KWU - climate change lower Weser region- inform, identify, act | Umweltbundesamt

Comparison between the IPCC climate projections (4th assessment report 2007), projections from the REMO and WETTREG regional climate models, and the climate projections from the KLIMU and KRIM projects.

Study of the climate effects for the agriculture, tourism and urban and regional planning sectors. For example, for agriculture these include: Extended vegetation period due to temperature increases, fertilisation effects due to an increase in carbon dioxide in the air, increased heat strain on farm animals, changed precipitation situation (volume and seasonal distribution) with changes in the soil water and groundwater balance and changed evaporation and evapotranspiration, reduction in groundwater depth to water tables, increase in groundwater regeneration rates, reduction in pedological moisture level, increasing soil moisture in summer and falling soil moisture with reduction in yield and increase in drainage volumes.

For example, for tourism these include: Improved weather conditions (weather reliability), damage to infrastructure due to extreme events, seasonal shift in tourism flows and changes in preferred holiday destinations (see KUNTIKUM project).

For example, for urban and regional planning these include: Increase in health risks due to periods of heat, particularly in cities, greater challenge and effort for the health system in prevention and care for the population, spread of vector transmitted diseases, higher infection potential of disease carriers, spread of allergens in the air or among flora, reduced quality and quantity of water, air and food, and a variety of consequences for urban water management (see Urban Water and URBAS projects) and the building and housing area (see ErKlim project).

Findings on vulnerability are combined in an area of expertise. This is based on the research report "Climate change in Germany - Vulnerability and adaptation strategies for climate sensitive systems" by the Federal Environment Agency (see also KLIMU and KRIM projects).

Possible adaptation options for the target groups are combined into different expertises. For example, adaptation measures for the agriculture target group include conversion and selection of appropriate types, changes in sowing dates, adaptation of crop sequences and introduction of new crop types, increase and preservation of biodiversity, improvement of irrigation and drainage, adaptation of fertilisation and plant protection and use of soil preserving and water saving cultivation methods.

Adaptation measures for the tourism target group include safeguarding and adapting infrastructure, flexibilisation and diversification of supply, improving awareness of risks and opportunities, improving communication and improving weather forecasting and warning systems.

Adaptation measures for the urban and regional planning target group include introduction of warning systems, research and monitoring, improving public health care, increased education, adaptation of urban planning and architecture, improving watercourse systems in urban areas, integration of urban planning and sustainable water management, facilitating sharing of experience and transfer of knowledge between bodies involved at all levels, increasing public awareness of the issue of water in the city, improving weather forecasting and warning systems, and emergency and evacuation plans.