German Environmental Ministers Stress Urgency of Flood Protection Beyond Political Disputes

At a conference in the flood-stricken Ahr Valley, officials emphasized the importance of advancing flood protection legislation despite political challenges.

• Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke called for flood protection to remain a nonpartisan issue, citing its critical importance for citizens' safety.
• The Environment Ministry has completed a new flood protection law, but its passage awaits the formation of a new government due to the current minority administration.
• The conference included a visit to the Ahr Valley, where 135 people lost their lives in the devastating 2021 flood, underscoring the urgency of improved flood defenses.
• Discussions also addressed broader climate initiatives, including a proposal to enshrine climate protection as a joint federal and state responsibility in Germany's constitution.
• Farmers staged a small protest during the event, highlighting concerns about the impact of environmental policies on agriculture.

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