Saxony's Climate Strategy Is Expected to Be Ready This Fall

The Saxon state government plans to present a strategy this fall outlining how the Free State will respond to climate change. The so-called climate adaptation strategy is currently being coordinated at the working level within the ministries. Economics Minister Dirk Panter announced that the cabinet is scheduled to address the matter in November. At the same time, he called for federal funding for municipalities that need to implement measures such as heat protection.

“We have seen once again this summer just how important climate protection and adaptation measures are,” explained the SPD politician. The goal of the strategy is to prepare Saxony for climate change and its consequences. This applies to the areas of the environment, health, the economy, infrastructure, agriculture, forestry, and disaster management. The strategy defines 13 areas of action.

Panter calls for federal funding

“However, to ensure that climate adaptation measures can actually be implemented—especially at the local level—we need long-term federal participation in the financing and, if possible, implementation as a joint task of the federal government and the states,” said Panter. Climate adaptation is a joint task for the future involving the federal government, the states, and local governments.

Drought and heat have taken their toll on Saxony this year. Rivers remained at low levels for weeks, preventing ferries and ships from operating. Some of the reservoirs—which are vital for the drinking water supply—remained below their target water levels.

In Leipzig, extreme heat at the end of June softened the joint compound on the streetcar tracks. No streetcars ran for days. The Robert Koch Institute estimates that there have been approximately 560 heat-related deaths in Saxony so far.