Ökonomie der Anpassung an den Klimawandel

Ökonomie der Anpassung an den Klimawandel

Work Package 1: Overview of Scientific Knowledge and Adaptation Challenges in Germany

Starting Point and Objectives

Economic research on climate adaptation politics is intricate since it requires knowledge from a variety of scientific disciplines. This holds for the research intended in this project as well. In order to make economic statements about the adaptation to climate change, we require knowledge from natural sciences about the consequences of climate change and adaptation. Moreover, the project required knowledge about the social impact of climatic change and of adaptation policies. The scientific literature on these topics is extensive.

Therefore, this initial work package aimed at providing a summary of the background knowledge which is required for successful project work. On the one hand this work package prepared a review of the economic adaptation research for Germany and on the other hand collected data required for the modelling and evaluation of adaptation strategies as far as it is available. Three working steps were conducted:

Approach and Methodology

  • In work package 1.1 the Institute of Economic Structures Research (GWS) reviewed the climatologic knowledge about the impacts of climate change for Germany. Available regional scenarios for Germany have been identified and systemized.
  • In work package 1.2 the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) surveyed the current state of research on costs and benefits of climate impacts and methods of adaptation for Germany. Which evaluation approaches are used in order to assess the costs and benefits of climate impacts have been analysed.
  • In work package 1.3 the Humboldt University surveyed the current state of research on institutional relations and the interaction of protagonists with regard to climate adaptation policies. The aim was to identify the limits of current institutional research on climate adaptation.