Experts in coastal protection have gathered in Hamburg for a symposium to discuss measures being taken to protect northern Germany from rising sea levels. Climate research suggests that global sea levels could rise by one meter in 80 years due to melting polar glaciers. This figure is being used as the basis for all coastal protection measures, including the installation of ‘climate dykes’ that can accommodate an expansion of up to two meters. Because the sea level is rising faster than expected, dyke construction is a key activity.
In Schleswig-Holstein, dyke profiles have been adjusted to include a cap that can withstand floods if sea levels rise, while Lower Saxony’s dykes use a wider base area so that they can be raised higher if needed. Despite the need for precautionary measures, some coastal cities such as Bremen and Hamburg are finding space a constraint. In Hamburg, for example, specialists are planning until 2050 and are buying areas where the dikes can be raised or other measures can be taken.
However, buying land is proving costly because a centimetre of protective structure costs between €12-15 million. There have also been suggestions of completely blocking estuaries with barrages, but this has been found to be impractical. The main coastal protection challenge remains finding enough space to accommodate dikes and other protective measures, while making sure all work is complete before the storm surge season, which is in winter. Despite these challenges, coastal protection measures in northern Germany have been successful so far.
