Soil Country Analyses - Germany

Abstract

from: Soziodemographischer Wandel in Stadten und Regionen – Entwicklungsstrategien aus Umweltsicht (UBA-Texte 18/2007) Subject and Goals of the Project Numerous cities and regions are already affected by massive socio-demographic change, such as an absolute drop in population, transformation of age patterns as well as changes to the social and cultural composition of communities. Many more will feel such effects in the future. This socio-demographic transformation presents considerable structural challenges to almost all areas in the provision of public goods and services. To what extent this will positively or negatively influence the realisation of environmental goals and which specific actions may become necessary has only been clarified for specific questions in a somewhat tentative fashion. So far there has been no new strategic orientation. The aim of this research and development project is therefore to determine the direct and indirect impacts of this socio-demographic change on the condition of the environment in terms of type and relevance, to evaluate these impacts and also develop options for action in terms of environmental policy on several levels. Here the national level is of particular importance. The work does not incorporate any new empirical investigations. Instead a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature was carried out to evaluate and structure existing data. Where no empirical data was available the project team members formulated assumptions mainly based on generally accepted notions of ecological and spatial-functional connections, as well as on hypotheses derived from these. Demographic Typology Socio-demographic change and its impacts do not conform to one unique pattern. Therefore it is impossible, from an environmental perspective, to develop one generally applicable development strategy for such change in cities and regions. Differences in the development of birth/death rates, as well as population migrations and associated transformation of population figures or structures in affected regions ensure that the intensity and form of social-demographic change is highly diverse among affected cities and regions.