German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture | Source | Download |
Climate change poses significant challenges for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture, necessitating both immediate actions and long-term strategies. The rapid increase in global temperatures, accelerated by human activities, has led to severe weather patterns, including prolonged droughts and intense heatwaves. Germany, for instance, has experienced a notable rise in average temperatures and a marked increase in extreme weather events, which have impacted agricultural yields and forest health.
Current Situation: Recent years, notably 2018 and 2019, were among the driest on record, leading to reduced crop yields and heightened risks for farmers. The forestry sector faces severe degradation, and marine ecosystems are affected by rising ocean temperatures. While increased CO2 levels might temporarily benefit crops through a "fertilization effect," this is countered by negative factors such as water shortages.
Policy Response: Germany's approach includes short-term measures to address immediate weather-related issues and long-term strategies for climate adaptation. The German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change, established in 2008, outlines necessary adaptations across various sectors. The Agenda for Climate-Change Adaptation in Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, adopted in 2019, provides concrete recommendations to reduce risks and enhance resilience.
Strategic Goals
- Enhance Ecosystem Resilience: Implement measures to safeguard ecosystems and ensure continued production of food and raw materials.
- Promote Sustainable Practices: Support practices that contribute to climate change mitigation, such as sustainable land and forest management.
- Foster Synergies: Align adaptation measures with other political objectives, including climate, energy transition, and biodiversity protection.
