ZEW Expert Dr. Daniel Osberghaus on Flood Hazard: "Flood Prevention in Germany Needs a Long-Term Solution"

Dr. Daniel Osberghaus, researcher at the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) in Mannheim, analyses the economic consequences of climate change, with flood prevention being one of his fields of interest. In regard to the growing flood danger in Germany, he comments,

"After the last days' devastating heavy rain incidents in various parts of Germany, the first demands for public financial aid for affected households have emerged. Surely, such aid is important for the affected persons. They do not, however, constitute a long-term solution for flood risks, which are likely to grow further due to the climate change. Instead, the government should rather create financial incentives for citizens to take private precautions, and local authorities should refrain from designating potential flood areas as building land. According to ZEW research findings, a mandatory insurance against flood damage might also be a reasonable solution." 

For more information please contact

Dr. Daniel Osberghaus, Phone +49(0)621/1235-205, E-mail osberghaus@zew.de