Cold wave frost | significantly decreasing |
Heat wave | significantly increasing | ||
Wildfire | significantly increasing | ||
Chronic | Changing temperature | significantly increasing | |
Temperature variability | significantly increasing | ||
Wind | Acute | Cyclone | evolution uncertain or unknown |
Storm | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Tornado | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Chronic | Changing wind patterns | evolution uncertain or unknown |
The data of groundwater levels selected from nationwide statistics indicate that, in comparison with the longterm annual mean, the frequency of months with low groundwater levels below average has been increasing signi?cantly. In particular, precipitation de?cits occurring in the course of several consecutive years led to reductions in groundwater levels or reduced spring ?ow. In view of a distinctly dry period, the data for 2018 point to the likelihood of a similar, presumably even more extreme situation arising. The time series beginning in the 1960s for the mean ?ow levels of 80 river areas across Germany indicates distinct ?uctuations between the years. The di?cult situation with regard to soil water supply is continuing. The levels of North Sea and Baltic Sea indicate a predominantly signi?cant rise in sea levels. The increasing intensity of storm surges can be attributed mostly to sea level rise. For coastal regions, especially for estuaries and low-lying coastal areas, this signi?es a gradually increasing threat.
In Germany, heavy rain, flooding and flash floods are becoming more frequent and more intense. The flood disaster in July 2021 caused devastation in Western Europe (Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Luxembourg) led to devastating destruction. In Germany, the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria and Saxony were affected. Over 180 people lost their lives in Germany. Over 800 people were injured, some seriously In North Rhine-Westphalia, almost half of all local authorities, around 20,000 private households, 7,000 companies and self-employed persons were affected. The current estimated damage in North Rhine-Westphalia amounts to 12.3 billion euros. In Rhineland-Palatinate, 65,000 people and about 3,000 businesses were affected by the flood disaster. The Ahr valley was the hardest hit, with about 42,000 people, of whom about 17,000 lost all their belongings or faced considerable damage. 103 bridges were severely damaged or completely destroyed in the Ahr valley alone. According to current estimates, the damage here amounts to more than 18 billion euros. In Bavaria, the damage amounts to 298 million euros, in Saxony 256.1 million euros. Damage to the federal government cannot yet be quantified conclusively. Damage to the federal infrastructure (federal motorways, federal roads, federal railways, federal waterways) is estimated at around 2 billion euros and for the railways at a total of up to 1.3 billion euros.
For 102 climate impacts and 13 fields of action of the DAS, experts from the participating German authorities assessed the level of associated climate risks. The KWRA shows that many areas of life are already affected by the consequences of climate change in the present. In the future, climate risks may increase significantly, especially if no mitigation and adaptation measures are taken.
Natural systems and resources (soil, water, species and ecosystems, etc.) are particularly at risk. They are the foundations of many other systems, e.g. fisheries, agriculture, forestry and water management, as well as for many forms of human recreation. In order to prevent negative cascading effects on economic systems and human health and to enable sustainable forms of use, the protection of natural systems and resources is particularly important.
High climate risks are expected, for example, in the case of shifting cultivation regions, the emergence of new pests, damage to ecosystems such as forests and peatlands, or heat stress among people.
Based on the climate risk and the required timeframe for adaptation, 31 climate impacts were identified for which there is a very urgent need for action. They can be assigned to the following four central challenges:
- Risks from heat to health, especially in urban areas near the Rhine and Spree rivers.
- Risks from drought and low water (often associated with heat) for all water-using and water-dependent systems. Rural areas are particularly affected, especially in the dry regions in the east and west-central parts of Germany.
- Risks from heavy rain, flash floods and flooding for infrastructures and buildings, especially along watercourses. Settlements in narrow valleys of the low mountain ranges show a significantly increased risk.
- Risks from gradual temperature and sea level rise for natural and nature-using systems.
Adaptation potentials - What can be done?
The assessment of adaptation potentials showed how much individual risks can be reduced through adaptation. A distinction was made between adopted and more far-reaching adaptation measures, with the former being part of the current federal action planning (APA III). More far-reaching measures go beyond the adopted measures, but are equally applicable under current conditions. Adopted measures can reduce the climate risk, but this - at least in part - only slightly. In the pessimistic case, with strong climate change, more far-reaching measures are therefore necessary to significantly reduce climate risks.
In addition, there are climate risks for which adaptation already reaches its absolute limits in the present and near future and for which high climate risks can only be avoided through climate protection, for example the impacts of climate change on mountain ecosystems.
The results of the KWRA make it clear that
1. many climate risks can be significantly reduced in Germany through adaptation measures, but in the case of strong climate change, climate risks can only be sufficiently mitigated through more far-reaching and sometimes profound measures. Climate protection is the basis for effective adaptation, in some cases even the only way to reduce risks.
2. Climate adaptation takes time. Many high climate risks require an adaptation period of several decades, some even more than 50 years (e.g. forest conversion). To prepare Germany for severe climate change, early action is necessary.
3. The greatest and most urgent need for action relates to natural systems and resources. On the one hand, they are exposed to particularly high climate risks and, on the other hand, they have comparatively little potential for adaptation. For these reasons, sustainable management and a reduction in the pollution of natural systems and resources are the main starting points for adaptation.
Key affected sectors
Key affected sector(s) | agriculture and food; other |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | medium |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | The German Adaptation Strategy’s monitoring system ensures that, in all the DAS fields of action, the impacts of climate change and adaptations to it are kept under continuous review. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. It is a systematic, cross-sectoral analysis and assessment of the effects of climate change, based on the analysis of climate impact chains and ISO 14091. 25 higher federal authorities and institutions from nine ministries were closely involved in the preparation of the study. Building on this, the network of authorities assessed the respective climate risk in relation to the present, the two future periods of mid-century (2031-2060) and the end of the century (2071-2100). The KWRA considers a pessimistic case (stronger climate change) and an optimistic case (weaker climate change). The study relied on climate projection data from the German Weather Service. These data are based on the modelling of different greenhouse gas-concentration scenarios, the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). The KWRA used the projections of the climate scenario RCP8.5, which is the scenario of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that has the highest greenhouse gas concentrations. The project also analysed the interactions between the individual climate impacts and susceptible systems and identified cascading effects. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | high |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | medium |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | Adaptive capacity: In the “agriculture” action field, there are a number of adaptation options. One focus: measures that promote the careful, climate-adapted treatment of the soil. Measures to deal with abiotic stress in crops and other potential yield losses primarily focus on irrigation options and techniques, the choice of varieties and frost protection, but are also aimed at promoting the activity and diversity of soil life, the stability of the soil structure and protection against erosion. In addition, the potential expansion of insurance against extreme weather-related damage is important. More far-reaching adaptation practices should be increasingly applied (diversified crop cultivation systems, crop rotation, land cover). The expansion of organic agriculture can also be understood and used in terms of transformative climate adaptation. Also required are far-reaching changes in the markets and a willingness to change on the demand side. Water-related conflicts of use with the natural balance, industry and drinking water supply can also represent obstacles to adaptation. It is not possible to adequately assess these risks. To a certain extent, the cross-sectional action fields of finance management (insurance) and spatial planning (flood prevention, promotion of soil unsealing, which serves to retain precipitation in the area, which in turn improves groundwater recharge) contribute to increasing the adaptive capacity in agriculture. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | high |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | Since the climate impacts “abiotic stress (plants)” and “yield losses” are classified as high risks as early as the middle of the century (in the pessimistic case), and a duration of ten to 50 years is assumed for comprehensive adaptation measures, there are very urgent needs for action here. While the high climate risk in the case of “abiotic stress (plants)” could remain even after the APAIII+ measures have been implemented, the climate risk in the case of “yield losses” could be reduced to medium-high. More extensive adaptation could reduce the risks for both climate impacts to medium (in the pessimistic case). |
Key affected sector(s) | forestry |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | medium |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the DAS monitoring 2023, fourteen indicators with time series are presented in the field of action forestry: Tree species composition in designated forest nature reserves, Endangered spruce stands, Financial support for forest conversion, Incremental growth in timber, Damaged timber – extent of random use, Forest condition, Mortality rate, Conservation of forest-genetic resources, Extent of timber infested by spruce bark beetle, Humus reserves in forest soils, Forest fire risk and forest fires, Forestry information on adaptation, Raw wood use, Timber construction quota. The monitoring report is published every four years by the federal government, the next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined in the forestry field of action six selected climate impacts: Heat and drought stress, Pest/disease stress, Damage from windthrow, Forest fire risk, Utilization function timber yield, Utilization function recreation. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS Monitoring and KWRA 2021 see agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | high |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | high |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the “forestry” action field, there is a broad spectrum of measures reflected in the APA III. The program of measures “Adaptation of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Aquaculture to Climate Change” and the funding instrument of the Forest Climate Fund play a key role. In addition, activities in research to deepen the knowledge base are particularly important. Further options relate to raising awareness of land-owners, as well as training and funding of qualified personnel. The conversion towards more climate resiliant forests types is an important factor. An increase in the proportion of non-managed forests to strengthen natural adaptation processes and the conversion of forest operations could be seen as transformative adaptation. Adaptation of forests can face obstacles, because it is very difficult to evaluate long-term measures like forest conversion, both in terms of their duration and their potential for success. Forest conversion is associated with considerable costs for forest operations and forest owners. The cross-sectional action fields make various contributions to improving the adaptive capacity of forestry and forest management. For example, regional plans and landscape structure plans include forest conversion measures, and civil protection risk analyses (e.g. on drought) can contribute to risk perception. The financial sector offers specific insurances, such as storm and forest fire insurance, which offer forest owners protection in the event of damage. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | high |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the “forestry” action field, the study analysed and assessed the adaptive capacity to the climate impacts “heat and drought stress”, “stress from pests/diseases”, “forest fire risk” and “utility: timber yield”. The climate risk (in the pessimistic case) for the mentioned climate impacts – with the exception of the “forest fire risk” – could be reduced to “medium-high” both through the APAIII+ measures and through more far reaching adaptation. For the “forest fire risk”, a medium climate risk is assumed for the midcentury period, which could be reduced to “low-medium” through more far reaching adaptation (in the pessimistic case). |
