Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management in Germany

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter deals with the second case study of this book, Germany. This chapter starts with the background information of the case, such as scientific evidence of climate change in Germany and the impact of climate change on water management. The discussion then moves on to the adaptation policy of Germany. National as well as supra-national adaptation strategies are explained with a particular focus on water management. In Germany, adaptation policies at different levels are not legally binding, but they indicate the direction of each policy area including the water sector. The Federal Water Act and the National Flood Protection Programme directly influence German flood management policy. In addition, the EU Water Framework Directive and the EU Floods Directive are legally binding directives with which Germany should conform. In Sect. 5.4, environmentalism and optimism for technology are discussed because they are critical social discourses related to water management. Finally, informal and formal institutions (i.e., federalism and participatory governance) which affect adaptation and water management policy are analysed.KeywordsGermanyWater managementFlood managementNational Flood Protection Programme