Christian Schuchardt, the Managing Director of the German Cities Association, has urgently called on both federal and state governments to provide significantly greater financial support for the climate adaptation efforts undertaken by municipalities. Schuchardt stressed to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland that climate adaptation is not merely a beneficial addition but an existential necessity for the future.
He noted that this task is a long-term commitment that will span decades for cities. According to Schuchardt, this effort collectively requires investments in the billions across the country. He stated that local governments cannot handle these immense costs alone, arguing that the traditional financing structures are insufficient. “It is clear that we must fundamentally re-examine how the necessary investments for climate protection and adaptation are organized,” he emphasized.
Crucially, Schuchardt highlighted the need for federal and state entities to ensure the continuous and predictable co-financing of municipal climate protection and adaptation plans. These measures often include vital heat protection strategies such as removing pavement (desilting), increasing urban green spaces, or developing water retention areas.
The current funding programs available at the federal and state levels are inadequate for executing such comprehensive plans. Furthermore, Schuchardt noted that due to the severe financial strain faced by local authorities, there is a general lack of available investment capital for local climate adaptation measures.
