Rising Expenses Due to Climate Change Worldwide

Baden-Württemberg, a region known for its vineyards and Lake Constance, is grappling with the impacts of global warming. The average temperatures from 2014 to 2023 have been around 10°C, a 2.2°C rise compared to the comparison period from 1881 to 1910.

In viticulture, the quality of Riesling wine is being affected by the significantly declining total acidity, a trend likely linked to rising temperatures. The state government is taking measures to address this issue, with a focus on agriculture that delivers good yields under different climatic conditions.

The year 2024 was the third warmest on record in Baden-Württemberg, with an average annual temperature of 10.6°C. This warmer climate is reflected in more frequent and longer-lasting heat events, as indicated by a report. Urban heat stress is on the rise, and there are fewer cool days, posing a potential health risk to citizens. Without adaptation, extreme heat could lead to a massive health burden.

To combat these challenges, the state government is providing significantly increased funding for climate protection and climate change adaptation. For instance, the funding for implementing water supply measures has increased from 40 million Euros in 2025 to almost 88 million Euros for the year 2026.

The state government is also subjecting communal water suppliers to a climate check using a master plan for water supply. By 2026, all districts and municipalities will have been analyzed in detail and will know which measures they can take to counteract a threatened drinking water deficit.

In urban areas, the adaptation strategy includes measures for unsealing soils or more green spaces, aiming for a program for more quality of life. The state government is also taking measures against flooding that account for more frequent rainfall in winter months leading to more floods and heavier rain in summer.

The water temperature in all depth layers of Lake Constance has increased significantly, leading to poor mixing and decreasing oxygen levels in deep water. This issue, along with declining groundwater levels, spring discharges, and soil water reserves in agricultural soils, increases the wildfire risk in forests. Agricultural pests, such as the green rice leafhopper, are also spreading with the warmer conditions.

The Ministry for Environment, Climate and Energy has published the adaptation strategy for Baden-Württemberg, and the State Agency for the Environment Baden-Württemberg has published a monitoring report on the adaptation strategy to climate change in 2025. Minister Thekla Walker states that adapting to climate change is part of public provision, with a focus on protecting citizens from the consequences of hotter summers.

The state invests more than 135 million Euros per year for flood protection and water ecology. The government has also obliged municipalities to develop concepts to protect their citizens from the consequences of hotter summers. The state government's approach to climate change adaptation is comprehensive, addressing various aspects of the region's ecosystem and lifestyle.