German state launches climate adaptation strategy, minister criticizes federal inaction

Schleswig-Holstein is rolling out an extensive strategy to confront the escalating consequences of climate change. Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt presented the state's plan, which advocates for reduced asphalt and paving, more trees, and enhanced water absorption areas. The strategy also includes climate-resilient improvements to public transport, such as sun-shielded bus stops, and bolstering coastal defenses with higher dikes.

Goldschmidt expressed strong criticism of the federal government's response to the climate crisis, labeling current conditions as a "climate crisis" rather than mere weather events. He stated, "What we are experiencing now is not weather and it is not a summer of the century, but it is a climate crisis." He urged for greater urgency, noting the federal government's passive stance and the Chancellor's delayed response. "I believe it cannot continue like this. We must address the issue of climate adaptation and climate protection with much greater urgency," he declared.

The minister highlighted alarming statistics, including June being 3.9 degrees Celsius warmer than the long-term average in Germany and a 11-centimeter rise in sea levels since 1993. He also cited a report from the Robert Koch Institute indicating excess mortality due to heat, with approximately 10,000 deaths attributed to heatwaves by mid-July this summer. "This shows the urgency of climate adaptation and climate protection. It truly leaves me speechless, and frankly indignant, how the political leadership of Germany is currently handling this," Goldschmidt stated.

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What we are experiencing now is not weather and it is not a summer of the century, but it is a climate crisis. I believe it cannot continue like this. We must address the issue of climate adaptation and climate protection with much greater urgency.

While emphasizing that climate protection remains the top priority, Goldschmidt called for a dual effort: aggressively reducing emissions to curb global warming and adapting to the changes already underway. The strategy aims to mitigate the negative effects of climate change within Schleswig-Holstein, leveraging existing initiatives. For instance, well-designed parks can cool urban areas while serving as social hubs, and strong volunteer emergency services can assist during extreme weather and other crises.

The strategy encompasses various action areas, including biodiversity, urban development, transportation, water management, fisheries, and health. In urban planning, climate adaptation will be integrated into all future developments, promoting green roofs and facades, and encouraging rainwater infiltration instead of channeling it into sewage systems. Coastal protection measures will focus on reinforcing dikes and elevated homesteads (Warften), alongside efforts to protect steep coastlines.

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This shows the urgency of climate adaptation and climate protection. It truly leaves me speechless, and frankly indignant, how the political leadership of Germany is currently handling this.