A research and development project funded by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research
Administrated by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR)

Global climate change is currently one of the most widely debated challenges to future development (IPCC 2007). Mainly industrialised countries rely on structures which require continuous functioning to provide the basis for further development and prosperity (Stern Report 2006). These structures are particularly sensitive to meteorologically influenced hazards. Climate change and its multiple direct and indirect effects can be expected to influence most industrial sectors, as well as social and economic conditions throughout Germany. Available projections foresee specific effects of climate change for the Dresden region. Summer rainfall is likely to decline, which cannot be compensated by any slight increase in winter precipitation. Higher temperatures mainly in winter will affect vegetation, snowmelt, and energy demand. These changes will influence the regional ecosystem (forest fires and storm damage) and regional societal adaptation strategies (irrigation, production, leisure time activities).

Research and development under the REGKLAM combines efforts to forecase important climatic factors, analyse their effects in specific fields of action and develop options for practical adaptation at regional and local levels. The focus is on fields of action with a long decision horizon, which are therefore strategically particularly important and low reversibility. All results are combined in an Integrated Regional Climate Change Adaptation Programme, which is being developed and tested as a basis for implementation by all relevant stakeholders. REGKLAM provides tangible options for three key areas of action of vital importance for the further development of the region: urban structures, supply and disposal infrastructure with the focus on drinking-water and waste-water management, and urban and rural land uses.

REGKLAM contributes to the development and implementation of adaptation strategies in three main areas:

1.    The development of an action and implementation oriented Integrated Regional Climate Change Adaptation Programme (IRKAP), including all fields of adaptation identified by the region and local authorities.

2.    The initiation and support of key projects and additional adaptation measures by stakeholders.

3.    The advancement and consolidation of the regional actor network.

REGKLAM is being carried out by seven main partners from the fields of research, public administration and public services. A number of institutions and private companies are also involved as associated partners and subcontractors, including state ministries, regional land user associations, specialised services, and single companies or firms. The management of REGKLAM provides the basis for a close network of regional decision-makers and competent actors.

The research and development project is organised in four modules, which integrate several thematically discrete sub-projects. All work is oriented towards the Integrated Regional Climate Change Adaptation Programme and the establishment of regional adaptation network (Module 1) as the central output of REGKLAM. This is based on regionalised scenarios of climate change (Module 2) and – particularly with the focus on implementation – the development of tangible adaptation options (Module 3) in relevant fields of action in the region. The the diverse consortium and implementation activities are coordinated by the scientific management of REGKLAM (Module 4).