Guidance and Support in Developing a Climate Adaptation Strategy for Rhineland-Palatinate

Background

The effects of climate change are already clearly felt in Rhineland-Palatinate and pose significant challenges for society and public administration. More frequent heat waves, heavy rainfall, and flash floods threaten public health, infrastructure, agriculture, water supplies, and forests. The flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in July 2021 has vividly demonstrated the urgency of adaptation measures. Particularly vulnerable groups, such as older adults, children, people with pre-existing conditions, or those in precarious living situations, are more severely affected, thereby further exacerbating existing social inequalities.

With the Federal Climate Adaptation Act (KAnG), which took effect on July 1, 2024, climate adaptation has been enshrined in law, and the states are required to develop their own strategies and integrate them into all relevant planning processes. Rhineland-Palatinate has already taken initial steps in this direction. The central challenge lies in further developing these into a coherent, cross-departmental strategy with concrete measures. The IÖR supports this process in collaboration with ifok and the Helmholtz Center, particularly through legal assessments of measures and specialized legal advice during the drafting process.

Objectives

The objective of the project is to develop a coherent, socially equitable, and practical climate adaptation strategy for Rhineland-Palatinate. It is intended to incorporate all relevant sectors, take conflicting objectives into account, and identify viable solutions. The strategy will thus serve as the foundation for coordinated and effective action by the state government in the area of climate adaptation.

Methodology

Based on the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (DAS) and in accordance with the requirements of the KAnG, the development of the climate adaptation strategy is structured according to thematic clusters and areas of action. With the participation of the relevant ministries, measures and objectives are systematically identified and consolidated across departments. In conjunction with the risks identified in the Rhineland-Palatinate Climate Impact and Risk Analysis (KWRA), measures are evaluated and prioritized. On this basis, the IÖR, together with ifok and the Helmholtz Center, conducts a technical and legal assessment to identify existing gaps, unclear measures, or missing objectives and to make appropriate additions.

This legal assessment of climate adaptation measures ensures compliance with applicable law and highlights areas for action as well as obstacles and gaps. The resulting draft is then prepared for further discussion with the responsible ministries and relevant stakeholders.

Expected Results

The Climate Adaptation Strategy will provide a cross-ministerial and practice-oriented framework for adapting to the impacts of climate change in Rhineland-Palatinate. It will define priority areas of action, specific measures, responsibilities, and indicators for monitoring progress, as well as synergies between policy areas. The goal is to reduce climate risks to people, infrastructure, and ecosystems and to provide targeted protection for particularly vulnerable groups. The strategy is thus intended to serve as a practical tool for effectively implementing measures and building long-term adaptation capacities.