As the country faces an extremely dry first half of 2025, the Green Party is urging the federal government to make a concerted effort to adapt to the changing climate. In a parliamentary motion, the Green faction emphasizes that the effects of the increasing water scarcity are already being felt in everyday life, whether it’s the more expensive grocery bill, a walk in the woods, or a stroll in one’s own garden.
The party is calling for a comprehensive and nationwide approach to counteract the trend and ensure the long-term security of the country’s water management. Specifically, the faction is demanding the implementation of the National Water Strategy and the current climate adaptation strategy. The government should also take measures to retain water in the landscape, such as the restoration of moors and floodplains, de-silting and the dismantling of drainage structures. This point is also linked to the “Natural Climate Protection” program, which was launched by the previous government and is currently running until 2028. The Greens now demand that the program be expanded and solidified.
“We still need money for natural climate protection” said former Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, co-initiator of the motion, in an interview with the Funke newspapers. “Three and a half billion euros for the time after 2028 would already be a big step.” Lemke’s impression is that both the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor are holding back on climate adaptation as a topic. “But it’s not enough if that’s just the Environment Minister’s job. Climate adaptation must be top priority, otherwise we’ll fall behind just like we did with climate protection.”
The current drought is harming people, nature and businesses, Lemke added. “Bread and beer and other products will become more expensive for all of us, if farmers, inland shipping and bakers face problems. They are dependent on water as a working basis and this water is now becoming scarcer.”
Many of the measures the Greens are demanding will have a medium to long-term impact. However, Lemke said, the coalition could also take short-term action to adapt to the new summers, particularly in the area of heat protection. “Things like drinking plans in health institutions or shade canopies in kindergartens don’t just happen, the federal government can and must support this” Lemke said. The motion is set to be debated in the Bundestag on Thursday evening.