Bernburg/SLK. It has just been launched. Over the next six weeks, residents will be able to help shape the Salzlandkreis climate adaptation plan, so to speak, via an interactive map. They can zoom in on the region online and mark locations where it gets particularly hot due to soil sealing or a lack of shade, where extreme drought is having a significant impact on water bodies and vegetation, or, conversely, where water accumulates during heavy rainfall. They can place their pins in these four categories, suggest measures and write a comment, which in turn can be commented on and rated by other participants – all anonymously, without revealing their names. In this way, trends within the region at least begin to emerge, as every entry is reviewed and, in the best-case scenario, may later be incorporated into the climate adaptation strategy.
“This online service has been made available to us for the first time and will run until 23 December. We are using the Saxony-Anhalt participation portal, which offers this function as a reporting mechanism. Anyone interested can find the link to take part on the district’s website and on its climate adaptation management page,” explains Luisa Böning, the climate adaptation manager at the district administration. The first reports concern roadside trees suffering from drought damage and severe heat stress during the summer in Bernburg’s town centre. “We’re analysing the submissions and receiving important feedback and information, providing a very detailed picture of local concerns and requests. We’ll act on this and pass it on if any necessary measures fall within the remit of the local authorities.” Although there is no guarantee that every report will be incorporated into the plan, every report can make a contribution and will be carefully examined, assures the climate adaptation manager.
The Salzlandkreis is the first district in Saxony-Anhalt to have begun drawing up a climate adaptation plan. By mid-2031, all districts and independent towns will be legally obliged to do so and will receive financial compensation.
Work on the local climate adaptation management programme – which the Salzlandkreis had set up to develop a climate adaptation strategy alongside the climate protection strategy already in place – really got into full swing with a kick-off event in the summer and a series of follow-up workshops. The main objective of the funded project is to draw up a comprehensive action plan for climate adaptation, analysing both risks and opportunities. The results are intended to help prepare for extreme weather events and protect people from the effects of heat, water scarcity, as well as heavy rainfall and flooding.
Broad public participation is a key factor for success in this process. “We are therefore counting on plenty of feedback and suggestions, and the online reporting system makes this easy. Everyone has their own observations and experiences. After all, these days everyone experiences first-hand, in one way or another, somewhere, at some point, how climate change is challenging us in our everyday lives. It is high time we adapted to this as best we can,” says the Salzlandkreis climate adaptation manager, calling on citizens to get actively involved.