Key affected sector(s) | marine and fisheries; other |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | medium |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the DAS monitoring 2023, tree indicators with time series are presented in the field of action fisheries: Distribution of thermophilic marine species, Herring larvae in the Greifswald Bodden, Occurrence of thermophilic species in inland waters. The monitoring report is published every four years by the federal government, the next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change in Germany and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. In the fisheries five selected climate impacts were investigated: Decoupling of food relationships in the Baltic sea, Distribution of the thermophilic species in the North Sea, Distribution of fish species in rivers, Pest/disease stress, Damage to aquaculture. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS Monitoring and KWRA 2021 see agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | high |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | medium |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different key hazards |
Assessment | While sea fishing is particularly important in regions near the coast, industrial and recreational fishing in inland areas is widespread. All forms of fishing and aquaculture, as well as fish stocks, are particularly sensitive to the consequences of climate change. If the habitat of fish changes that they can no longer live and reproduce there, and there is no opportunity to move to other areas, the stocks or their usability are threatened. Adaptation options relate to inland and sea fishing as well as to aquaculture operations. To adapt to the high climate risk “decoupling of food relations in the Baltic Sea”, the motivation for and acceptance of measures for sustainable inventory management are extremely important and show clear potential for growth. For sea fishing in general, the intensification of research and monitoring as well as the negotiation and legally binding nature of catch quotas are important. For inland climate adaptation, water engineering measures and renaturation are particularly relevant. Selected measures (APA III) to the distribution of fish species in rivers include, the renaturation of rivers and floodplains and the creation of ecological continuity on federal waterways. Adaptation can reach its limits when water levels become very low or dry out. Aquaculture farms can adapt to ventilation systems, multiple uses of water, digital oxygen supply systems and feeding techniques, shading production facilities and orientation towards new breeding goals. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | high |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the “fisheries” action field, the assessment analysed and assessed the adaptive capacity to the climate impacts “decoupling of food relationships in the Baltic Sea” and “distribution of fish species in rivers”. For the climate impact “decoupling of food relations in the Baltic Sea”, only the implementation of more far reaching adaptation could lead to a reduction of the climate risk to “medium-high”. The assessed climate risk of the climate impact “distribution of fish species in rivers” could be reduced to “medium-high” through APAIII+ measures and more far reaching adaptations in the pessimistic case. There is a very urgent need for action for the climate impact “distribution of fish species in rivers”, as it was assessed as having a high climate risk as early as the middle of the century with an assumed adaptation period of up to 50 years for comprehensive measures. There is an urgent need for action for the climate impact “decoupling of food relationships in the Baltic Sea”. |
Key affected sector(s) | coastal areas |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | medium |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different key hazards |
Assessment | In the DAS monitoring 2023, nine indicators with time series are presented in the field of action coastal areas: Water temperature in the sea, Sea levels, Intensity of storm surges, Investment in coastal protection, Coastal morphology, backwater into flowing waters, performance of pumping stations/lowland drainage, land protection dikes without safety deficit. The monitoring report is published every four years by the federal government, the next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change in Germany and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. In the coastal areas ten selected climate impacts were investigated: Sea temperature and ice cover, Water quality and groundwater salinization, Sea level, Currents and tidal dynamics, Sea state, Storm surges, Natural spatial changes on coasts, Increased stress on or Failure of coastal protection systems, Damage or destruction of settlements and infrastructure on the coast, Overloading of drainage facilities in areas at risk of flooding. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS monitoring and KWRA see Agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | high |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | medium |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different key hazards |
Assessment | Various factors influence the consequences of climate change (including characteristics of the coastal sections, topographical and morphological structures, sea topography, exchange of water with other seas, input of substances into the sea, type and condition of the coastal infrastructure, form of land use, settlement structures). Areas with a high population density show higher damage values. Since coastal protection is primarily the responsibility of the coastal federal states, APAIII+ measures relate mainly to legal framework and research funding. The general plans and regulations of the relevant federal states include technical and nature-based coastal protection measures such as building dykes, beach nourishment or building floodplain fields. The use of natural adaptation instruments can help promote dynamic processes in coastal development. More far-reaching adaptation instruments in technical coastal protection, such as the development and implementation of innovative dike concepts. There are factors that can limit adaptation, including land use and other conflicts of interest (agriculture, nature conservation, energy, tourism, industry and shipping). This can also be limited due to a lack of natural resources, for sediment management or heightening or widening the dike. Given the uncertainties about the height of the sea level rise, measures that enable the continuous readjustment of the adaptation pathway appear particularly worthy of recommendation. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | high |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the action field “coastal and marine protection”, the assessment analysed and assessed the adaptive capacity to the climate impacts “water quality and groundwater salinization”, “natural spatial changes on coasts” and “overloading of drainage facilities in areas at risk of flooding”. The risk of the climate impact “water quality and groundwater salinization” could be reduced to “medium-high” through the APAIII+ measures and to “medium” (both in the pessimistic case) through more far-reaching adaptation. While the risk of the climatic impact “natural spatial changes on coasts” could remain high through the implementation of the APAIII+ measures, more far-reaching adaptation would reduce this to “medium” (in the pessimistic case). The risk of “overloading the drainage facilities in flood-prone areas” could be reduced to “medium-high” through the APAIII+ measures and even to “low-medium” (in the pessimistic case) through more extensive adaptation. |
Key affected sector(s) | water management |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | medium |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different key hazards |
Assessment | DAS monitoring 2023, twelve indicators with time series presents: Terrestrial stored water masses, groundwater level and spring discharge, mean discharge, floods, peak discharges, low water, water level of lakes, water temperature of lakes, spring algal bloom in lakes, water temperature of streams, water use index, flood protection.The monitoring report is published every four years by the federal government, the next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change in Germany and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. In the Water balance, water management action field eleven selected climate impacts were investigated: Low tide, Floods, Overloading or failure of flood protection systems, Flash floods (failure of drainage facilities and flood protection systems), Restrictions on the functionality of sewer networks and receiving waters and sewage treatment plants, Water temperature and ice cover and biological water quality, Chemical water quality, Groundwater level and groundwater quality, Lack of irrigation water, Drinking water, Production water. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS monitoring and KWRA see Agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | high |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | medium |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | The pessimistic scenario projects decreasing low water runoff. With regard to the average annual flood discharge, most gauges show increases. Regional differences in the sensitivity to high and low water result from the extent of water management, from the volume that can be stored in dams or controlled lakes and drained off in a targeted manner. For the groundwater level, the removal of water for irrigation is also relevant during periods of drought. The expected increase in ground and surface water temperatures will have negative effects on the ecological status of the waters, especially during periods of drought. The rising water temperature is particularly problematic where the water quality is already in a bad state. The water quality of the lakes will also be affected by rising water temperatures. For heavy rain and local flood events, area characteristics (sealing, land use, drainage options) play a role. The observed climate impacts are closely linked. Adaptation measures for one climate impact can also influence other climate impacts. Due to the mutual dependencies in the use of resources there are diverse interactions, therefore a high level of coordination at federal and state level is required. Important tools for flood and low water management are high-quality predictions of extreme situations that extend as far into the future as possible. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | high |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the action field “water balance, water management”, the assessment analysed the adaptive capacity for the climate impacts “damage to or failure of flood protection systems”, “flash floods (failure of drainage facilities and flood protection systems)”, “water temperature, ice cover, biological water quality” and “groundwater level, groundwater quality”. The risk of the climate impact “damage to or failure of flood protection systems” could be reduced to “low-medium” (pessimistic case) through the APAIII+ measures as well as through more far-reaching adaptation. The reason for this optimistic assessment is the extensive preparatory work and specific bundles of measures on the subjects of flood prevention and flood protection. The risk of the climate impacts “flash floods” as well as “water temperature and ice cover and biological water quality” could remain unchanged through the implementation of the APAIII+ measures. However, more far-reaching adaptation could reduce the risk to a medium-high level for the former and a medium level for the latter (pessimistic case). In the pessimistic case, a reduction in the risk of the climate impact “groundwater level and groundwater quality” would not be possible either through the implementation of APAIII+ measures or more far-reaching adaptation. There are very urgent needs for action for the climate impacts “damage to or failure of flood protection systems”, “flash floods (failure of drainage facilities and flood protection systems)”, “water temperature and ice cover and biological water quality” as well as “groundwater level and groundwater quality”, since they were assessed as having a high risk by the middle of the century (in the pessimistic case) and require an adaptation period of several decades. There is an urgent need for action for the climate impacts “lack of irrigation water”, “chemical water quality” and “restrictions on the functionality of sewer networks and receiving waters and sewage treatment plants”. |
