The first impacts of climate change, such as the increasing frequency and intensity of certain extreme weather events, are already being detected – including in Germany. Within the framework of the Vulnerability Network (Netzwerk Vulnerabilität), sixteen German federal agencies and institutions as well as a scientific consortium led by adelphi have analysed and assessed existing and expected climate impacts in Germany. The network’s analysis shows that the most important, cross-sector impacts of climate change include damages caused by increasing heat, drought, and flooding. The gradual increase in temperatures is additionally influencing the development and composition of flora and fauna.
These results are being taken up by the consortium, also led by adelphi, that is spearheading the project “Cooperation network of state authorities on climate change adaptation” in order to determine the concrete potential for damages posed by selected, prioritized climate impacts on society, the economy, and ecosystems in Germany and (where possible) to assess these economically. Beyond that, an analytical framework is being developed to evaluate the success of combined political instruments. This will serve as a foundation for the creation of a transparent and integrated evaluation procedure capable of supporting the selection of future measures and policy instruments. The consortium is also creating a proposal for a suitable mix of policy instruments, grounded in specialist and scientific knowledge, to serve the further development of German climate change adaptation strategy.
adelphi’s consortium partners include the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, the UP Transfer GmbH, and the economist Prof. Dr. Jürgen Blazejczak.