2019 monitoring report on the German strategy for adaptation to climate change

This Report underpins the impacts of climate change with solid scientific data, in Germany, at the same time as providing the public as well as decision-makers in all sectors of society with information on tangible impacts of climate change. The 2019 Monitoring Report represents an update of the 2015 Monitoring Report.

Indicators and measured data selected from 15 action areas by experts were incorporated in the Report in order to demonstrate any climate­-related changes which have already become apparent in present­ day Germany; the Report also features any measures that were taken to counteract this trend. The consequences of temperature rise can already be seen, for instance, in terms of obvious impacts on uncultivated ecosystems (such as changes in seasonal phenology leading to extended growing seasons, as well as incipient changes in the composition of tree species in natural woodland reserves).

The Monitoring Report furthermore shows evidence for precautionary efforts made at the Federal Government level in view of increasing risks. The Report also makes clear that it is of vital importance to intensify our efforts in respect of pro­tection from climate change in order to limit its impacts, at the same time taking action to adapt to climate change. This is essential in order to find effective ways of counter­ing the unavoidable risks arising in ecological, social and economic terms and to minimise losses.