Why a soccer field in one German city may become a flood zone
Western Europe has recorded its hottest-ever June and July, and extreme weather from wildfires to storms are here to stay. How can we adapt to what seems to be the new normal? Cities like Kiel in Germany are trying.
In October 2023, a severe storm surge in the Baltic Sea hit the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, causing extensive damage to coastal defenses and marinas. The surge, the worst in over 150 years, removed 2.68 meters (8.79 feet) of coastal bluff in Kiel, the state's capital, more than quadrupling the average loss over the past two decades.
Climate change is exacerbating extreme weather, and Kiel, a city that declared a climate emergency in 2019, is taking action to adapt to the changing environment. The city's climate adaptation division, led by Martina Baum, is working to make Kiel more resilient to weather extremes. Baum emphasizes that adaptation is not a replacement for reducing fossil fuel emissions, but rather a complementary measure.
While installing air conditioning can protect against heatwaves, it also increases energy consumption. Kiel is exploring natural solutions, such as adding vegetation to building facades and redesigning parks to improve air circulation. The city is also testing which tree species can withstand future conditions, as trees provide shade and improve air quality.
However, not all species will thrive under changing climate conditions, and it will take 20 to 30 years to see real results. Kiel is also considering altering the terrain of soccer fields to accommodate increased stormwater during heavy rainfall. This proposal may inconvenience some residents, but city officials stress the importance of public engagement and education to ensure understanding of the trade-offs involved in climate adaptation.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
