Climate change happens on timescales far exceeding government terms, and therefore requires long-term measures for mitigation. The creation of a separate committee (CCEW) ensures that climate change mitigation is consistent, competent and independent of rapidly changing political developments.
Similar to the ‘Dutch Water Authorities’, a committee consisting of multiple bodies, responsible for climate change related issues could be developed. In the Netherlands, the water authority areas are determined by the distribution of basins and dykes and those responsible are voted for by the public since the 13th century [Dutch Water Authorities, 2017]. Applying this concept to CCEW, Germany could be divided according to different climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels, droughts, heavy rainfall and flooding from rivers [Helmholtz, 2023]. This division, however, is based on projections which still lack small scale and local effects and therefore adaptation measures can only be implemented to the best of our current knowledge and belief. Even though working at a more regional level and having less financial autonomy than the Dutch Water Authorities, insights into a feasible framework for Germany could also be gained by following the principle used by the ‘Deichämter’ providing coastal protection [DHSV, 2025].
Literature:
Dutch Water Authorities, 2017: The-Dutch-water-authority-model.pdf
Deich- und Hauptsielverband Dithmarschen, 2025: Start
Indeed, as Michael mentioned already, an interesting idea, but it needs rooting in scientific literature and, moreover, a scientific perspective on the problem. Right now, the idea is presented as such — I miss the scientific angle. That is, structure, but also questions/hypothesis that are investigated, indeed, based on the literature.
Dear Greta, while I am still enthusiastic about your idea, I do not see a grounding in any scientific studies literature. I like your idea to compare with the Dike Authorities in Germany. Maybe, there are studies (by Geographers? Social scientists?) assessing the performance of Dike Authorities (or the Dutch water authoritites). The creative work of your poster could be: outlining both concrete steps how to establish such a authority, how should it work, who should be in it. Ideally you would ground this in academic studies that have evaluated/analyzed such public authorities and made recommendations on what works. Best wishes M