André Berghegger, Chief Executive Officer of the German Association of Towns and Municipalities, has emphasized the crucial need for support from the federal government to enable municipalities to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Speaking to RTL and ntv, Berghegger stated that climate change adaptation is now a primary concern for local authorities. While many municipalities are already taking action, they are unable to address the challenges alone.
He stressed the necessity of sustainable and predictable funding programs from both state and federal levels to effectively tackle these issues. Berghegger believes that a collaborative approach across all levels of government is essential to achieve meaningful improvements for citizens.
Furthermore, Berghegger highlighted the importance of public responsibility in addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate. He suggested that residents may need to reconsider water usage, such as reducing lawn watering, to conserve dwindling groundwater resources. He underscored the priority of ensuring the security of drinking water and food production, emphasizing that these essential needs should take precedence over recreational activities.