Berlin (d.de) – For the first time, Germany has a nationwide law that provides a framework for measures to protect against the impacts of climate change. The Climate Adaptation Law came into force on 1 July. Measures to protect against the impacts of climate change were “the order of the day in view of extreme weather such as torrential rain and extreme heat,” said Environment Minister Steffi Lemke. The law, which was set in motion by the German government last year, is to help among other things to improve the coordination of measures.
“With the Climate Adaptation Law, we are helping people on the ground in villages and towns to prepare better for the impacts of the climate crisis and to take precautions to guard against risks,” explained Lemke. She said that green areas in cities for example provided shade and cooling, adding that “sponge cities” absorbed water at times of heavy rainfall and stored it in readiness for periods of drought. “Heat action plans are being drawn up for social institutions such as old people’s homes, nursery schools and hospitals. We need good flood protection and more natural climate protection,” said the minister, describing the various measures needed.
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