Germany

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Germany

Overview 

Germany has a well-established and legally anchored adaptation governance framework, embedded in long-standing policy processes and supported by strong scientific capacity. The national policy framework is anchored in the Deutsche Anpassungsstrategie an den Klimawandel 2024 (DAS 2024), adopted by the Federal Cabinet in December 2024. Adaptation governance is coordinated through formal interministerial structures led by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), notably the Interministerial Working Group on Adaptation. Scientific, technical, and methodological support is provided by the Competence Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation (KomPass) within the German Environment Agency (UBA). KomPass acts as a science–policy interface supporting the development, implementation, and further advancement of the German Adaptation Strategy (DAS), including coordination of monitoring approaches, vulnerability assessments, and knowledge transfer. The Zentrum KlimaAnpassung (ZKA) plays a complementary role by supporting knowledge transfer, stakeholder engagement, and outreach activities, particularly targeting Länder, municipalities, and practitioners. 

Germany’s well established adaptation governance involves the following key institutions: 

  • Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) as the lead authority for climate adaptation policy, supported by interministerial coordination structures ensuring cross-sectoral governance. 
  • Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMFTR), contributing research and innovation perspectives relevant to adaptation governance. 
  • German Environment Agency (UBA) including the Competence Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation (KomPass), providing scientific coordination, monitoring, vulnerability assessments, and policy support. 
  • Zentrum KlimaAnpassung implemented by the German Institute of Urban Affairs (Difu) in cooperation with adelphi consult, supporting knowledge transfer, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building. 
  • Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft (ZUG) GmbH and Project Management Jülich (PtJ), contributing to programme implementation, funding management, and practical delivery of adaptation-related activities.  
  • Länder environment ministries and agencies, responsible for subnational implementation and coordination within Germany’s federal governance system. 
  • Municipal associations and networks representing local authorities, reflecting the key role of cities and municipalities in adaptation implementation. 
  • Research institutions and knowledge providers supporting evidence-based policy development and exchange. 

Given the maturity of existing coordination structures, AdaptationHubs activities will pursue a clearly defined thematic focus in areas where further strategic development and EU-level exchange can provide added value. Themes for thematic priorities are being further explored with BMUKN and involved governance stakeholders.

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