Between Extremes: Germany as an Example
How does climate change affect our water? Author and business journalist Uwe Ritzer from Germany explores this question. In this interview, he discusses the effects of extreme weather events, and possible solutions.
Mr. Ritzer, Germany has faced frequent extreme weather events in recent years — heavy rain, flooding, and droughts. How are these linked to climate change, and how do they affect water availability?
The two are closely linked. There is a close connection between drought and flooding. Climate researchers assume that we will tend to have longer and hotter dry periods in summer and more rain in winter. Extreme weather events, where heavy rain falls in enormous quantities within a short time, will occur more frequently. In summer, parched soil cannot absorb this water.
So overall, there is no less rain?
Not when viewed across the whole year. The question is: can our soil process the masses of water so that groundwater reservoirs are replenished and we can use it? The other side of the coin is that this water often runs off the surface, causing flooding. It then flows into rivers and seas, becomes salt water, and is lost to our drinking supply for the time being.
The media is reporting that Germany has lost around 20 per cent of its groundwater since 2000. Is that really the case?
It is difficult to give specific figures here, but there are researchers who have come to this conclusion, yes. Others, on the other hand, assume that Germany has lost about the amount of water reserves in Lake Constance since 2000. Ultimately, we don't know for sure because there are still gaps in the data on what groundwater is actually available. But one thing is clear: among comparable countries, Germany is one of those with the greatest water loss worldwide.
What can we do?
Politicians have at least recognised the need for action. A national water strategy was initiated during Angela Merkel's time in office, which the traffic light coalition completed and presented in 2023. It contains 78 concrete proposals, some of which are exceptionally good.
»In Germany, we simply come from an extremely high standard. Water has always been available to us. We now simply have to rethink things.« - Uwe Ritzer
However, implementation is often difficult. For example, if a local authority says that rainwater cisterns or service water circuits must be installed in new development areas, this is initially a burden for house builders and ultimately also for the economy. Persuasion and incentives are needed — even if the measures are sensible. In Germany, water has always been available in abundance. We now have to rethink.
How? For example, with water storage and rainwater utilisation, where every home builder and garden owner can do their bit?
Exactly, but also with larger concepts. For example, in urban development, where there are exciting concepts such as the sponge city. I was at an event in Saxony where the responsible official from the Ministry of the Environment confirmed that rainwater management is one of the major tasks for the future, and I agree with that. I am convinced that technology can be a key factor in optimising our water management and better controlling its use – whether through rainwater storage in tanks or through infiltration solutions that can help the ground to better absorb water, for example during heavy rainfall. This opens up great opportunities, especially for the economy, which consumes much larger quantities. Efficiency is key, and that is what water management brings.
Economy is a good keyword. What challenges lie ahead for agriculture, drinking water supply, industry and the environment?
It is assumed that overall water demand in Germany will rise sharply in the coming years. This is less due to individual households than to the big consumers. Approximately three-quarters of Germany's fresh water demand is used by the economy in the broadest sense. This mainly concerns the large energy suppliers and industry. But water demand in agriculture is also expected to double. We cannot continue to use water as we do now in the long term. In the end, shortages will affect everyone.
And what would you call for?
Of course, there is no single political button you can press to make everything better. The issue of water is not suitable for populism. You can't say that the EU has to regulate it, or that it's the responsibility of the federal government, the state or the local authority. Ultimately, everyone has to get involved. Above all, we need water management, i.e. a system that coordinates, weighs up and sensibly controls all water usage needs. First and foremost, this is a political task that must be carried out at various levels. Local authorities must be just as active as the federal government.
What else do you think needs to change?
Sensitivity. Of the approximately 15 billion cubic metres of water consumed by industry in Germany – by far the largest consumer – over 90 per cent comes from companies' own wells. In three federal states, companies pay nothing for this, and in others only marginal amounts. These are not incentives to save water, and this must change.
To get momentum behind the issue, it is also important to raise public awareness of it. How can this be achieved?
I have noticed that awareness of these issues has increased enormously in recent years. Media reports are more frequent, and last summer a water emergency was declared in 40 districts. The drier our next few years become and the longer these dry spells last, the more frequently such cases will occur and the greater the public attention for the issue will be. Fortunately, people are attending events, getting involved, and informing themselves. My book Zwischen Dürre und Flut (“Between Drought and Flood”) also aims to give the issue the importance it deserves.
20% groundwater
128 litres
⅔ of the earth
40 districts
Germany has lost since 2000.
is consumed per person per day in Germany.
is covered by water. Less than 3% of this is drinkable.
had to declare a water emergency in 2023.
So, we won't be able to avoid the issue in the coming years and will be forced to take it seriously?
Exactly, it's not like gas or electricity. When it comes to heating or electricity, there are always alternatives. If I don't want my electricity to come from a nuclear power plant, I can get it from renewable energy sources. If I have gas or oil heating, I can choose a different energy source. With water, there is no such alternative. You either have it or you don't. That's why it's important to me to emphasise that water must remain a common good that benefits us all. For me, this is the basis for all further considerations, strategies and measures, which will hopefully then move in the right direction and have an impact.