Key affected sector(s) | transport |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | medium |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the DAS monitoring 2023, six indicators with time series are presented in the field of action transport: Flood closures on the Rhine, low water restrictions on the Rhine, heavy rain and roads, weather and weather-related road accidents, impairment of roads due to exceptional weather and weather-related events, weather and weather-related disruptions to rail traffic. The monitoring report is published every four years by the federal government, the next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change in Germany and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. In the Transport action field seven selected climate impacts were investigated: Navigability of inland waterways (low water), Navigability of inland waterways (flooding), Navigability of the sea waterways, Damage / obstacles to roads and railways (flooding), Damage / obstacles to roads and railways (gravitational mass movements), Damage to traffic control systems, overhead lines and power supply systems, Damage to inland and maritime waterways, ports and maritime unfrastructures. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS Monitoring and KWRA 2021 see agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | medium |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | low |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different key hazards |
Assessment | Various factors influence the extent to which climate change impacts the modes and means of transport, significant factors include the condition of the respective transport infrastructure, the traffic and transport volume. The sensitivity of the rail and road sections to flooding depends on the height of the tracks or the lanes near the river floods and on the availability and volume of retention and drainage systems (flash floods). The sensitivity to wind throw depends on the vegetation near the route (trees) and their management and infrastructure parameters (overhead lines). The sensitivity of inland navigation to restrictions caused by high and low water is influenced by the characteristics of the river basin (including the management measures installed) and the waterway (depth and width, waterway management, bridge heights). The APA III contains a comparatively large number of measures for the action field “transport, transport infrastructure”. For example, research projects create a good knowledge base in the BMDV Network of Experts with regard to the need for adaptation and selected adaptation measures in the transport sector. With a view to adapting the navigability of inland waterways to low water events, measures to increase flexibility both in river engineering (flexible elements) and in logistics (e.g. simplification of intermodal transport). Spatial planning, regional and urban landuse planning makes a significant contribution to improving the adaptive capacity. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | low |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | The APA III contains a comparatively large number of measures for the action field “transport, transport infrastructure”. For example, research projects such as topic 1 “adapting transport and infrastructure to climate change and extreme weather events” create a good knowledge base in the BMDV Network of Expertswith regard to the diverse climate impacts, the need for adaptation and selected adaptation measures in the transport sector. The “Rhine Low Water Action Plan” contains different measures. This includes the further development of forecast systems. Given the existing uncertainties, as in other action fields, socalled “low-regret” measures are also recommended with regard to possible, more far-reaching adaptation measures. This includes measures to increase flexibility both in river engineering (flexible elements) and in logistics (e.g. simplification of intermodal transport). The assessment analysed and assessed the adaptive capacity of the action field “transport, transport infrastructure” for the climate impact “navigability of inland waterways (low water)”. The participating experts conclude that the many measures in APA III could be sufficient to reduce the climate risk of the climate impact “navigability of inland waterways (low water)” from “high” to “medium”, even in the pessimistic case. A reduction to a climate risk of “low” could be possible through more far-reaching adaptation. The need for action is classified as very urgent for the climate impact “navigability of inland waterways (low water)”, since the climate risk was rated as “high” in the pessimistic case for the middle of the century and many measures could require a significant lead time (up to 50 years). Urgent needs for action arise for the climate impacts “damage/obstacles to roads and railways (flood)”, “damages/obstacles to roads and railways (gravitational mass movements)” and “damage to traffic control systems, overhead lines and power supply systems”. |
Key affected sector(s) | other |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | medium |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different key hazards |
Assessment | In the DAS monitoring 2023, six indicators with time series are presented in the field of action soil: Soil water supply in agricultural soils, soil water in forest soils, regenerosivity, temperature in topsoil, humus supply in arable soils, Permanent grassland. The monitoring report is published every four years by the federal government, the next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change in Germany and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. In the Soil action field ten selected climate impacts were investigated: Soil erosion by water, Wind erosion, Landslides and mudslides, Lack of water in the soil, Leachate, Waterlogging, Soil biology: micro-biological activity / biodiversity / biological fundtionality; Soil balance, Soil function: filter and buffer function, Production function. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS Monitoring and KWRA 2021 see agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | high |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | medium |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In Germany, the areas with the greatest risk of erosion by water are on arable land in southern Germany, such as the Bavarian Tertiary Hills, in the Hallertau, in the Kraichgau and in the Saar-Nahe Hills. Landslides and mudslides occur mainly in low mountain ranges and on the edge of the Alps, but also along steep railway lines and road cuts. In the tertiary hill countries in the foothills of the Alps and in the loamy, sandy, calcareous old moraine landscapes in the south of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the soil is also at risk of becoming waterlogged in autumn. Parts of central Germany as well as all hydromorphic soils, are particularly affected by the decline in the effective water balance during the growing season. The decline in the seepage water rate has its main focus in the eastern federal states, mainly in Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt. The spatial focus of erosion by wind is in northern Germany, where the young moraine soils of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the East Frisian Geest, the Emsland and western Brandenburg are particularly affected. The sensitivity of the soil to climate change is particularly high when the organic content is low, the diversity of soil organisms is degraded by land use and the soil structure has already been damaged by traffic, erosion or compaction, among other things. Hydromorphous soils, which can be damaged by the expected fluctuations in precipitation, are particularly at risk. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | high |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | The study assessed the adaptive capacity to the climate impacts “soil erosion by water”, “water shortage in the soil”, “soil erosion by wind” and “production functions”. By implementing the APAIII+ measures, the climate risk could be reduced to “medium-high” for all of the climate impacts mentioned, with the exception of the climate impact “production functions”. Despite more far-reaching adaptation (in the pessimistic case), medium-high climate risks could remain for the climate impacts “soil erosion by water” and “production function”. However, the climate risks “water shortage in the soil” and “soil erosion by wind” could be reduced to a medium level (Table 6). The climate impacts “soil erosion by water”, “water shortage in the soil”, “soil erosion by wind” and “production function” have very urgent needs for action, since they are classified as high risks for the middle of the century (pessimistic case) with an assumed an adaptation period of several decades. Urgent action requirements arise for the climate impact “landslides and mudslides”. There are no adaptation options for the climate impacts “soil biology” and “soil functions: filter and buffer functions”. This means that these medium-risk climate impacts could not be methodologically assigned to the list of urgent action requirements. This shows the limits of adaptation to climate change. |
Key affected sector(s) | biodiversity (including ecosystembased approaches) |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | low |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the DAS monitoring 2023, six indicators with time series are presented in the field of action biodiversity: Phenological changes in wild plant species, temperature index of bird species communities, temperature index of butterfly species communities, reclamation of natural floodplains, consideration of climate change in landscape programmes and landscape framework plans, Area protection. The monitoring report is published every four years by the federal government, the next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change in Germany and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. In the Biodivcersity action field nine selected climate impacts were investigated: Change in the growing season and phenology, spread of invasive species, loss of genetic biodiversity, shift in areas and decline in numbers, damage to coastal ecosystems, damage to mountain ecosystems, damage to waterbound habitats and wetlands, damage on forests, ecosystems services. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS Monitoring and KWRA 2021 see agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | high |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | medium |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | Coastal, mountain, forest ecosystems, waterbound habitats and wetlands are particularly affected by climate change. Disrupted ecosystems, small habitats, habitats at high altitudes, as well as coastal and tidal rivers are particularly sensitive. The adaptive capacity is largely dependent on the extent to which species colonise new, climatically suitable habitats or can adapt to new conditions in the old habitat. The APA III provides for a large number of adaptation measures for the action field. Most common are measures to expand knowledge through research and monitoring activities. More far-reaching adaptation measures arise, with regard to the connection of areas and biotopes (biotope network, reduction of barriers such as traffic routes, river management and areas used intensively for agriculture and forestry. An increased organic agriculture can contribute to an increasingly biodiversity-focused adaptation. The climate impacts are closely linked and influence one another. They all tend to have a restrictive influence on the possibility of using ecosystem services. Adaptation activities in the fields of “agriculture”, “forestry”, “soil”, “water balance, water management” and “coastal and marine protection” influence the adaptive capacity in “biodiversity”. Possibilities to support the adaptive capacity through strategies of spatial planning, state, regional and urban development planning and through financial activities. