New information platform shows climate impacts in Hamburg
A new information platform from the Hamburg environmental authority uses numerous graphics and diagrams to show the already noticeable consequences of climate change for the Hanseatic city. Climate impacts such as heat, drought, heavy rain, storm surges and other extreme weather events are comprehensively backed up with data, facts and information and put into context, said Environment Senator Jens Kerstan (Greens) on Tuesday at the presentation of the climate information system.
The specific effects of climate change are broken down into eight fields of action using 38 indicators - such as urban and landscape planning, supply and disposal, construction, the economy and coastal flood protection. Information is provided, for example, on the frequency and intensity of storm surges, changes in vegetation, the consequences for bodies of water or developments in building damage and weather-related interruptions in local transport.
The data comes from numerous institutions such as the German Weather Service, the university, Hochbahn, Hamburg Wasser and insurance companies and is to be updated on an ongoing basis.
"With the climate information system as a valuable source of information and knowledge, we now have an important foundation for our climate adaptation strategy, which we will present next year," said Kerstan. The platform could be instructive and helpful not only for administration and urban planners, but also for school classes and ordinary citizens who want to understand in detail where climate change has visibly arrived in Hamburg, "so that this does not just take place on a perceived basis".
The Senate in Hamburg is utilizing this climate information system to inform policies in areas like urban and landscape planning, construction, and coastal flood protection, as data shows increasing storm surges and weather-related disruptions due to climate change. The new platform, with its comprehensive data on climate impacts, could serve as an educational tool for schools and citizens, fostering a deeper understanding of how climate change is manifesting in Hamburg.
Source: www.dpa.com
