Adaptation to climate impacts
More warnings via app – the federal government presents a new precautionary strategy
Updated on December 11, 2024Reading time: 4 min.
With a new strategy, the government wants to better protect the population from extreme weather events in the future. Among other things, there should be more reliable warning systems by 2030.
The federal government wants to better warn the population about extreme weather events in the future. This emerges from the federal government’s new climate adaptation strategy, which the cabinet approved this Wednesday. For the first time, it sets measurable and therefore more binding targets for dealing with events such as heat, drought, heavy rain and floods, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change. An overview of the most meaningful points:
After the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in July 2021, the results were devastating. At least 135 people died and thousands
A failure that the federal government wants not to repeat: by 2030,the federal government wants to significantly expand warning systems in the event of extreme weather and increase their range. despite existing precautions – such as warnings via public broadcasting or sirens – there are still “gaps in the technical transmission of warning messages”, as the strategy paper states.
That is why, among other things, the number of users of the nationwide warning app NINA is expected to grow from currently around twelve to 16 million users by the end of the decade. That would be an increase of 30 percent - which should be achieved,among other things,through more information. The central hurdle so far: The app, which the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) offers, has to be actively downloaded and installed by users on their cell phones – otherwise there is no warning.
To better protect people from extreme heat and create cooling places in the future,cities should become greener. The population should be able to reach these green spaces near places of residence and work “at an easy walking distance”. This accessibility to green spaces should be kept “at least stable” until 2030 and be mandatory for the urban area and surrounding areas of all cities with 10,000 inhabitants or more. In areas where there is a priority need for action due to a particular risk of heat,the green spaces should not only remain stable,but should also be expanded.
In addition,the federal government also wants to take measures against the sealing of areas. Built-up and impermeable soils pose a high risk in the event of heavy rain, for example, because the water cannot drain away. Therefore, land consumption should be reduced to less than 30 hectares per day by 2030. For comparison: From 2019 to 2022, according to official federal statistics, an average of around 52 hectares were newly designated as traffic and settlement areas every day in germany.
Efficient use of water is crucial for adapting to the consequences of the climate crisis. In Germany, available water resources have decreased in recent years. The new strategy stipulates that no more than 20 percent of the available water volume may be used over a longer period of time.Providing the population with drinking water is the “top priority”. The internationally recognized threshold of 20 percent provides an indication of whether the use of water resources is sustainable or whether there is a water shortage.According to information, it has not been exceeded in Germany as 2007.
Good water management concepts should also make farmers’ businesses future-proof. The strategy stipulates that farmers’ yields in Germany must not fluctuate more than before due to climate change until 2030 - and in the next step until 2050.
The resilience of companies to the effects of climate change should also be kept stable. To this end, financial support for farmers should be managed in such a way that it serves climate adaptation more than before.
The paper also stipulates that by 2030, climate adaptation concepts must be in place in 80 percent of the municipalities that are legally obliged to do so.According to the ministry of the Habitat,there is currently no exact number of municipalities that are subject to such an obligation. However, it can be assumed that this will affect a large part of the municipalities, it is said. According to estimates, only around ten to 15 percent of municipalities and around 26 percent of districts have developed concepts of this type.
What are the key components of the new adaptation strategy for climate resilience discussed in the interview?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Climate Adaptation Expert
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today! With climate change presenting unprecedented challenges, it’s a pivotal time for governments too act. Recently, the federal government announced a new adaptation strategy designed to protect the population from extreme weather. Can you explain what sparked this initiative?
Expert: Absolutely,thank you for having me. This strategy was largely a response to catastrophic events like the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in July 2021, which tragically claimed at least 135 lives. Such disasters highlight the urgent need for improved emergency response and warning systems, as they can substantially mitigate risk and save lives.
Editor: Indeed, those numbers are shocking. It seems that this new strategy sets measurable and binding targets for managing extreme weather phenomena like heat waves and floods. How does this differ from past strategies?
Expert: This new approach emphasizes a proactive rather than reactive stance. Historically, many strategies were more theoretical and lacked specific targets. By defining clear goals and timelines—like expanding the use of the NINA app from 12 million to 16 million users by 2030—the government is aiming for better public engagement and interaction during emergencies.
Editor: Speaking of the NINA app, how crucial is it for the public to engage with these technology-driven warning systems?
Expert: It’s absolutely vital. The success of any warning system depends on user adoption. Currently, many people are not using the app simply as they haven’t downloaded it. The government is recognizing this as a key issue and aims to address it by increasing awareness and providing more informative content to encourage downloads.
Editor: What about the other measures mentioned in the strategy, particularly regarding urban planning and creating green spaces to combat heat?
Expert: This is another essential component of the strategy. Urban areas tend to be heat islands, absorbing and retaining heat. By enhancing green spaces—like parks and tree-lined streets—cities can effectively lower temperatures. More greenery not only helps with cooling but also promotes biodiversity and improves air quality, contributing to overall public health.
Editor: There’s a lot to unpack here. It seems that the overarching goal is to create a more systematic and comprehensive approach to climate resilience. What do you think will be the most notable challenge in implementing this strategy?
Expert: One of the biggest challenges is effectively communicating the importance of these changes to the public. there is frequently enough a disconnect between governmental initiatives and public awareness. Moreover, ensuring that the technology and infrastructure necessary to support these changes are in place, especially in less developed areas, will require significant investment and collaboration across various sectors.
Editor: It sounds like a multifaceted approach is essential. As we look ahead to 2030, what are the key outcomes you hope to see from this strategy?
Expert: ideally, I would hope for a well-informed public that actively engages with warning systems and community initiatives, leading to a significant reduction in fatalities and damage from extreme weather events. I would also love to see cities transformed into greener spaces that not only adapt to climate impacts but also enhance the quality of life for residents. Success will be measured by how effectively we can protect our communities and the surroundings we live in.
Editor: Thank you for your insights! It’s clear that this strategy could be a game-changer in climate adaptation efforts. Let’s hope for widespread support and participation from the public to make it a success.
Expert: Thank you! It’s crucial for everyone to be a part of this journey, as climate resilience is a collective responsibility.