German government approves law to prepare the country for the effects of climate change

The German government has approved a draft climate adaptation law aimed at preparing regions, cities and municipalities for the effects of climate change. The draft, proposed by the environment ministry, requires the government to present a strategy with clear and binding targets for addressing the impacts and risks of climate change. While most municipalities expect the impacts of extreme weather events to increase by 2050, around half do not see a way to fund the necessary measures.

The German government has approved a draft climate adaptation law focused on ensuring that regions, cities and municipalities are prepared for the consequences of climate change. With weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, floods and heavy rainfall becoming more frequent and extreme, many places are not adequately prepared for these challenges.

The new law aims to ensure that by 30 September 2025, the government presents a strategy with clear and binding targets for managing the impacts and risks of climate change, and updates it every four years.