Regional and sectoral adaptation

Due to the cross-cutting nature of spatial planning, it can take the consequences of climate change into account across sectors. Spatial planning must reconcile or weigh up different demands and place spatial precautionary concepts at the beginning of risk prevention chains.

Climate change is changing the habitats of animals and plants, in some cases profoundly, and is thus also directly and indirectly threatening biodiversity. The loss of biodiversity can be counteracted with various adaptation measures.

Depending on the region and tourism offer, tourism destinations and businesses have a repertoire of different adaptation options to climate change at their disposal. Adaptation can take place on both the demand and the supply side.

A sustainable orientation of fisheries as well as adaptation measures can address fish health, reproduction of fish species, habitat shifts, water status, fisheries infrastructure, fishing conditions and catches, fisheries management, relocation of fishing areas and relocation of aquaculture operations.

Agriculture is particularly affected by the impacts of climate change. Appropriate adaptation measures can curb yield losses and make an important contribution to climate change mitigation.

It is likely that the magnitude and rate of climate change in many places will significantly overwhelm the natural adaptive capacity of tree species. In order to ensure that the forest can fulfill all functions under changed climate conditions, both now and in the future, controlled forest development is required.

Soils, with all their functions necessary for life, are an important non-renewable resource and, as a CO2 store ("carbon sink"), an indispensable component for climate protection efforts. Adaptation measures must be geared towards protecting soils from erosion, humus loss and other climate change-related risks.

Temperature changes that occur as a result of climate change can have a strong impact on public health. Adaptation measures to protect human health are primarily aimed at increasing education about health risks due to climate change, improving and expanding early warning systems, and implementing long-term measures in urban land use and green space planning.

In order to counter the manifold effects of climate change on the water balance, the efficiency of water use as well as flood and coastal protection must be adapted. In addition, an awareness of risks should be created and information provided to prevent damage to property and personal injury.

Transport systems and the associated infrastructure are classified as critical infrastructure and are of great importance for the functionality of society. For their protection and preservation, technical adaptation measures to climate change are considered particularly relevant in order to prevent damage. This also requires the overarching adaptation of planning and building standards.

There are a multitude of possible adaptation measures for companies. Systematic, forward-looking risk management helps companies to take the necessary precautionary measures.

Climate change increases the business risk of banks and insurance companies. With the help of active management, however, climate-related risks can be largely contained, opening up new business opportunities. In addition, the finance and insurance industry can create incentives for adaptation measures through product design, investment decisions and risk reporting.