German Minister Urges Stronger Flood Protection Amid Rising Climate Risks

Tobias Goldschmidt calls for prioritizing natural and technical flood defenses as extreme weather events intensify across Europe.

Schleswig-Holstein's Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt has proposed a 'strong flood protection law' to address increasing climate-related risks.
Goldschmidt emphasized the urgent need for adaptation as the planet has already warmed by 1.5 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times, with further warming expected.
He highlighted the effectiveness of natural flood defenses such as wetlands, floodplains, and moors, which also replenish groundwater reserves and support biodiversity.
The minister cited recent catastrophic floods in southern Spain as evidence of the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events across Europe.
The proposal will be discussed at the Environment Ministers' Conference, where additional topics include mandatory insurance for natural disaster damages.