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Hamburg Faces Mediterranean-Style Climate and Rising Sea-Level Threats

Meteorologist Frank Böttcher warns of long-term climate shifts, including drier springs, extreme heat waves, and risks to urban infrastructure.

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Der Hamburger Wetter-Experte Frank Böttcher ist Vorsitzender der Deutschen Meteorologischen Gesellschaft.

Overview

  • Hamburg is projected to have a climate similar to Milan or Madrid by the end of the century, with hotter, drier conditions becoming the norm.
  • Sea-level rise could submerge key landmarks like the Hamburg Rathaus within 100 to 200 years, highlighting long-term risks to urban infrastructure.
  • Springtime droughts in northern Germany have been increasing over the past 30 years, affecting agriculture, wildlife, and firefighting efforts.
  • Extreme heat waves in Europe have doubled since pre-industrial times, with summers that are now decadal events potentially becoming annual by 2100.
  • Urban greenery is under threat, as trees planted today may not survive in Hamburg's future climate conditions, challenging ecological stability.