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | high |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | The adaptive capacity to the climate impacts “spread of invasive species”, “loss of genetic diversity”, “relocation of areas and decline in populations”, “damage to waterbound habitats and wetlands” and “damage to forests” was assessed. The climate risks with adaptation can be derived from the assessment of the climate risks without adaptation and the effectiveness of the adaptation options. While the implementation of the APAIII+ measures will probably not change the climate risk of the “spread of invasive species”. The risk “damage to waterbound habitats and wetlands” and “damage to forests” could (only) be reduced to “medium-high”. The climate risk “spread of invasive species” and “damage to forests” could only be reduced to “medium-high” through more far-reaching adaptation. In “damage to waterbound habitats and wetlands”, the experts estimate that the climate risk can be reduced to a medium level through more far-reaching adaptation. Very urgent need for action for “spread of invasive species”, “damage to water-bound habitats and wetlands” and “damage to forests”, as these were already classified as high climate risks for the middle of the century and an adaptation period of several decades is assumed. Urgent need for action for “damage to coastal ecosystems”, “ecosystem services”, “shift in areas and decline in numbers” and “loss of genetic diversity”. No adaptation options are seen in the purely upstream climate impacts at the level of physical changes in natural systems. Purely upstream climate impacts were only assessed with regard to the climate risk without adaptation. In the case of the climate impacts “damage to mountain ecosystems” and “change in the length of the vegetation period and phenology”, a high risk is attested, but no options for action are seen. This means that these highrisk climate impacts could not be methodologically assigned to the list of (very) urgent action requirements. This shows the limits of adaptation to climate change. |
Key affected sector(s) | buildings |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | medium |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the DAS monitoring 2023, nine indicators with time series are presented in the Construction action field: Heat stress in cities, Summer heat island effect, Cooling degree days, Heavy rainfall in urban areas, Claims expenditure in property insurance, Recreational areas, Green roofs in large cities, Investment in energy-efficient renovation of the building envelope, Insurance density in natural hazard insurance. The monitoring report is published every four years by the federal government, the next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change in Germany and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. In the Construction action field six selected climate impacts were investigated: damage to buildings due to heavy rain, damage to buildings due to river flooding, egetation in settlements, urban climate/heat islands, indoor climate, times for construction work. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS Monitoring and KWRA 2021 see agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | high |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | medium |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | The spatial exposure depends largely on the climatic impact under consideration. Factors that influence the sensitivity of buildings are the size and cubature of the building, the material used and, in some cases, elements of the building technology und structural factors such as urban surface sealing, area-related expansion, vegetation cover and green volume, existing air ducts or the degree of structural use. Factors influencing the sensitivity of the vegetation in settlements are type of vegetation, species composition, air quality, pollutant inputs such as road salt and the degree of sealing and soil compaction. Efforts to adapt: adaptation of technical regulations and standards, the creation of structures for the institutionalisation of adaptation, expansion of the scope for action for municipalities through amendments to the building code. Measures to adapt relate to building renovations and the construction of new buildings and require the creation of legal requirements and their specification through standards and technical regulations. Barriers to adaptation can stem from the limited influence of the public sector on privately owned buildings, regulations related to the protection of historical buildings and monuments, or the high costs of flood-adapted construction. Important are spatial planning instruments for dealing with the risk caused by floods or heavy rain, regulating both the urban and building climates, and increasing vegetation in the urban environment. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | high |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | Since the climate impacts “damage to buildings due to river floods”, “vegetation in settlements”, “urban climate/heat islands” and “indoor climate” were already classified as high climate risks for the middle of the century in the pessimistic case and require an adaptation period of ten to 50 years (damage to buildings, urban climate) or more than 50 years (vegetation in settlements, indoor climate), they are associated with very urgent needs for action. While “vegetation in settlements” can be reduced to a medium risk by means of the APAIII+ measures (and even to a low-medium risk through more far-reaching adaptation), the climate risks “damage to buildings due to river floods” and “urban climate/heat islands” cannot be reduced to a medium risk by the APAIII+ measures, but by more far-reaching adaptation. |
Key affected sector(s) | energy |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | low |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the DAS monitoring 2023, two indicators with time series are presented in the energy field of action: Weather-related disruptions of power supply, Weather-related unavailability of power supply. The monitoring report is published every four years by the federal government, the next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change in Germany and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. In the Energy action field six selected climate impacts were investigated: Cooling energy requirements, Heating energy requirements, Interruption of the regional supply chains for energy sources, Insufficient cooling water for thermal plants, Reduction/increase in Yield in photovoltaic systems and in wind energy systems on land and at sea, Lack of reliability of the energy supply. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS Monitoring and KWRA 2021 see agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | low |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | low |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | Both the exposure and the sensitivity factors tend to be climate-impact specific. On the supplier side, location factors such as proximity to coastal or inland waters are relevant. For the transport of fossil fuels, the dependence on the navigability of inland waterways also play a role. On the demand side, Germany is affected by increases in cooling energy requirements. The heat island effect suggests differences in exposure between urban and rural areas. With regard to the potential for adaptation, the picture is quite heterogeneous; the APAIII+ measures and more far-reaching adaptation relate mainly to the use of technical measures and natural resources. On the energy supply side, the autonomous adaptation of the respective actors in the energy sector plays a relatively large role compared to adaptation through state and regulatory action. The adaptability of the energy infrastructure can be increased by investing in decentralized energy supply structures and establishing smart grids. It should also be emphasized that the measures and targets adopted as part of the energy transition do not have a negative effect on future adaptation potential, and that adaptation measures in the action field do not lead to increased energy consumption and emissions. The financial sector can support the expansion of renewable energies through targeted investments, and regional planning makes a contribution in planning for the expansion of renewable energies. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | low |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | No climate impacts were selected for the analysis of the adaptive capacity for the action field “energy industry”. Therefore, only the adaptive capacity at the level of the action field was assessed. Climate risks with adaptation in the energy industry action field is low. There are no very urgent or urgent requirements for action in the action field. |
Key affected sector(s) | tourism |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | low |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the DAS monitoring 2023, four indicators with time series are presented in the field of action tourism: Bathing temperatures on the coast, snow cover for winter tourism, market shares of the major tourist areas, Seasonality of overnight stays in the major tourist areas. The monitoring report is published every four years by the federal government, the next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change in Germany and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. In the Tourism action field six selected climate impacts were investigated: Restriction of tourism options: effects of a lack of guaranteed snow on winter tourism, Restriction of tourism options: effects of heat on health-based tourism, Damage to tourist infrastructure and business interruptions, shift in demand, economic opportunities and risk for tourism. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS Monitoring and KWRA 2021 see agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | medium |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | medium |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | Depending on the type of tourism, the altitude (winter tourism) or the relative distance to watersare factors of spatial exposure in the tourism sector. On the supply and demand side, sensitivity is linked to socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics. The degree of specification or diversification also plays a decisive role on the supply side (ski tourism). The multicausality of travel decisions makes it difficult to forecast and control demand-side adaptation to climate change; adaptation options exist mainly on the supply side. In winter tourism destinations in German low mountain ranges, this is already being pursued with an expansion to include summer outdoor activities, which could also prove useful for the German Alps instead of or in addition to technical adaptation measures such as snow management. The same applies to coastal regions or destinations specialising in hiking tourism (e.g. heat and drought damage). Diversification can also include expanding the cultural activities or marketing regional products. Organisational and knowledge-generating measures are essential components of adaptation strategies (including on the demand side), but financial resources are also critical. The cross-sectional action field of “spatial planning” through regulations on land use contributes to improving the adaptive capacity in the action field; the financial sector could also play a role by expanding the available insurance options, for example. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | medium |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | The multicausality of travel decisions makes it difficult to forecast and control demand side adaptation to climate change; adaptation options exist mainly on the supply side. Selected measures are primarily aimed at generating and providing knowledge as well as raising awareness. This includes the provision of guidelines for the implementation of adaptation measures, online information portals (such as the regional climate atlas) as well as the provision of meteorological data and climate adaptation advice from the “Climate Data Center” of the German Weather Service. More far-reaching adaptation can be made both at the destination management organisation (DMO) level and at the operational level. Diversification of the available activities can be a helpful strategy. In winter tourism destinations in German low mountain ranges, this is already being pursued with an expansion to include summer outdoor activities, which could also prove useful for the German Alps instead of or in addition to technical adaptation measures such as snow management. The same applies to coastal regions (due to the rise in sea levels) or destinations specialising in hiking tourism (e.g. heat and drought damage). Diversification can also include expanding the cultural activities or marketing regional products. Flexibility seems to be particularly important in addition to a variety of activities, given the heterogeneity of travel decisions. While the DMO can provide critical momentum for the conception and implementation of adaptation, adaptation processes are based on the interaction of various actors and require coordination and cooperation. Overall, organisational and knowledge-generating measures are essential components of adaptation strategies (including on the demand side), but financial resources are also critical. There are no very urgent needs for action here. |
