Climate change threatens holiday dreams: there is a risk of flooding on the Baltic Sea!

Climate change threatens holiday dreams: there is a risk of flooding on the Baltic Sea!

The North and Baltic Sea coasts are the focus of climate research, and the latest forecasts are not exactly something to smile about. According to information from nordkurier.de it is feared that up to 1160 square kilometers of land in northern Germany could be flooded by 2100. These values ​​are based on an assumed global warming of around 3.7 degrees Celsius and would directly affect around 7,600 people.

The areas particularly at risk include flat lagoon and spit landscapes, which also include large parts of Rügen. While the striking cliffs such as the famous chalk coast in the Jasmund National Park are considered relatively safe, regions such as the Mönchgut peninsula and the island of Hiddensee are at high risk. The latter relies on the protection of its dunes, and experts warn of possible breaches during extreme storm surges.

The coastal region is changing

But not only Rügen and Usedom are affected. The Umweltbundesamt emphasizes that the coastal regions in Germany are of great importance both ecologically and economically. The transition between land and sea is not only a habitat for rare animals and plants, but also an important location for fishing, maritime industry and tourism.

The coastal waters also offer excellent recreational opportunities, but the intensive use of the seas also poses a major challenge. Climate change is exacerbating the situation as the oceans store heat and CO2, leading to a rise in sea levels, as shown by the levels in the North and Baltic Seas. These changes increase the risk of flooding, especially in estuaries and coastal watercourses.

Coastal protection measures in response to the threat

In order to meet the challenges of climate change, intelligent coastal protection measures are required. Historic storm surges, such as the devastating flood of 1872, remind us of the impact such events can have. The model studies show that the reserves of the dikes and dunes will often be less than half a meter by 2100 if no further measures are taken. In order to be better prepared for the future, timely and flexible protection strategies are essential.

Coastal regions like Rügen are already implementing selective protective measures, while Usedom is investing millions of euros in sand replenishment. There are high risks that can only be reduced through careful planning and adaptation of coastal protection strategies. In Schleswig-Holstein, for example, state protective dikes were adapted to take account of the constantly rising sea levels.

The challenges are enormous, but the opportunities are also there if ecological and economic interests can be reconciled. A national strategy for integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) could bundle and promote measures pointing in this direction.

If we act now, the coast could perhaps remain a popular destination for holidaymakers and locals in the future - even if the waves sometimes get bigger.