17.11.2023
Source: Energy & Management Powernews
Federal, state and local authorities must develop binding climate adaptation strategies and measures. To this end, the Bundestag passed a law.
The law passed on November 16 establishes a strategic framework for precautionary climate adaptation for the first time. An adaptation strategy with measurable targets must be presented at all administrative levels in Germany. This is to be reviewed and updated every four years. At the same time, the Federal Government is taking responsibility for itself and pooling its efforts in a new climate adaptation strategy, which is characterized by long-term risk prevention.
In her speech, Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) commented on the ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court, which had rejected the reallocation of corona loans for the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF) the day before. This means that the coalition government lacks 61 billion euros for its projects. Lemke referred to important economic policy projects that are therefore uncertain for the time being. "The projects financed in this KTF are of crucial importance for Germany as an industrial location," she said. In Saxony-Anhalt, for example, this concerns funding for a chip factory.
"2023 will probably be the warmest year since measurements began," the Minister reminded us. The consequences of the climate crisis are already being felt, which is why adaptation measures are essential. This applies to technical climate protection through solar and wind power plants, e-cars and building insulation as well as natural climate protection through moors, floodplains, rivers and forests. "Natural climate protection in particular creates added value far beyond the climate benefits," said Lemke.
No action will be more expensive
Municipalities are particularly challenged because heavy rainfall, heatwaves and other climate impacts have a local or regional impact. The federal government therefore continues to support cities and municipalities with funding for climate adaptation managers and model projects as well as specialist advice and further training for experts.
Companies should review their logistics chains in order to prepare for climate change. Farmers should adapt their farming practices and hospitals should draw up heat action plans. The law supports municipalities in identifying their specific risks. "At the same time, this law commits us as the federal government to pursuing a precautionary climate adaptation strategy with measurable goals," said Lemke.
It is possible to design climate adaptation in such a way that it creates additional benefits for people. "Whether shady parks and green facades in the city or near-natural floodplains that protect us from flooding or heavy rainfall events: Climate prevention often also means upgrading public spaces," explained the Minister. Climate protection and climate prevention cause costs. "But if we didn't do this, the costs would be many times higher," explained the minister.
Funding unclear
The CDU/CSU parliamentary group complained that the government was providing virtually nothing in terms of funding for climate adaptation. "I can only appeal to you: Please learn from yesterday's Karlsruhe ruling," said Steffen Bilger from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. The traffic light coalition should clarify financial issues before obligations and costs are laid down in law.
The law does not contain any specific regulations on financing. This is because the federal government cannot directly finance local authority projects; so far, this has only been possible for pilot projects. However, climate adaptation measures - such as relocating dykes or rewetting moorland - take years and are expensive. The law is due to come into force in 2024, but still requires the approval of the Bundesrat.
Karsten Specht, Vice President of the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU), called the law important, but its targeted implementation date too late. "In our view, the end of 2025 for the federal strategy and the end of 2026 for the state strategies is too late," said Specht. Federal and state adaptation strategies must follow quickly so that local authorities and their companies can develop their own based on them.
"What is needed is a targeted funding instrument for climate adaptation - ideally as a joint task," he demanded. Infrastructure projects are not only capital-intensive, but also have a long lead time. "We need to adapt our infrastructures and systems now and initiate appropriate planning and funding," demanded Specht.
Price brakes only extended until March 31, 2024
In the night, the Bundestag is also set to extend the state gas and electricity price brakes until the end of winter. However, the German government has corrected its draft and now only plans to extend it until March 31, 2024. Previously, the European Commission had held out the prospect of extending the approval of such support under state aid law until the end of March 2024.
Author: Susanne Harmsen
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