Erfurt (dpa/th) - According to the Ministry of the Environment, there is great interest in Thuringia in state funds for protection against the consequences of the climate crisis. The demand for investments in climate adaptation has recently increased significantly, the ministry announced on Saturday. The municipalities spend money primarily on shading and sun protection for buildings, but also on greening and the extension and conversion of systems to absorb heavy rain.
While in 2019 there were only ten funding applications for corresponding adaptation measures, there were already 74 last year. Since the start of funding with the state's "Klima Invest" program three years ago, municipalities and cities have applied for 157 projects with a funding volume of around nine million euros. About half of this (around 4.5 million euros) has already been approved.
The "Week of Climate Adaptation" begins nationwide on Monday. The ministry and the development bank organized an event next Thursday. Those responsible from municipalities and cities would receive information on how to react to heavy rain, heat stress or drought stress. Some municipalities presented their projects: from more green in the city center, drinking fountains, sun protection, rainwater retention to climate-friendly tree selection on the streets.