Key affected sector(s) | business; industry |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | low |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the DAS monitoring 2023, four indicators with time series are presented in the Industry and commerce action field: Heat-related loss in performance, water intensity of manufacturing, perception of the relevance of physical climate risks in industry and commerce, Exposure of German foreign trade to global climate change. The next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change in Germany and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. In the Industry and commerce action field twelve selected climate impacts were investigated: Impairment of the supply of raw materials and intermediate products (international), Restrictions in sales markets (international), Competitive environmental technologies, Impairement of the international transport of goods, Impairment of the movement of goods via waterways (inland), Impairment of the landbased movement of goods, Energy consumption and impairment in energy supply, Water requirements, Release of dangerous substances, Reduced employee productivity, Impairment of production processes, Operational planning expense. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS Monitoring and KWRA 2021 see agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | medium |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | low |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | The extent to which German companies are affected by climate change depends on branch of the economy, size of the company, company’s international orientation or the ability to innovate all. They represent critical starting points for adaptation and for improving adaptive capacity. The impairment of the domestic movement of goods via waterways, the conditions of the federal waterways and their catchment area characteristics as well as the location of large industrial sites are critical factors of spatial exposure. The supply of international raw materials and intermediate products are relevant factors to sensitivity. When it comes to adaptation, the action field shows diverse potential; APA III lists a comparatively large number of measures. These relate to “transport, transport infrastructure” or to weather-related extreme events and their effects on industrial sites and buildings, occupational health and safety, plant safety and the safeguarding of hazardous substances. Adaptation can reach its limits if government measures lead to the creation of market imbalances or if adaptations are no longer profitable for companies. The financial sector in particular contributes to strengthening the adaptive capacity by arranging insurance for physical climate risks. Incentives for adaptation can also be set through guidelines for granting loans or investments. Regional planning can support spatial adaptation processes that require a change in land use. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | medium |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the action field “industry and commerce”, the study analysed and assessed the adaptive capacity to the climate impacts “impairment of the supply of raw materials and intermediate products (international)” and “impairment of the movement of goods via waterways (inland)”. The risk of the climate impact “impairment of the supply of raw materials and intermediate products (international)” could be reduced to “medium-high” in the pessimistic case by implementing more far-reaching adjustments. While the APAIII+ measures could reduce the climate risk of the climate impact “impairment of the movement of goods via waterways (inland)” to “medium-high” in the pessimistic case, a reduction to a medium climate risk could be achieved with more extensive adaptation. The climate impact “impairment of the movement of goods via waterways (inland)” is classified as a very urgent need for action, since the pessimistic case rates it as “high” by the middle of the century and many measures could require a significant lead time (up to 50 years). Urgent needs for action arise for the climate impacts “impairment of the supply of raw materials and intermediate products (international)”, “impairment of the international transport of goods”, “water demand” and “performance losses of employees”. |
Key affected sector(s) | health |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | medium |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | In the DAS monitoring 2023, thirteen indicators with time series are presented in the Human health action field: Heat stress, awareness of health consequences of heat waves, heat-related deaths, exposure to birch pollen, exposure to ragweed pollen, pathogen carriers, cyanobacteria exposure of bathing waters, health hazards of vibrios, UV exposure, ozone exposure, heat warning service, information on pollen, Participation in the Mosquito Atlas. The monitoring report is published every four years by the federal government, the next report is scheduled for November 2023. KWRA 2021 examined all important topics related to climate change in Germany and analysed both the immediate risks of climate change and the potential to address these risks through adaptation. In the Human health action field eight selected climate impacts were investigated: Heat stress, Allergic reactions due to plant-based aeroallergens, Potentially harmful microorganisms and algae, UV-related health damage, Distribution and change in abundance of possible vectors, Respiratory issues (due to air pollution), Injuries and deaths as a result of extreme events, Effects on the healthcare system. The indicators studied in the DAS monitoring and in the KWRA refer to the same climate impacts, if methodologically possible, in order to synchronise monitoring of measured impacts and projections for the future. For more Information on DAS monitoring and KWRA see Agriculture. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | high |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | medium |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | People who are immunocompromised due to age or illness are more sensitive to the health consequences. People who spend a lot of time outdoors are exposed health-threatening situations longer and more frequently. People are also at risk when they lack a functioning, easily accessible health system in the event of problems. This is itself facing new challenges in the course of climate change. Climate adaptation includes education, monitoring of environmental influences as well as standards for rules of conduct and technical equipment. Adaptation Action Plan (APA III) makes significant contributions to “heat exposure”, “UV-related damage to health” and “allergic reactions due to aeroallergens of plant origin” in the areas of education, research and monitoring, information and awareness-raising, regulations on occupational safety and the provision of information material to specific target groups. The adaptation of the information and early warning systems also contributes to better handling of increasing heat exposure and allergens. Adaptation to the spread of possible pathogens and potentially harmful microorganisms and algae takes place through research, monitoring activities and warning or the designation of risk areas. Conflicts between adaptation-related measures exist, with regard to the planting of potentially allergenic species or the expansion of blue infrastructures, which can serve as potential places of distribution for vectors or harmful microorganisms. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | medium |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | different climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards |
Assessment | There is a very urgent need for action for the climate impacts “heat stress” and “UV-related damage to health”, given that the climate risks are rated as “high”. While the APAIII+ measures could reduce the climate risk to “medium-high”, it could be reduced to “medium” through more far-reaching adaptation. Another very urgent need for action is the climate impact “allergic reactions due to aeroallergens of plant origin”. Both the APAIII+ measures and more far-reaching adaptation could reduce the climate risk from “high” to “medium” (in the pessimistic case). There is an urgent need for action for the climate risks “breathing difficulties (due to air pollution)” and “effects on the health system”. |
Overview of institutional arrangements and governance at the national level
1. Understand and describe climate change: The Monitoring Report provides an overview of the observed impacts of climate change and the adaptation measures already introduced in Germany. This provides a compact overview of the changes that can already be observed as a result of climate change using measured data.
2. Identify climate impacts and characterise vulnerabilities: The climate impact and vulnerability analysis (KWVA) identifies which fields of action and regions are particularly at risk from cli-mate change and where there is a need for action. Reference periods are: the present, near fu-ture (2031-2060) and distant future (2071-2100). The KWVA was developed for the first time in 2015. The second Climate Impact and Risk Assessment 2021 (KWRA) was published by the Federal Government in 2021.
3. Develop and implement measures: The Adaptation Action Plans (APAs) specify the current and future measures taken at the federal level to adapt to climate change. Among other things, they are based on the scientific findings and results of the KWVA. The APAs underpin the DAS by defining specific activities at the federal level and identify links with other national strategy processes. The APAs describe the measures to be implemented by the ministries within their respective spheres of responsibility.
4. Evaluation – observe, assess and develop adaptation: The strategy process and implementation of the DAS are evaluated on a regular basis. The first external evaluation was conducted in 2018. Evaluation of the DAS is performed in accordance with a methodology approved by the IMAA . The results of the evaluation were published as a scientific report in November 2019 and also underwent a review by the ministries; details of this review are included in this Progress Report. The Progress Reports set out practical steps for the further development and implementation of the German Adaptation Strategy. The present report continues the process of outlining the framework for action on climate change adaptation in Germany.
- Developing a vision for a climate-resilient Germany in 2060 and defining specific, transparent and verifiable goals for that purpose. The IMAA will work with the federal states to produce this vision with a time horizon extending to 2100. In so doing it will take account of all relevant points in the timetable of the EU Adaptation Strategy.
- Improving appraisals of effectiveness when developing actions to be included in the Adaptation Action Plan. The actions proposed by the federal authority climate adaptation network underpin discussions. The effectiveness of these actions is to be appraised in future, wherever possible. The network’s proposals are based on the urgent climate impacts and requirements for action that arise from the climate impact and vulnerability analysis, and on criteria-based individual assessments. The IMAA will seek agreement on a procedure.
- Taking stock of the federal government’s adaptation expenditure, including the anticipated benefits of such expenditure in the various fields, and surveying the damage potential and economic impacts of climate change and adaptation actions in Germany. The Federal Environment Agency will assist the IMAA in developing the methodology for such stock-taking exercises and the federal authority climate adaptation network will be involved.
The three policy priorities set out above will be pursued within the framework of the concrete policy instruments available to the federal government to reduce Germany’s vulnerability to climate change. These are reflected for the coming five years in the third Adaptation Action Plan (Aktionsplan Anpassung – APA III). With more than 180 further measures, the Federal Government wants to make Germany climate-proof against risks from floods and low water levels or disrupted infrastructures, impairments to agriculture, health hazards, security risks in the economy and challenges in civil protection.
