Grossenhain on the abyss: Mayor warns of climate change!

Grossenhain on the abyss: Mayor warns of climate change!

in Grossenhain, a city in the Meißen district, are responsible for huge challenges. Mayor Sven Mißbach is very worried about the financial problems of the municipality, since the budget is heavily dependent on reserves. These tense conditions are particularly alarming because the region also has to deal with the effects of climate change. A particularly impressive example of this is the massive forest fire in the Gohrischheide, which has been raging since the beginning of July 2025. Almost 1,000 hectares of forest area are affected, one of the largest fires that Saxons have ever experienced, and both the location and the control are extremely complicated because ammunitional loads are at risk. Over 500 emergency services, including the fire brigade, police and Bundeswehr, have been mobilized to stop the fire and protect the population.

During these fire brigade operations, it is impressively illustrated how the region's climatic conditions have changed. With over 39 degrees Celsius and extreme drought, the prerequisites for fires are extremely high. {The past few years} were already shaped by devastating fires that were favored by dryness and bark beetle infestation. This leads to a fundamentally worrying statement by Mißbach: "99.9 % of all fires have human influence." The need for adjustments in the infrastructure is becoming increasingly clear: a lot has to be changed from planting heat -resistant trees to drinking fountains in the urban area.

A look into the future

Mr. Missbach not only wants to react to the challenges, but also actively develop a solution for the future. "We have to prepare for frequent extreme weather events," he emphasizes, and thus not only addresses the forest fire in Gohrischheide, but also the general economic situation of the municipalities. The expenses are increasing while the income is falling - a situation that not only affects administration, but also directly influences daily life in Grossenhain.

together against the challenges

The population is solidarity; Neighbors help and the community is active. However, while the city suffers from the financial and climatic challenges, it also becomes clear that a rethink is necessary. It is important to adapt and take precautions in order to be prepared for future generations. "We have to act now so that we can still live tomorrow," Missbach is certain.

Although the situation remains tense, Missbach plans a trip to England during the vacation time to collect new impressions that may also be helpful in coping with the challenges. Climate change and the ongoing financial problems are an immense challenge not only for Grossenhain but for the entire region.

More information about the current developments and challenges in the region can be found at Sächsische and and Nadr.