The Adaptation Strategy of North Rhine Westphalia

Ministry of the Environment and Conservation, Agriculture and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia

The Adaptation Strategy of North Rhine Westphalia

Carina Holl

EEA, Copenhagen - 03.07.2009


Overview

1. Adaptation policy in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)

2. The Adaptation Strategy of North Rhine-Westphalia 2009

Methodology

Measures

3. International Cooperation

4. Adaptation Indicators


1. Adaptation Policy of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)

NRW – a short overview:

Population: 18.1 Mio. 22% of the total German population

Surface: 34,083 km2 9.5% of Germany

Region with highest population density in Germany 530 inhabitants / km2

31% of Germany‘s electric energy production, broad range of industries

15,000 km2 of arable land and 9150 km2 of forest land (75% of the region’s surface area)


1. Adaptation Policy of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)

2007: Adoption of a White Paper, which contains all available data and information on climate change in NRW:

Effects of climate change, that are manifest already today

Effects that are expected to occur in future

2009: Adaptation Strategy for NRW - published in April 2009 on the basis of a vulnerability study conducted by PIK

Supporting measures:

Public information

International cooperation


2. Adaptation Strategy 2009 - Objectives

Main Objectives: Reduce vulnerability of regions Take advantage of arising opportunities

By Informing on climate change, vulnerability and adaptation

measures Raising public awareness Initiating adaptation measures

Objectives not quantified


2. Adaptation Strategy 2009

STEP 1: Regional high resolution climate projections

STEP 2: Vulnerabilities in the regions of NRW in the following sectors: water management, nature conservation, agriculture, forestry, health, tourism, urban management, safety of industrial installations

STEP 3: Proposals for adaptation measures for regions

downscaling to regional level!



Nearly equal temperature rise in the regions of NRW: about 1,9°C in the period 2031-2060

Temperature rise of up to 3°C in the summer months Great variability in precipitation:

Precipitation increase in the central upland regions Precipitation decrease in the Rhine Area Less rainfall in summer months (-20%)

The likeliness of extreme weather events and their intensity will rise


STEP 2: Vulnerabilities in the regions of NRW - Methodology

Regional high-resolutionclimate projections

Vulnerabilities in North Rhine-Westphalia for different sectors

Ecological and socio-economic indicators

+ =

Source: PIK



Sealed surface area by local government area (in %)

Population density (in %)

Urban heat island potential

Population over 65 (in %)

Sensitivity

Number of heat days

Source: PIK



Tree species Topography Soil characteristics CC: Expected Frequency of

Heavy Storms

Vulnerability to storm-related tree mortality and damage in a region depends on:

Source: PIK


STEP 3: Measures

Who has to take measures?

Public actors Federal Government: Insurance policy Regional and Local Governments, Municipalities: Planning

Private actors Business, insurance companies Farmers, forest owners Individuals


Provide necessary information:

Regional climate projections, vulnerabilities, measures

Further research on adaptation: 27 projects (innovation fund), e.g.

o Development of a procedure for identifying populated areas likely to be affected by intense rainfall

o Development digital maps containing information about specific conditions of a given forest site

Integrate adaptation into policy decisions:

Integration of CC Effects in the Regional Development Plan

Integration of CC Effects in the Flood Control Management

STEP 3: Measures in North Rhine-Westphalia


STEP 3: Measures in North Rhine-Westphalia

Integrate adaptation into funding policy

Funding of Afforestation after Kyrill considering CC Effects

Sponsoring counselling services for farmers to help them develop cultivation strategies tailored to specific regional conditions

Supporting a model local authority implementing an „integrated concept of climate protection and climate adaptation“ (Funds granted: € 3 million)

Improving general awareness of the issue of adaptation, e.g. web portals, education

Reinforcing International Cooperation


3. International Cooperation

Symposium “Strategies for Adapting to Climate Change in the Regions of Europe” 27th-29th October 2009 in Düsseldorf Exchange of experience and information Networking of regions with similar problems Use of synergies

Application for an INTERREG IVc project: REACCT = Regions of Europe Adapting to Climate Change EffecTs


4. Indicators

State and development of nature and environment in NRW is well documented by manifold monitoring activities 8 programs for monitoring of biodiversity, protection of

species, forest condition, quality of soil with > 3.600 plots 11 programs for monitoring of ground- and surface water i.a.:

ground water composition, physical, chemical and biological state of surface water, heat measurements with > 11.200 plots

3 programs for monitoring of ground water level, precipitation and hydrometeorology, water gauge (water level and drain) with > 33.000 plots

9 programs for monitoring of inorganic and organic pollutants in ambient air, dust precipitation with >440 plots


4. Indicators

Open questions Do we need indicators for monitoring climate change impacts,

vulnerability and adaptation for NRW? For what kind of purpose do we need those indicators? Who will be addressed with these indicators? Do we need indicators for all sectors (the same)?

Adaptation Strategy NRW

Existing Monitoring

Systems in NRW


4. Indicators

Check availability of existing monitoring systems Analyze need for new indicators (budget restrictions) Development of adaptation indicators on

German or EU level Regional level?

Problems: Availability of data Usefulness and relevance of national, EU-wide indicators for

regional purposes Need for cost and benefit analysis


Thank You for Your Attention!


1. Adaptation to Climate Change – A Challenge for the Regions

EU:

Cross-border approach

Integration and coordination

Integration adaptation into funding policy

Federal government:

Outline problems

Set a framework for national action

Regions (in Germany: Länder)

Identify the regions' specific vulnerabilities

Develop and implement strategies tailored to the region’s needs

Benefits are visible in the region!


1. Integrating Adaptation into Policy Decisions – Why?

Adaptation to environmental change not a new concept Re-Action (not planned and managed)

Specific conditions of anthropogenic climate change

Climate change occurs faster and to a greater extent than past experiences

Higher vulnerability of society (growing population,…)

Unlikeliness of market forces leading to efficient adaptation

Increased level of knowledge makes early action possible: regional high resolution climate projections


1. Integrating Adaptation into Policy Decisions – Why?

Solution: Climate Policy has to be pro-active and to integrate adaptation into policy decisions

Consideration:

Weigh of costs and benefits of adaptation measures information is necessary

Long-running nature of policy decisions

Cost benefits of early action

Action: legislation, rules for investment, information, funding


STEP 2: Vulnerabilities in the regions of NRW

Agriculture: Most regions in NRW will profit from gradual warming and longer vegetation periods, as there will be enough water available

Forestry: Large storms and heavy gales will become more likely, the risk of storm related tree mortality and damage will rise, especially in the forests of the low mountain range

Human Health: Heat stress will increase in the built-up areas of the Ruhr area with negative impacts on human health

The Adaptation Strategy of North Rhine Westphalia

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