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Climate Impact and Risk Assessment 2021 for Germany

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Kahlenborn, Walter; Luise Porst, Maike Voß, Uta Fritsch, Kathrin Renner, Marc Zebisch, Mareike Wolf, Konstanze Schönthaler and Inke Schauser
2021 | Dessau-Roßlau: Umweltbundesamt (UBA)
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KWRA 2021

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The report contains the short version of the “Climate Impact and Risk Assessment 2021 for Germany”. The central goal of the report is to create a foundation for the improvement and expansion of adaptation in the federal government’s future action plans.

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Extreme weather events are also increasing in Germany. Heavy rain often results in flooded streets and basements, as well as fallen trees. Many in Germany have already experienced additional impacts of climate change, including heat, flooding rivers and intense storms. But a changing climate has many other consequences in Germany, some of which are interrelated. 

The climate impact and vulnerability analysis 2021

On behalf of the federal government, adelphi and its partners carried out the most comprehensive climate impact and risk analysis for Germany to date. In addition to the analysis of climate risks, the project also considered the adaptation options and capacities.   

Severe climate change affects different areas. At the same time, some of these areas are associated with a relatively long period of adaptation. These include: 

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Heat

Climate change will have an impact on the health of the population, due to extreme heat, especially in cities and primarily along the Rhine and Spree.

| © Chris Weiher/unsplash
Drought

In central western Germany and in the east, rural regions in particular will feel the effects of drought and low water levels – this will affect water use and water-dependent systems.

| © Marina Reich/unsplash
Heavy rain

Heavy rain, flash floods and flooding will have consequences for infrastructure and buildings – especially in settlements near waterways and in the narrow valleys of the low mountain ranges.

| © Christian Lue/unsplash
Flood

The gradual rise in temperature will have an impact on sea level, but also on natural systems and economic systems that use nature. Coasts, bodies of water, rural areas and mountains will be particularly affected.

| © Harald Funken/pixabay
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Adaptation to climate change is becoming more and more urgent

The Climate Impact and Risk Assessment makes it clear: there is an urgent need for action. Adaptation measures must be created and implemented. This could reduce many of the risks. 

However, the potential for climate adaptation is also limited. One important lever would be to relieve natural systems from overuse by humans. Furthermore, conflicting goals must be reconciled, for example in the use of water or land resources. 

Structure of the report

The Climate Impact and Risk Assessment presents the climate change risks and adaptation options according to clusters of action fields: land, water, infrastructure, economy and health. In addition to this short summary, there are six sub-reports. The report was created with Eurac Research, Bosch & Partner and in collaboration with experts from twenty-five federal authorities and institutions from nine departments.

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Climate Impact and Risk Assessment 2021 for Germany
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Adaptation & Vulnerability
Climate Policy
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