NRW in climate change: Minister Krischer visits projects for adaptation

NRW in climate change: Minister Krischer visits projects for adaptation

The challenges of the climate crisis in North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) faces the increasing urgency to counter the effects of the climate crisis. The region is experiencing extreme weather conditions that cause strong health and economic stress. The variety of climate extreme that the citizens have experienced in recent years ranges from Dürresommer to devastating flood events. The latest weather data shows that 2023 the rainiest year since the beginning of the weather records, which increases concern about future weather extremes.

climate compensation adjustment: a common commitment to the future

On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, NRW Environment Minister Oliver Krischer visited three important projects as part of the #Themeour2024, which deal with adaptation to the climate impacts. These initiatives aim to improve the quality of life of the residents and to increase the resilience of the communities.

Schwalmtal: Creation of shady learning rooms

The first stop was in Schwalmtal, where the Janusz Korczak Realschule with other educational institutions benefits from a project to the climate silica redesign of the schoolyards. School yards tend to heat up heavily through strong sunlight. The initiative has enabled the school and four other schools as well as a daycare center to support financial support from the Ministry of the Environment to integrate shade -giving elements.

bottrop: green spaces for quality of life

In the Welheim Nature and Adventure Park in Bottrop, the integrated municipal action concept "Gaps closing Welheim" was presented. This is a comprehensive project that upgrades central green areas and actively participates in the design of habitats. The three main building blocks "ways of rainwater", "Learning in the countryside" and "movement in the countryside" not only promote biodiversity, but also the sense of community.

Leichlingen: Innovative water management

The last stop of the tour in Leichlingen illustrated the serious consequences of the climate crisis, which the city had to experience in 2018 and 2021 through violent storms. A crucial focus here is on a new handling of water in the city. This includes sustainable solutions, such as targeted rainwater management, in order to be able to better manage future flood events.

The way forward: Community and resilience

The projects visited underline the importance of local measures to adapt to the climate impacts. They show how communities can work together to not only reduce damage, but also to promote the well -being of citizens. A timely and comprehensive reaction to the challenges of climate change can help prepare North Rhine-Westphalia for a more sustainable and resilient future.

For questions about reporting, the press department is available at press@munv.nrw.de