Municipalities demand major effort for water and climate adaptation

Spiegler emphasized that municipalities had already initiated numerous projects in recent years, such as the expansion of fresh water pipelines, the construction of additional storage basins, and the greening of schoolyards and public squares. These measures now need to be embedded in a nationwide strategy. The association demands that the federal government and the states resolve the investment backlog and accelerate procedures for pipeline construction and for nature conservation measures.

Demands of the association

The German Weather Service (DWD) had also recently pointed to an increase in hot days and longer dry phases in large parts of Germany. The Cities and Municipalities Association sees this as confirmation of its warnings from previous years. Particularly in the summer months, municipalities must supply the population with drinking water while simultaneously ensuring the irrigation of urban trees and parks.

In political Berlin, the municipal association's demand is also being discussed against the backdrop of a parliamentary initiative by the Greens. The parliamentary group had raised in an inquiry, among other things, the question of whether the weakening of climate requirements in the building sector through the elimination of the 65-percent requirement for the share of renewable energies in newly installed heating systems, as well as the softening of requirements for CO₂ emissions in new vehicles, is compatible with the Basic Law. Reference was made to the prohibition of deterioration in climate protection, which derives from Article 20a. As a result, climate adaptation in municipalities has also become a constitutional issue.

Greens politician Lisa Badum had already pointed out several times the connection between municipal water infrastructure and national climate targets. From the perspective of the Cities and Municipalities Association, both levels must be more closely interlinked so that investments in storage facilities and networks do not fail due to missing responsibilities or financing commitments.

Political context

Specifically, the association proposes launching a special program for municipal climate adaptation. Among other things, it should finance measures for the unsealing of surfaces, the expansion of rainwater use, and the greening of roofs and facades. The digitalization of the water sector, such as smart metering systems for consumption, should also be part of the program.

The association also points out that small and medium-sized municipalities are particularly dependent on support. In many cases, there is a lack of qualified personnel on site for the planning and implementation of climate projects. The federal government and the states should therefore promote advisory centers and model projects that ensure the transfer of knowledge to the broader region.

Concrete proposals

In rural districts such as Aichach-Friedberg, the consequences of climate change are particularly evident, according to the association. Due to prolonged drought, water withdrawals from streams and lakes have had to be restricted repeatedly in recent years. Such experiences underscored the urgency of a coordinated nationwide approach.

Spiegler also stressed that the municipalities would do their homework. However, they needed planning certainty, clear responsibilities, and sustained financing in order to shoulder the necessary investments in water supply and climate adaptation. The association expects that the upcoming budget negotiations at the federal and state levels will provide corresponding funds.

The demand comes at a time when stricter requirements for climate adaptation are being discussed both at the European and national levels. The Cities and Municipalities Association sees this as an opportunity to bring municipal interests into legislation at an early stage and thus enable long-term investments.