Facing historically low water levels, Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) announced plans to temporarily increase the transport of goods via road and rail, while also postponing avoidable construction work. Speaking after a meeting with industry representatives regarding the situation, Bilger outlined a three-pronged approach.
“First, there are long-term measures, such as expanding our waterways so that we can better manage low-water situations now,” Bilger stated. “Second, there are medium-term measures, like modifying ships so they can handle these low-water conditions more effectively. And third, there are short-term measures, such as suspending the Sunday and holiday truck driving bans, expediting renovations on the waterways to prevent construction delays, and providing additional capacity on the railway.”
Bilger explained that the increase in low water and extreme weather events is a consequence of climate change, emphasizing that the nation must adapt and better cope with these changes. However, the CDU politician reiterated that he does not intend to change the party’s climate policy, instead advocating for “technology openness and greater pragmatism.” He added, “We cannot influence the weather, but we can ensure that our economy gets through these difficult weeks better.”
The text also noted that due to global warming, droughts and low water levels are becoming more frequent and severe in certain regions. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, causing rain to fall less often but in larger volumes. To prevent the emergence of even more extreme weather, the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas-which release additional greenhouse gases into the atmosphere-would need to cease.