APA III activities are grouped in clusters: “Water”, “Infrastructure”, “Land”, “Health”, “Economy” and “Spatial Planning and Civil Protection”. Activities that cut across action areas, such as the provision of data and information services, or adaptation financing, are grouped in the “Cross-cutting” cluster. The following Selection of actions and (programmes of) measures briefly profile key actions in each cluster.
In light of the second DAS progress report, dating from 2020, and the coalition agreement for the current federal government, significant measures and instruments for climate change adaptation are already being implemented in the framework of the available budget, such as the following:
• Start of the nationwide process for identification of concrete, measurable goals for climate change adaptation.
• Continuation of work on a federal law on climate change adaptation that is to be adopted in the current legislative period.
• Intensive federal-Länder process for joint financing of climate change adaptation.
• Adaptation of national soil conservation laws in keeping with the challenge of climate change.
• Establishment of a National Soil Monitoring Center within the German Environment Agency (UBA).
• Adoption of an “Immediate-action programme on climate change adaptation” of the Federal Ministry for the Environment in March 2022, with the emphases “Funding and competence-building – local advising – better networking.” In this regard, the “Zentrum KlimaAnpassung” (“Centre for Climate Adaptation”) establishment in July 2021 plays a prominent role.
• Stabilisation and expansion of the programmes “Measures for climate change adaptation” and “Climate change adaptation in social institutions.”
• Initiation and execution of the action programme “Natural Climate Protection” (“Natürlicher Klimaschutz”), which supports both climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation.
• In November 2020, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), the DAS ”Climate and Water” basic service was established at Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD, coordination), the Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) and the Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute (BAW).
• Development of a climate damage register and a natural hazards portal
•
Attention is called to the fact that all measures are subject to the condition that they receive financing. The present report are without prejudice to either current or future budget negotiations.
As a further example of more intensive cooperation between the federal and Federal States levels, joint approaches are agreed wherever possible in order to improve the response to the challenges posed by future climate hazards, such as faster sea-level rise. More vertical (Federation-Federal States-municipalities) and horizontal (cross-sectoral) policy integration are extremely important. For example, adaptation-relevant bodies of the Conferences of Ministers of the Federation and the Federal States are being integrated more systematically into the work of the StA AFK. Increased coordination of strategic objectives across the federal and Land levels offers potential to intensify climate change adaptation in Germany in future.
One opportunity for more “joined-up” cooperation across the federal and Federal States levels is the permanent establishment of climate change adaptation as a topic for the bodies of the Conferences of Ministers of the Federal States. For example, following a decision by the Conference of Environment Ministers (UMK) at its 90th session, a permanent committee on climate change was established by the German Working Group on Water Issues of the Federal States and the Federal Government (LAWA). The committee (LAWA-AK) examines the impacts of climate change on the water sector and identifies and prioritises needs for action. This includes identifying conflicts of interest between the water sector, agriculture and forestry against the background of climate change, with the aim of developing possible solutions. The LAWA-AK is intended to complement the work of the StA AFK and support the further development of the German Adaptation Strategy. The Climate Indicators Sub-Group (Kleingruppe Klimaindikatoren) set up by LAWA-AK is currently developing a concept for climate impact monitoring in the water sector, which will be coordinated with work being carried out at federal level. In the medium term, this will enable coherent climate impact monitoring to be developed for the water sector, coordinated across the federal and Federal States levels. The Climate Indicators Sub-Group has developed six application-ready DAS indicators; four are based on data from the Länder, covering the whole of Germany. All six indicators were integrated into the 2019 DAS Monitoring Report.
Adaptation to climate change impacts is increasingly being considered in the context of standardisation as well. The German Institute for Standardization (DIN e. V.) develops standards for managing the impacts of climate change and shares German expertise in international standard-setting bodies. For example, ISO 14090:2019-06 is an international standard which sets out principles, requirements and guidelines to help organisations adapt to climate change. This standard was developed with substantial support from Germany and was published as a European and national standard in early 2020 (DIN EN ISO 14090:2020-02). Another international standard, ISO 14091, is currently being developed; it provides guidelines for assessing the risks related to the potential impacts of climate change. This standard draws substantially on experience with the German government’s Vulnerability Analysis. It was published as an international, European and national standard (DIN EN ISO 14091) in late 2020.
The DIN e.V. also supports the integration of aspects of climate change into existing national and European standards, e.g. by developing practical guidance and support for standardisation bodies. For example, CEN-CENELEC Guide 32 (“Addressing climate change adaptation in standards”) and DIN SPEC 35220 (“Adaptation to climate change – Projections on climate change and ways for handling uncertainties”). The Institute’s environmental protection coordination unit offers support with the systematic assessment of relevant standards and projects. A current example of an adapted standard is VDI 3787 issued by the Association of German Engineers (VDI) on urban and regional planning and building.
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) regularly recognises highly innovative adaptation projects implemented by businesses, research institutes and associations through its Blue Compass awards. For more information and details of the 2018 award winners, see: www.umweltbundesamt.de/blauerkompass. The purpose of this competition is to identify outstanding initiatives and publicise them nationwide in order to demonstrate what climate change adaptation might look like in practice. Within the DAS framework, it is an important communication tool for promoting self-provision in relation to climate risks.
Selection of actions and (programmes of) measures
Description |
The adaptation agenda for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture was adopted in April 2019 by the conference of agriculture ministers. A programme comprise both actions serving as immediate responses to acute extreme weather events, and actions for long-term adaptation of farming and forestry to changing weather patterns. Five fields of action have been defined: plant production, forests, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, and overarching issues.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A1: Policy instruments
|
Description |
Increasingly frequent heatwaves cause rising indoor temperatures in buildings. In the context of funding programmes climate resilience aspects in construction (new-build and the building stock) will be integrated. In the context of funding programmes this can help to recognise major hazard potential early on and minimise damage events substantially. The tools envisaged include assessment guidance and regional safe load tables.
|
Status |
studies ongoing
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A1: Policy instruments
|
Description |
To handle heatwaves better, it is essential to study the effects of mechanisms adopted and to use the findings to develop further actions. To this end a survey, analysis and evaluation of existing heat action plans will be carried out.
|
Status |
implemented/completed
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
The BMDV Network of Experts has been established as a cross-modal format of departmental research, encompassing seven research facilities and executive agencies of the BMDV. The vision is to make the transport system resilient and environmentally sustainable through cross-authority knowledge and technology transfer. Topic 1 aims at determining the vulnerability of traffic and transport infrastructure to climate change and extreme weather events, and at developing possible adaptations.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
Existing technical rules and standards need to take systematic account of climate change impacts. An action on climate-proofing existing rules and technical standards comprises specific depart-mental research, active involvement in relevant bodies, integration in statutory provisions, and consideration in federal government tendering procedures. Furthermore, the need for and practicability of steps to integrate climate change adaptation in technical laws is to be examined.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
Extreme events and damage are to be recorded systematically. In order to be in a position to better quantify the extent and frequency of meteorological and hydrological extreme events and the damage and environmental impacts caused by them, Germany shall set up a data-base documenting (past) events, modelled on those already established in other countries.
|
Status |
planned
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
The permanent establishment of the federal authority climate adaptation network mandated by IMAA promotes DAS implementation. The BMDV Network of Experts of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport is a research network, which is of particular interest for DAS implementation. The objective is to address urgent transport questions of the future through innovations in the areas of adapting to climate change, environmental protection and risk management.
|
Status |
implemented/completed
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
Activities to implement the measures from the White Paper "Green Spaces in the City" contribute to climate protection and adaptation to climate change. A central element is the promotion of urban green space projects in urban development funding, the National Urban Development Projects, the National Climate Protection Initiative, the funding programme "Measures for Adaptation to the Consequences of Climate Change" and model projects for climate adaptation and modernisation in cities.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
Provision of guidelines on how to implement adaptation actions, e.g. for the elaboration of emergency preparedness plans for responding to various kinds of extreme weather events. Sudden weather events in particular can cause hazardous situations affecting the tourism sector and tourists. For instance, in the winter of 2018/19 heavy snowfall trapped holidaymakers in their destinations and accommodations. Local crisis plans should therefore take account of these target groups.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
To ensure the safety of technical and industrial facilities during extreme events, APA III provides for review by the Commission on Process Safety (KAS) of the Technical Rules on Plant Safety 310 (Precipitation and floods) and 320 (Wind, snow and ice loads), including requirements for updates to reflect recent findings on climate change.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
Review of existing provisions and applicable state rules on occupational safety and health with regard to heat and UV radiation, for instance, the Technical Rules for Workplaces (ASR). Furthermore, the Ordinance on Preventive Occupational Healthcare will be evaluated with regard to its thresholds for preventive checkups for occupations involving outdoor activities subject to intensive exposure to natural UV radiation.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
The 2020 administrative agreement for urban development promotion programmes 2020 refined and coordinated by the German federal government and Federal States now makes “climate change mitigation or adaptation actions, notably through improving green infrastructure (e.g. urban green spaces)” a mandatory precondition to receiving public funding.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
Within the sphere of competence of the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV), concrete steps are under way to integrate the aspect of climate change systematically in planning processes. The WSV climate proofing for example integrates data services, guidelines and training programmes.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
Problems arise in terms of water resource shortages, which lead to competition over use of the available resources (for potable water, agricultural irrigation, water storage for fire extinguishing, inland shipping, etc.). To resolve such conflicting uses in future periods of drought, proposals shall be made that concretise human potable water requirements, in order to determine a potential hierarchy of water uses where conflicts arise.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
A: Governance and Institutional
|
Sub-KTM |
A2: Management and Planning
|
Description |
Support of social institutions in arming themselves against the consequences of the climate crisis such as heat, heavy rain or floods. The funding programme was launched in 2020 for a limited period from 2020 to 2023. The response shows: The need for support for social institutions such as hospitals, kindergartens and nursing stations remains great. It is planned to continue the funding programme to support social institutions after 2023, currently amending the funding guideline.
