In view of the drought for weeks, the Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation is warning Germany (BUND) of serious consequences for the environment and nature. Extreme low water on Lake ConstanceFalling river levels and increased risk of forest fire are only a few of them, the federal government said in a statement. Another expert assesses the situation less dramatic.
«We warn against considering the current drought as a pure weather conditions. The problem goes much deeper, »emphasized Verena Graichen, Managing Director of Politics at the Confederation. «Rain in spring is the start signal for nature. If this signal remains, floors, plants and animals get under stress at an early stage – with consequences for the entire vegetation period and the biological diversity. »
BUND demands more resistance to the climate crisis
Flat -rooted plants, germinating seeds and many animals, especially insects, are particularly affected. This also threatens the condition of habitats such as meadows, forests, bogs and meadows. “The federal government therefore calls for targeted support measures that strengthen the resistance of ecosystems and contribute to the restoration of biological diversity,” said the environmental association.
“In the interests of nature, agriculture and people, the time to make landscapes more resistant to the climate crisis,” emphasized Graichen. The German Weather Service (DWD) and Alexander Marx from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) confirmed that dry periods such as the current ones become more common in the course of climate change.
Expert Marx sees the situation less dramatic
However, Marx emphasized that extreme weather events such as Dürren would not be “the new normal” directly. Instead, the distances between them would be lower. He looks at the current dry period with less concern than the federal government.
The location for farmers and smaller plants and young trees is not optimal because the soils are very dry in the upper layers, but a few days of rain could significantly improve the situation again. “Two to three wet days help quickly,” said Marx of the German Press Agency. Until then, farmers would have to water their vegetables more than normal.
Förster are also relatively unconditional, said Marx. The situation for shipping on the Rhine is rather problematic, where there is currently low water. The ships could no longer be fully loaded, the freight would be more expensive, he said.
But here the rains predicted for the coming days could improve the situation – even at Lake Constance, where there is currently extreme low water.
Overall, the current dry period is still very short, emphasized Marx. Although it is unusual for the season, it is not an exceptional weather event. The deeper layers of the soil and the groundwater reservoirs would not worry: “The groundwater has a long memory,” said Marx. “Correct damage only occurs through long -lasting drought for months.”
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 250416-930-443256/2
