Progress in the Vulnerability Network

With the aid of a scientific consortium led by adelphi, the Vulnerability Network provides a broad overview of Germany’s vulnerabilities in the face of climate change. Recently, participating authorities and institutions gathered for the third network meeting and discussed the next steps.

The approach of the network is twofold. First, it brings together existing studies on climate change-related vulnerabilities. Second, it establishes a new, nationwide and cross-sectoral vulnerability assessment. The evaluation phase of the collected studies is now well underway, with nearly 160 primary and secondary vulnerability studies carried out utilising diverse conceptual approaches and resulting in 75 predictions for climate vulnerability in Germany. Currently, a tool is being developed that will present the results of the analysis and allow for the display of any contradictory accounts concerning vulnerability in particular sectors.

The network and consortium follow a systematic framework in their own assessment of vulnerability. Within this framework, functional chains are an important element, as they allow for the display of climate change impact within sectors, as well as in the interface between sectors. Along these lines, the most significant effects will be determined, both within and across sectors. Among other things, the social and economic significance of climate change impact will be examined. Using indicators, the main effects will later be measured and integrated into the vulnerability assessment.