Coastal Protection: A Shared Responsibility
By Tobias Goldschmidt, Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister of the Environment
The devastating storm surge that struck Hamburg and the North Sea region in 1962 serves as a chilling reminder of the critical importance of coastal protection. Sixty-three years later, as extreme weather events become increasingly prevalent, the need to bolster our defenses has never been more urgent.
In 2024, Europe witnessed a record number of extreme weather occurrences, including the storm surge that ravaged the Baltic Sea coast in October, exposing the limitations of existing coastal defenses. The challenges we face are immense, and it is imperative that the incoming federal government, in collaboration with coastal states, prioritize the modernization of coastal protection measures.
The magnitude of this undertaking demands a substantial financial commitment. In Schleswig-Holstein alone, investments in dykes will reach billions of euros by 2040. To ensure the safety of our citizens and communities, federal funding must encompass not only construction costs but also maintenance, repairs, and comprehensive planning for coastal protection infrastructure.
A Shared Burden
Christian Meyer, Lower Saxony’s Minister of the Environment, echoes these concerns. The climate crisis and its concomitant sea-level rise pose a dire threat to our dykes. Billions of euros are required to safeguard our coastline, offshore islands, and dykes.
Over the coming decades, Niedersachsen must raise more than 600 kilometers of dykes by at least a meter, potentially even two to three meters. Scientists warn that a complete meltdown of the Greenland ice sheet could lead to a sea-level rise of up to seven meters.
Meyer emphasizes that coastal states cannot be left alone in meeting these challenges. Tackling the consequences of climate change is a collective responsibility of the federal government and all states. The next federal government must significantly increase funding for coastal protection, or else human lives will be placed at risk.
Investment Imperative
Currently, the costs of coastal protection are shared between the federal government (70%) and the respective state (30%). In 2022, Niedersachsen invested a record-breaking 80 million euros in collaboration with federal funding. These funds were utilized for various projects, including raising dykes, modernizing pumping stations, and restoring salt marshes. However, experts have long called for increased investment in coastal protection.
Till Backhaus, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Minister of the Environment, stresses the importance of addressing environmental concerns and planning for mitigation measures. These considerations are crucial for obtaining the necessary permits for coastal protection projects. As climate change intensifies, these demands are likely to escalate.
Backhaus anticipates significantly increased costs in the future. The north German coastal states have agreed on a precautionary measure of one meter for the next 100 years. Coastal protection adjustments can be implemented incrementally.
Conclusion
Coastal protection is a shared responsibility that requires a collective effort from both the federal government and coastal states. To safeguard our communities and the integrity of our coastline, we need substantial and ongoing investment in modernizing and strengthening our dykes. By working together, we can create a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
