UBA VA-D-2021

Already now we observe first impacts of Climate Change. It is widely realised that adaptation measures are necessary. Implementing such adaptation measures, including the prioritisation, planning and realisation of concrete measures, requires a comprehensive vulnerability assessment. In Climate Impact and Risk Assessment Germany 2021, a project financed by the German Environment Agency (UBA), we updated and enhanced existing knowledge about vulnerability towards climate change in Germany, elaborated in the previous studies Vulnerability assessment 2005 and 2015. The results of this project have direct influence on political decisions in the field of climate change, in the German adaptation strategy (DAS) as well as in the action plan adaption of the German government. Climate Impact and Risk Assessment Germany 2021 contributes to recognise and minimise climate risks. In order to accomplish that, together with a network of partners we have further refined the methodological approach and have provided a scientifically sound new assessment for 2021.

At Eurac Research we were leading the work package on method development. This included a comprehensive document analysis, drafting the concept and fine-tuning the various steps of the methodology with the German vulnerability network, which is a network of central federal authorities, throughout the process in workshops and one-to-one conversations. In addition, we implemented the developed methodology for three sectors. We have developed impact chains and carried out cross-sectoral aggregations and assessments for the sectors water, soil and biodiversity. We managed datasets, produced maps for all 15 sectors, and together with our partners wrote reports that present the results of the analysis. This three-year project allowed us to consolidate, intensify and adjust our already multiple-year expertise of climate change vulnerability and risk assessments to the latest international developments, conceptually as well as regarding aspects of implementation.

Contact persons: Marc Zebisch, Kathrin Renner

marc.zebisch@eurac.edu; kathrin.renner@eurac.edu