Germany Needs Drought Management, Says Climate Researcher
According to a climate researcher, Germany urgently requires a drought management plan. Andreas Marx, head of the Drought Monitor at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, emphasized that while the country is currently experiencing drought relief following the severe drought period between 2018 and 2023, such extreme events could reoccur at any time. To prepare for future challenges, Marx called for collaboration between the federal government, states, and municipalities to develop a comprehensive response strategy.
Water Availability vs. Drought Management
Marx highlighted that the current focus is primarily on securing long-term water supply. However, he believes that water scarcity might not be the most pressing issue in the future. Instead, he emphasized the need to address the challenges of coping with temporary droughts. Germany’s diverse soil and climatic conditions make it susceptible to droughts in different regions at any given time. Therefore, Marx stressed the importance of region-specific responses to drought events.
Unmonitored Water Extraction
One significant challenge, according to Marx, is the lack of monitoring for water extraction. "We actually have no idea to what extent water rights are being utilized. For example, I can drill a well in my garden without having to notify anyone. But there is no record of how much water I am extracting," he explained.
Inadequate Focus on Private Water Users
During extreme drought conditions, municipalities have resorted to banning private water extraction, restricting the use of garden watering cans from nearby streams. Marx criticized this approach, stating that it "highlights the helplessness in this process" by targeting private water users who consume a relatively small proportion of water. He emphasized that industries account for the majority of water consumption, alongside mining and energy producers. Consequently, he argued that measures implemented during extreme droughts should vary depending on the presence of industrial activities in the affected area.
National Drought Management Plan
Marx urged the development of a drought management plan derived from the national water strategy. However, he acknowledged that such a plan would be complex and could not be developed within a short timeframe. He estimated that it could take years to establish a comprehensive drought management strategy.
Key Points
- Germany is vulnerable to drought events, which can occur anywhere in the country.
- A drought management plan is essential to address the challenges of temporary water scarcity.
- Unmonitored water extraction is a significant concern and needs to be addressed.
- Focusing solely on private water users is inadequate, as industries are major water consumers.
- Measures to manage drought should be tailored to regional needs and the presence of industrial activities.
- A comprehensive drought management plan should be developed from the national water strategy.