|
Status |
implemented/completed
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
B: Economic and Finance
|
Sub-KTM |
B1: Financing and incentive instruments
|
Description |
NHWSP will be carried forward to tackle also the growing flood risks in a coordinated manner across federal states. The “Preventive flood protection” special framework plan of the federal/federal states Joint Task for the Improvement of Agricultural Structures and Coastal Protection provides federal funding for this purpose, co-financed from federal state resources. Thereby the government supports large-scale retention measures for the improvement of supra-regional flood protection.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
C: Physical and technological approaches
|
Sub-KTM |
C2: Technological options
|
Description |
Creating climate-resilient forests in federally owned stands involves the stable, structurally rich and site-appropriate development of mixed forests. Activities here are guided by state-of-the-art research. Forest Climate Fund (WKF) funding scheme supports actions that serve forest adaptation to climate change and preserve the indispensable contributions that near-natural, structurally rich and species-rich forests make to safeguarding the natural bases of life in the long term.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
D: Nature based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches
|
Sub-KTM |
D1: Green options
|
Description |
The aim is to create opportunities for species and habitat types to persist, and to facilitate geographic adaptation of organisms in the wake of climatic changes, by. One approach here is to optimise the habitats of climate-sensitive and/or endangered species to improve their resilience and adaptive capacity. The Federal Programme for Biological Diversities funding priority of which explicitly makes provision for actions to safeguard capacity to adapt to climate change.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
D: Nature based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches
|
Sub-KTM |
D1: Green options
|
Description |
Many climate change adaptation activities in APA III are nature-based and utilise ecosystem processes. Positive examples of adaptation options through nature-based solutions (NbS) that contribute to attaining biodiversity and climate goals, generate synergies between these two and other development goals. The predominantly long-term benefits of nature-based solutions, their positive cost-benefit ratio and their contribution to attaining sustainability goals are recognised at many levels.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
D: Nature based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches
|
Sub-KTM |
D1: Green options
|
Description |
Through a programme securing the extent of and rewetting bogs and fens, it is envisaged that, initially, individual pilot projects for mire soil conservation are to be carried out with federal fund-ing. In addition, under the Climate Action Plan and with EKF funding, actions are planned to substi-tute peat uses and to establish a mire conservation programme in agriculturally utilised areas.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
D: Nature based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches
|
Sub-KTM |
D2: Blue options
|
Description |
The “sponge city” vision shall continue to be pursued in order to improve sustainable rainwater management in cities. In this thematic vein, approaches for decentral irrigation of urban green as precaution against drought will be developed further and a model recommendation formulated. Research projects will explore the requisite types, quantities and qualities of water in order to pre-clude adverse environmental or health impacts.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
D: Nature based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches
|
Sub-KTM |
D2: Blue options
|
Description |
The National Blue Compass Award is hosted on a bi-annual basis (Federal Ministry for the Environment, Environment Agency). The aim is to present innovative, effective and sustainable solutions for adapting to the impacts of climate change, such as heat, droughts and severe rain. Winners receive a monetary prize of EUR 25,000 per winner. Submissions are possible in four categories: municipalities, private and municipal companies, research and educational institutes, associations and foundations.
|
Status |
implemented/completed
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
E: Knowledge and behavioural change
|
Sub-KTM |
E1: Information and awareness raising
|
Description |
The DAS basic service “Climate & Water” which is currently being set up within the BMDV and its subordinate institutions as a permanent task will provide climatological, oceanographic and hydrological data and advisory inputs for the individual action areas of the Adaptation Strategy. The service will give decision-makers and planners comprehensive, up-to-date, uniform and quality assured database as well as services for the past as well as climate predictions and projections for the future.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
E: Knowledge and behavioural change
|
Sub-KTM |
E1: Information and awareness raising
|
Description |
Further development of risk communication on storm-related hazards to the public will improve existing information services, e.g. on heat (here there are links to the health cluster) and heavy rain. Such services will be embedded within comprehensive risk communication strategies. Furthermore, recommendations on cooperation between spontaneous helpers and volunteer responders in extreme weather event situations will be expanded and supplemented with a compilation of examples of good practice.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
E: Knowledge and behavioural change
|
Sub-KTM |
E1: Information and awareness raising
|
Description |
A mounting risk of heavy rainfall events causes flood hazards to increase. Municipal authorities have an obligation to take precautions against this. APA III provides for elaboration of a guideline on the preparation of hazard and risk maps for local heavy rainfall events. The guideline should define minimum standards for the production of hazard and risk maps; it builds upon the LAWA strategy for effective heavy rain risk management.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
E: Knowledge and behavioural change
|
Sub-KTM |
E1: Information and awareness raising
|
Description |
The heat exposure associated with such events is currently one of the largest impacts on human health. Particular attention is therefore devoted to this aspect and actions adopted accordingly. These include information for the wider public or for health professionals, and developing outreach to particularly vulnerable groups of the population (e.g. the elderly, people with pre-existing conditions, children).
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
E: Knowledge and behavioural change
|
Sub-KTM |
E1: Information and awareness raising
|
Description |
Improve the integration of health and environmental monitoring, integrated surveillance system at federal level to monitor health-related environmental factors and assign them to health impairments. Adjustment and Improvement of Information and early warning systems to match all target groups. Study of pathogenic modes of action of new pollen allergens (e.g. Ambrosia artemisiifolia), Trend analyses of imported vector-borne infectious diseases in Germany.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
E: Knowledge and behavioural change
|
Sub-KTM |
E1: Information and awareness raising
|
Description |
With regard to data and information services the KLiVO German Climate Preparedness Portal and the KlimAdapt system of adaptation services will be continued and expanded. A redesign is being done and might be published soon. KlimAdapt is a module of KLiVO, which assembles, processes and provides products, services and assessments for the identification and implementation of adaptation actions and for the further development of the German Adaptation Strategy (DAS).
|
Status |
implemented/completed
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
E: Knowledge and behavioural change
|
Sub-KTM |
E1: Information and awareness raising
|
Description |
With FONA, BMBF funds research that raises awareness on climate adaptation, provides inputs for adaptation, develops technical and social innovations, or demonstrates resilient reconstruction after extreme events "Climate resilience through action in city and region, KAHR". Through "UC2" and "RegIKlim" information is provided on the local effects and adaptation measures. The robustness of extreme events in terms of their changing characteristics and probabilities is addressed with “ClimXtreme”.
|
Status |
being implemented
|
Key type measure (KTM) |
E: Knowledge and behavioural change
|
Sub-KTM |
E2: Capacity Building, empowerment and lifestyle practices
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Description |
To gain a better understanding of the changes in and rapid decline of species diversity, the BMBF launched in 2019 its research initiative for species diversity conservation, which is a FONA light-house initiative. The initiative aims to create the necessary scientific foundation for preserving biodiversity in Germany and securing ecosystem services that are vital to our well-being and will make a sustained contribution to countering the ongoing loss of biological diversity.
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Status |
being implemented
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Key type measure (KTM) |
E: Knowledge and behavioural change
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Sub-KTM |
E2: Capacity Building, empowerment and lifestyle practices
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The annual air temperature was determined statistically to have risen by 1.5°C between 1881 and 2018 (linear trend). Over the past forty years, there is evidence of a trend towards increasing heat extremes. This corroborates a key finding of the 2015 vulnerability analysis, which identified the increase in heat exposure as the clearest and most pronounced climate signal. The greater frequency of warm and dry years is also having a distinct impact on ecosystems on which humans have little direct effect. The ongoing warming is also resulting in significantly increased water temperatures in lakes and in the North Sea. The data on groundwater levels selected from nationwide statistics indicate that the frequency of months with below-average low groundwater levels has been increasing significantly. During the summer season, the mean runoff drops significantly, indicating a decrease in water availability during the summer. The difficult situation with regard to soil water supply is continuing. The levels of the North Sea and Baltic Sea recorded by the DAS monitoring process in 2019 indicate a rise in sea levels that is in most cases statistically significant. The rise in water levels as a result of storm surges is largely attributable to the rise in sea level. This poses a gradually increasing threat to coastal regions, especially estuaries and low-lying coastal plains.
