Großenhain on the brink: Mayor warns of climate change!

Großenhain on the brink: Mayor warns of climate change!

In Großenhain, a town in the Meißen district, those responsible are facing enormous challenges. Mayor Sven Mißbach is very worried about the municipality's financial problems, as the budget relies heavily on reserves. These tense conditions are particularly alarming because the region is also struggling with the effects of climate change. A particularly impressive example of this is the massive forest fire in 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 Saxony has ever experienced, and both the situation and the fight against it are extremely complicated, as contaminated sites pose a risk. Over 500 emergency services, including the fire brigade, police and the Bundeswehr, have been mobilized to stop the torrent of fire and protect the population.

During these fire brigade operations it is impressively illustrated how the climatic conditions of the region have changed. With temperatures over 39 degrees Celsius and extreme dryness, the conditions for fires are extremely high. {The last few years} have been marked by devastating fires, which were promoted by drought and bark beetle infestation. This leads to a fundamentally worrying statement from Mißbach: “99.9% of all fires have human influence.” The need for adaptations in the infrastructure is becoming increasingly clear: from the planting of heat-resistant trees to drinking fountains in urban areas, a lot needs to be changed.

A look into the future

Mr. Mißbach not only wants to respond to the challenges, but also actively develop a solution for the future. “We have to prepare for more frequent extreme weather events,” he emphasizes, not only addressing the forest fire in Gohrischheide, but also the general economic situation of the communities. Expenses are rising while income is falling - a situation that not only puts a strain on the administration, but also directly affects daily life in Großenhain.

The city administration is currently also struggling politically, especially with regard to reforestation and the expansion of wind turbines. Despite a desired reduction in the area target for wind turbines, which was proposed by the Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, it remains unclear how the planning will continue. Despite the negative attitude of the city council, possible wind power projects in Stroga and Skassa are classified as likely. There is currently no wind sub-regional plan, which makes the implementation of such projects difficult.

Together against the challenges

The population shows solidarity; Neighbors help and the community is active. However, as the city suffers from financial and climate challenges, it is also clear that a rethink is needed. 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 is planning a trip to England during the holiday season to gain new impressions that might also be helpful in overcoming the challenges. Climate change and the ongoing financial problems represent an immense challenge not only for Großenhain but for the entire region.

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