Klima-Werkstatt – A Region´s Climate Protection and Adaptation Potentials and their Development | Umweltbundesamt

"In order to assess the impact of climate change on the model region and for the project, the Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research, Atmospheric Environmental Research (IMK-IFU) developed different climate scenarios for the Chiemgau-Inn-Salzach Berchtesgaden region showing the period 2070–2099.

By now, the first impacts of climate change are observable. Since the beginning of the temperature measurements in the year 1860, the global mean annual temperature has increased by 0.9 ° C. This number reaches a particularly brisance, if one brings to mind that temperature fluctuations between the last ice age and the present interglacial period had only been 4 ° C. In Germany an increase in mean annual temperature by 2 ° C can be detected as well. Furthermore there is a seasonal change of precipitation with an increase in spring and in late winter and a decrease of up to more than 20% in the summer, showing remarkably regional differences. In addition, an increase of frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Germany had been observed (e. g. heavy precipitation, drought, heat waves, storms).

Comparing the periods 1960-1989 and 2070-2099,  a rise in mean annual temperature of about 3 ° C in the region Chiemgau-Inn-Salzach-Berchtesgaden is expected. Especially the summer will become warmer. In addition, a significant decrease in summer precipitation by up to 30% is expected. Hence there will be longer and more intense droughts in future. Also heavy precipitation will increase in this region."

Impacts of climate change:

• Due to the increase in storm events higher amounts of loss will be recorded, particularly by wind falls, crop losses, damage to properties.
• Flood situations will become more frequent (especially small streams and residential areas) caused by the intensification of precipitation events and changes from snow to rain.
• Near-natural and agricultural or forestry ecosystems will change (i. a. droughts, forest fires, pests, altered vegetation period).
• Water availability and groundwater recharge will decrease affecting the drinking water supply, hydropower, cooling water for power plants and agriculture.

The project consisted of three fields of action, for which adaptation needs have been considered partially:

1) Energy and crafts:

The aim in this field of action was to investigate and develop regional approaches to strengthen the efficient use of renewable energy resources existing in Chiemgau to become less dependent on oil. Three communities of western Chiemgau (Bad Endorf, Griesstätt, Vogtareuth) had been supported in the planning, construction and operation of municipal biomass heating plants. Another project, the "solar house Chiemgau" provided information about the possibilities of heating with the sun.

2) Agriculture and water:

The aim in this field of action was to develop and support measures that met the interests of water supply, agriculture, processors and tourism needs equally. This was done by the networking of regional actors.

To strengthen grasslands and to secure its multifunctional effects for resource conservation and society the following model projects and actions have been pursued:

- Training and networking of regional water conservation consultants and the drinking water sensitive communities to prepare for climate change;

- Information events and workshops concerning the possible increase of soilage quality by drying the grass in wood chip-fired heating plants;

- Information events and actions for consumers and processors on the added value of pasture-based meat and dairy products;

- Training of agricultural holdings;

In this way, a regional strategy for conflict prevention concerning climate change could be developed.

3) Mobilization:

In the course of "mobilizing consumers / population" the regional actors in the field of participation management, social marketing and public relations had to be bundled in a subnetwork. Furthermore, various communication and participation methods had to be designed and tested in order to make the population and consumers permanently aware of the opportunities and risks of climate change to and to mobilize these groups for preventive mitigation measures.

During the project " test consumer " the habits of selected consumers from the region of south-east Upper Bavaria had been analyzed. Specific information and advice had been given to participating households regarding themes like heating, use of car, power consumption, shopping and eating. A personal carbon footprint for each participant has been created. A further consultation and sensitization was done in several group meetings and information events, always in combination of information, experience and taste.

During a big final event the results had been presented and the participants were chosen "climate heroes" in recognition of their achievements and commitment in the field of climate change.

It is found that the most substantial changes in behavior can be achieved with measures that can be easily integrated into everyday life. Just by simple measures, such as conscious ventilation, switching to green electricity providers, preference of regional goods, reducing meat consumption and favour high quality meat products from the region, the personal CO2 emissions of the average citizen can be reduced by 13%.

However, it is not enough just to inform people about climate change and its impacts. To motivate consumers to change their behavior in everyday life and integrate measures, such as buying regional goods, they must be enthused.

The community plays an important role in this respect.

It turns out to be easier for individuals to change their own lifestyle if one does not feel as lone fighter. In a group of like-minded persons you can exchange about experiences and successes but also about setbacks. This is motivating and fun moreover.