For climate change adaptation to be embedded within society, governmental and non-governmental actors have a key role to play. It is therefore recommended, that participation and consultation be expanded in order to mainstream adaptation more broadly within society and give due consideration to social and justice issues in climate change adaptation.
Adaptation measures have the greatest impact if they are focused on areas of greatest need. The evaluation shows that this is not always the case; it therefore recommends establishing direct linkage between 1. substantial need for action; 2. systematic selection of appropriate adaptation measures; and 3. prioritisation of these measures.
The effectiveness of adaptation measures is in some cases directly visible (e.g. impact of blue and green infrastructures in reducing the heat island effect). In others, it takes time to have an effect. In many cases, it is (methodologically) difficult at present to make robust statements about the effectiveness of measures identified in APA II. The evaluation therefore recommends improving the impact assessments of measures and the DAS as a whole. A key element of the DAS is improving self-provision, more should be done to ensure that the DAS funding programme, which is utilised by some municipalities, reaches citizens and companies to a greater extent.
1. How will climate change affect the environment, our livelihoods, health, everyday lives and economy?
2. Where can we reduce the risks of climate change through adaptation?
3. What areas require urgent action?
1. Understand and describe climate change: The Monitoring Report provides an overview of the observed impacts of climate change and the adaptation measures already introduced in Germany. This provides a compact overview of the changes that can already be observed as a result of climate change using measured data. The second Monitoring report was published in November 2019. The third DAS Monitoring Report 2023 is currently being prepared and is scheduled for publication in November 2023.
2. Identify climate impacts and characterise vulnerabilities: The climate impact and vulnerability analysis (KWVA) identifies which fields of action and regions are particularly at risk from climate change and where there is a need for action. 2015 the first KWVA was published. The second “Climate Impact and Risk Assessment 2021” (KWRA) was commissioned by the federal government as part of the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (DAS).
3. Develop and implement measures: The Adaptation Action Plans (APAs) specify the current and future measures taken at the federal level to adapt to climate change. Among other things, they are based on the scientific findings and results of the KWVA. The APAs underpin the DAS by defining specific activities at the federal level and identify links with other national strategy processes. The APAs describe the measures to be implemented by the ministries within their respective spheres of responsibility. In 2020 APA III was adopted by the federal government.
4. Evaluation – observe, assess and develop adaptation: The strategy process and implementation of the DAS are evaluated on a regular basis. The first external evaluation was conducted in 2018. Evaluation of the DAS is performed in accordance with a methodology approved by the IMAA. The results of the evaluation were published as a scientific report in November 2019 and also underwent a review by the ministries; details of this review are included in the second Progress Report of the DAS, which was published in November 2020. The Progress Reports set out practical steps for the further development and implementation of the German Adaptation Strategy. The present report continues the process of outlining the framework for action on climate change adaptation in Germany.
Good practices and lessons learnt
Cooperation and experience
Adaptation to climate change is a prominent topic on the European agenda. In its Communication on the European Green Deal, the European Commission adopted a new, more ambitious EU strategy on adaptation to climate change in February 2021. The European Climate Law not only addresses the topic of climate change mitigation but also deals with adaptation. The Paris Agreement adopted in December 2015 is the first agreement that is universal and binding in international law and thus marks a turning point in international climate and development policy. It sets out commitments for all 197 states and has been ratified in the meantime by 187 parties (as of January 2020). Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. Upon the agreement’s entry into force climate change adaptation gained, for the first time, the same political weight as greenhouse gas emissions reduction. The state parties have committed to building adaptive capacities, boosting resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change. Furthermore, financial flows are to be redirected in support of transitions towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development. The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) updated and submitted every five years are pivotal to attainment of these long-term goals.
However, the poorest and most vulnerable states in particular often lack resources and capacities to avert and buffer the damage caused by climate change impacts such as more frequent or intensive extreme weather events (e.g. heavy rain, tropical storms, flooding, drought, periods of extreme heat) and gradual climate-related changes (such as sea-level rise, salination, altered precipitation and temperature patterns, rising water temperatures, ocean acidification) and their consequences. To meet its international responsibility, Germany therefore assists developing and newly industrialising countries within the scope of its development cooperation activities. It also provides assistance through the International Climate Initiative (ICI) and through financial contributions to the Adaptation Fund, the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), all of which support adaptation actions in developing countries.
Up to now Germany has directed the bulk of its assistance to adaptation in the water, agriculture and natural resource management (incl. forests and coasts/oceans) sectors. However, the priorities of cooperation with partner countries also include disaster preparedness, climate risk insurance and finance, and ecosystem-based adaptation. Germany advances the adaptation agenda through multilateral partnerships and initiatives, linking implementation closely to the 2030 Agenda. This includes the founding of and support for the NAP Global Network, which assists partner countries in developing and implementing their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs); the founding of and support for the NDC Partnership, which helps its member countries raise the level of ambition of their NDCs and integrate climate and development goals; support for the InsuResilience Global Partnership for climate and disaster risk finance and insurance solutions launched in 2017 by the BMZ together with G20 and V20 partners; and the Global Initiative on Disaster Risk Management (GIDRM) set up to boost resilience to climate-induced disaster risks. Furthermore, The Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) launched in 2018 to embed adaptation issues more firmly in the international agenda. Based on the GCA report “Adapt Now – A Global Call for Leadership on Climate Resilience” (https://gca.org/globale-commission-on-adaptation/report), concrete measures are being carried out globally since late September 2019 in the Year of Action in eight action areas.
Overview of institutional arrangements and governance at the sub-national level (where “sub-national” refers to local and regional)
Almost all the Federal States carry out or are currently developing indicator-based monitoring of climate change, its impacts and adaptation measures. As with monitoring, wherever possible, the Federal States make use of existing methodological baseline studies conducted at federal level, such as the Guidelines for Climate Impact and Vulnerability Assessments, which were developed with input from the Länder. The Federal States set their own priorities for their analyses and research projects, based on regional needs. Methodological work already performed at federal level can also be used by the Federal States to develop methods for evaluation of adaptation strategies.
The German Climate Preparedness Portal (KLiVO) is a further example of good cooperation between the federal government and the Federal States. This federal government portal collects data and information on climate change and adaptation to its effects. The Federal States were involved in the portal’s conceptual development, provide their own climate adaptation services and participate, for example, in the KlimAdapt network. This cooperation should continue and be expanded in order to build regional actors’ capacities to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
An important aspect of adaptation is effective strengthening of private provision by citizens and businesses in areas outside the responsibility of the state. Private actors must therefore be informed about possible risks and enabled to take steps towards adaptation themselves. Many strategies and measures for adapting to climate change that lie within the decision-making scope of private households and businesses and are also in their own interest can usefully supplement – but not replace – state action to reduce the risks that arise from the impacts of climate change.
The IMAA will expand their activities in the field of press and awareness-raising work. In addition, the Federal Environment Agency provides instruments that can be employed to systematically assess and review the effectiveness of the participation procedures and formats used.
Another factor determining the success is the involvement of decision-makers and multipliers in areas such as public administration, agriculture and forestry, the fire service, associations and the private sector who frequently have to deal with climate change impacts. As a key basis for the implementation of adaptation measures, the IMAA will accord high priority to the communication of knowledge and appropriate training schemes for decision-makers. Regional events, competitions and sponsorship schemes that enable municipalities to offer mutual advice and support can create a targeted means of address and additional incentives for the municipalities.
The IMAA will review the permanent funding of the German Climate Preparedness Portal (KliVO) to the end of 2022 and work closely with the subordinate agencies on adding to the content of KliVO.
Another communication instrument is the Blue Compass competition, which grants awards to outstanding climate adaptation projects, thus highlighting and upscaling concrete solutions. The competition takes place every two years.
For climate change adaptation to be embedded within society, governmental and non-governmental actors have a key role to play. It was noted in the evaluation that participatory processes were conducted in the ministries, but are not embedded on a comprehensive and systematic basis in the implementation and further development of the DAS. Success factors during implementation include the availability of previous outcomes, e.g. from a previous project, practical relevance or needs-based orientation of the measures, stakeholder networking, involvement of stakeholders with relevant skills/responsibilities, public acceptance/consensus, availability of resources, and good communication among participants. Reasons for delays in implementation or non-performance were: lack of personnel capacities, poor communication/coordination, and inadequate data. In addition, some measures were postponed or not implemented due to changes in priorities. The analysis of APA II implementation status also shows that climate change adaptation measures must more systematically address those climate impacts where there is a substantial need for action.
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