German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change
As early as 2008, the German government adopted the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (Deutsche Anpassungsstrategie - DAS) under the lead responsibility of the Federal Environment Ministry with assistance from the German Environment Agency. This strategy laid the foundation for Germany to prepare for the impacts of climate change and reduce climate risks in a continuous process. Climate risk analysis and the adaptation action plans are important elements of the adaptation process. As part of the German Adaptation Strategy, the impacts of climate change and adaptation measures undertaken in Germany are regularly monitored. The DAS thus provides the basis for climate adaptation policy in Germany.
In its coalition agreement 2021-2025, the German government committed to further developing the German Adaptation Strategy. A new precautionary adaptation strategy will advance the climate change adaptation measures required in all fields. To this end, the competent federal ministries will define measurable targets in their respective areas. This will facilitate more targeted planning of climate adaptation measures in future and better review of progress.
The German government is breaking new ground with this approach: to date in Europe and internationally, there are few approaches for developing measurable targets for climate change adaptation. A new national climate change adaptation law will create the legal framework for developing a precautionary climate change adaptation strategy.
The German government will draw up goals for the topic clusters water, infrastructure, land and land use, industry, health, urban development, spatial planning and civil protection. Overarching goals will also be developed, for instance for climate adaptation and research. These will be underpinned with government measures. Progress will be measured using suitable indicators, making apparent whether the measures are effective and goals have been reached. Goals and measures will be laid down in the new precautionary adaptation strategy.
To incorporate a wide range of views, ideas and wishes into the new precautionary adaptation strategy, a “Dialog KlimaAnpassung” (ClimateAdaptation dialogue) will be held with the involvement of the German federal states, municipalities, associations, the scientific community and members of the public.