Cooperation between governmental agencies: climate change and adaptation

Today the first repercussions of climate change such as an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events can be felt even in Germany. In the framework of a vulnerability analysis funded by the Federal Environmental Agency (adelphi/PRC/EURAC 2015), current and projected climate impacts in Germany have been analysed and evaluated by means of a Vulnerability Network (16 federal agencies and institutes) in cooperation with a scientific consortium. According to the findings, the most significant cross-sectoral repercussions of climate change include damage caused by increased temperatures, aridity and flooding. The gradual rise in temperatures will also influence the development and constitution of flora and fauna species.

Based on this preliminary project, the current project pursues the more general aim of systematically developing the expert knowledge and techniques required to identify potential damage through climate change as well as the options for a successful and efficient climate adaptation in Germany. The following questions will be investigated: How can we estimate the damage caused by major climate impacts in Germany? Which sectoral goals in adaptation are most promising? How can we evaluate various measures and political instruments?

The findings of the vulnerability analysis of Germany will be used to determine the most significant damage potentials of climate-based risks for society, business and ecosystems in Germany and (where possible) evaluate these potentials in economic terms. In addition, sectoral adaptation goals will be developed, discussed and evaluated in regard to their transformative character. Furthermore, an analysis framework will be developed to help evaluate the success of a mix of political instruments. This will create a solid basis for a transparent and integrated evaluation process to assist the selection of future measures and political instruments. In addition, the project aims to create a suitable package of political instruments based on expert and scientific knowledge as a suggestion for the continued development of the German Adaptation Strategy (Deutsche Anpassungsstrategie).   

The project will strengthen the long-term research interests of the FB R on topics of climate adaptation in regard to scientific and engineering expertise as well as planning and legal competencies. It will ensure the continued integration of the FB R and hence the IOER within ongoing programmes and strategies regarding climate adaptation at national level.  The project will also help to expand our knowledge of diverse climatic repercussions and their evaluation. Furthermore, the intention is to investigate measures and instruments of climate adaptation in regard to their contents as well as their implications for planning and legislation.