Thematic Landscape Plan “Adaptation to Climate Change”, Lübeck

The Hanseatic City of Lübeck is currently updating its overall Landscape Plan from 2008. For this purpose, a new Thematic Landscape Plan (TLP) entitled “Adaptation to Climate Change” is being prepared. Its foundation is the Climate Adaptation Strategy adopted by the City Council on 24 September 2020.

The aim of the TLP is to present the spatial requirements of climate adaptation in a precise manner. It focuses on the expected impacts of climate change, such as heavy and prolonged rainfall, extended summer dry periods, rising temperatures with an increased number of hot days, milder winters, as well as potential Baltic Sea storm surges and more severe storms. The plan is intended to define the measures necessary for a climate-resilient and sustainable development of nature and landscape. These measures are to be firmly established by 2040. In parallel, Lübeck’s land-use plan is also being re-drafted, ensuring that both planning instruments are aligned in terms of timing and content.

The TLP is based on the Climate Adaptation Strategy from 2019, which was partially updated in 2021. It specifies the required adaptation measures for key environmental assets and land uses, including surface waters, groundwater, soil, agriculture, forestry, urban development, as well as human health and recreation. Measures relating to climate mitigation are also taken into account where they simultaneously contribute to climate adaptation. Topics such as biodiversity, habitat connectivity and protected areas are addressed only in an overarching manner within the TLP, as a separate Thematic Landscape Plan on “Biological Diversity” is planned for these issues.

The ongoing project includes the development of the cartographic base materials that will visualise the spatial statements of the TLP and provide robust technical support for its content.