Oliver Krischer, the Minister for the Environment in North Rhine-Westphalia (Green Party), has sharply criticized the federal government’s climate policy, particularly in light of the fifth anniversary of the 2021 flood disaster.
Speaking to Phoenix, Krischer stated that the government lacks a “systematic climate adaptation policy.” He argued that instead, policies are frequently being rolled back, undermining the progress that was achieved during the previous coalition government. Such regression, he insisted, is politically incorrect.
The NRW Environment Minister noted the immediate dangers of climate change, citing the current heatwaves followed by periods of intense heavy rainfall. He emphasized that even the smallest reductions in global temperature, calling for every tenth of a degree decrease, are crucial for preventing extreme events from reaching the severity experienced in 2021.
Krischer firmly dismissed demands from various industry groups and unions seeking to delay Germany’s climate neutrality goal by five years, calling the approach “completely wrong.” The Green politician stressed that there is no reason not to integrate the potentials of the economy, the environment, and climate-a transition he views as a fundamental opportunity for the future.
Turning to the specific issue of flood protection, Krischer emphasized that safeguarding against floods is an ongoing task that can never be considered complete. Since the 2021 disaster, North Rhine-Westphalia has invested nearly 500 million Euros in preemptive flood protection measures. Although resistance to necessary steps persists, Krischer confirmed that NRW has significantly strengthened the legal foundation for flood defense in the region.
