Prime Minister Günther in dialogue: coastal protection and marine research in SH

Prime Minister Günther in dialogue: coastal protection and marine research in SH

The summer trip of Prime Minister Daniel Günther revolved around the topic of storm surge and the challenges associated with it these days. The last day of this information trip brought him to the affected communities of Schleswig-Holstein, where he had conversations with the local people and found out about the latest developments in marine research.

On a sunny morning, the trip started in the municipality of Waabs. Here there was a breakfast together, in which the Prime Minister spoke with representatives of the fire brigade, the German Red Cross and farmers about the damage caused by the storm surge. Günther wanted to hear the opinions and worries of those affected to get a comprehensive picture of the situation. This was not just a formal exchange, but a real dialogue in which those affected could describe their stories and challenges.

damage collection and restoration

After breakfast, Günther explored the affected beach sections. During his tour, he observed the restoration work that was carried out on site. It is obvious that the storm surge not only caused physical damage, but also heavily used the community. The exchange with the helpers on site was an important element to promote the necessary support and cooperation.

Afterwards he visited the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel, where he found out about the Kiel Marine Science (KMS). This interdisciplinary center combines researchers from various science areas that deal with the oceans and their influence on life on the coast. Günther was particularly impressed by the work that is done there and emphasized the importance of the exchange between science and politics. "We cannot attach enough importance to the fight against climate change and adaptation to its consequences," he said in a dialogue with the scientists.

View of the coastal protection measures

In the afternoon, his path led him to the municipality of Stranden, where he again looked for direct contact with people. Mayor Dr. Holger Clinic and fire brigade members reported on the further development of the repair work, in particular on embankments and cover works. These discussions were crucial to discuss the progress and still existing challenges.

The final station of the day was Kiel-Schilksee, where Günther met Dennis Petersen, the manager of Sporthafen Kiel GmbH, and harbor master Volker Karner. Here he praised the commitment of the port operators, who reacted immediately after the storm surge to ensure that the port is ready for operation in time for the season. This shows how important quick action is in times of crisis and how crucial the cohesion of the community becomes in order to cope with such challenges.

"The direct inspection and the conversations help us to find solutions for the upcoming course," said Günther. At a time when climate change is becoming increasingly noticeable, such initiatives are more than important. They are a need to combine volunteering and science.

The importance of interdisciplinary approaches

The talks during Günther's summer trip were marked by urgent need to strengthen coastal protection. It is essential that politics and science work together to develop effective solutions that are both preventive and reactive. Such visits show people that their concerns are heard and that there are ways to cope with the damage suffered.

Overall, it can be stated that the exchange with various actors in society is of great importance for politics in order to better understand the challenges through natural events such as storm surges. The talks that Günther had this week could lay the foundation for future measures in the field of coastal protection.

political and social backgrounds

The storm surge in Schleswig-Holstein is not only a challenge for the affected communities, but also for the political landscape of the country. Climate change has become increasingly important in recent years, which makes extreme weather events such as storm surges more often. The political agenda is strongly focused on developing strategies for coastal defense and strengthening the infrastructure of the affected areas. The state government has launched initiatives to promote sustainable building practices and to increase public awareness of climate risks. These approaches are of crucial importance, since the coastal regions are not only ecologically but also economically vulnerable.

The interdisciplinary cooperation between science and politics is central to understanding and combating the consequences of climate change. Scientists at institutions such as the Christian Albrechts University Kiel are working on researching the effects, while political decision-makers use this information to develop measures to adapt and prevention. Ultimately, the combination of scientific knowledge and political action can lead to the fact that it can be better reacted to future challenges.

Current statistics and data

According to a report by the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of the Environment, the temperature average values in Schleswig-Holstein have increased by about 1.4 degrees Celsius in the past 50 years. This increase has significant effects on the weather, including increased storm -flood risks. In recent years there has been an increase in the annual storm flood events that have caused damage in the millions. For 2022, damage caused by storm surges were estimated in Schleswig-Holstein alone at over 20 million euros. Such data underline the need for expansion and protective measures in the coastal regions.

In addition, surveys by the Institute for Demoscopy Allensbach showed that 76 % of the population in Schleswig-Holstein support the need for more investments in coastal protection. This public support is crucial for the implementation of measures that can improve security and quality of life in the affected areas.