Floods, drought and the consequences of extreme weather | DW Documentary

The script begins with a recollection of the devastating flood that hit the village of Braunsbach in Germany on May 29, 2016. The flood's impact is described through the eyes of the villagers and Mayor Frank Harsch, who captured the disaster on film. The narrative then shifts to discuss the broader effects of climate change, including extreme heat and drought in 2018 and 2019, and another round of flash flooding in the Ahr Valley in 2021. The script raises questions about the future and the need for adaptation strategies, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of climate change effects and necessary responses.

This paragraph delves into the connection between forest health and flooding in Winterburg, a village affected by a summer storm on June 5, 2021. The local forestry service, led by Bernhard Frauenberger, explains how the forest's reduced capacity to absorb water due to drought has exacerbated flooding. The team is implementing strategies to improve the forest's water retention, such as laying pipes and digging trenches to redirect and retain water. These efforts aim to prevent excessive runoff and support the local ecosystem, highlighting a small but significant approach to mitigating the effects of extreme weather.

The narrative moves to Hamburg, where the Extreme Weather Congress is held annually to raise awareness about climate change. The 2021 event was particularly influenced by the Ahr Valley floods. The congress emphasizes the urgent need for radical sustainable climate protection, as discussed by meteorologist Sven Plöger and climate researcher Mojib Latif. Despite increased public discourse on climate issues, there remains a significant gap between awareness and action, as evidenced by increased travel emissions prior to the pandemic. The experts agree that both droughts and floods are becoming more common, pointing to a changing climate as the underlying cause.

The script introduces a research project in the Swabian Mountains, where ten German institutes collaborate to understand atmospheric processes related to extreme weather. The project uses advanced technology like radars and lasers to predict severe weather events. The story follows a team led by Professor Michael Kunz, who are preparing to launch weather balloons during a storm to gather data on hail formation. This research is crucial for improving predictions and understanding the intensifying nature of weather extremes.

The focus returns to Winterburg, where residents like Jürgen and Marion Baumann are still recovering from the flood damage to their home. The Baumanns recount the traumatic experience and the challenges of rebuilding. The script describes the discovery of a sinkhole caused by the flood and the subsequent damage to their property. The Ahr Valley disaster is mentioned again, providing context to the scale of damage and loss of life, and raising questions about the role of climate change in such events.

Geographers Thomas Roggenkamp and Theresa Steidl are working in Mayschoß, attempting to determine the water levels during the Ahr Valley floods. The paragraph discusses the inadequacy of current flood risk maps, which have been updated to include historical data. The experts explore the role of climate change in the frequency of such floods, suggesting that while the scale of a particular flood may not be directly linked to climate change, the increased frequency of such events is a consequence of it.

Sven Plöger discusses the phenomenon of standing waves, where high and low-pressure fronts become stationary, leading to concentrated rainfall and severe weather events like the ones in the Ahr Valley, Soonwald, and Braunsbach. The script explains how such stationary fronts are becoming more common, which is hypothesized to be linked to climate change. The discussion includes the broader implications of climate change on weather patterns, including more frequent standing waves and stationary weather systems.

The script turns to Braunsbach, where Mayor Frank Harsch discusses the long-term recovery process and the need for land management strategies to prevent future floods. The paragraph highlights the cost of reconstruction and the implementation of debris traps to protect the village. It also touches on the impact of farming practices on soil absorption and the potential benefits of reforestation to improve water seepage.

Researchers at the University of Trier examine the effects of drought on soil and its ability to absorb water. The script describes an experiment comparing the water absorption rates of dry and moist soil samples, emphasizing the importance of soil as a water storage medium. The discussion extends to the broader consequences of dry soil, including increased flooding and soil erosion due to water runoff.

The script introduces the keyline water management technique being used by organic farmers in Rheinland Pfalz to combat extreme weather events. The farmers analyze rainfall patterns and plan to dig ditches to distribute water across their land, preventing soil erosion and promoting absorption during heavy rainfall. The technique is presented as an innovative approach to adapting to climate change in agriculture.

The final paragraph discusses the impact of climate change on urban areas, with weather expert Sven Plöger highlighting the need for cities to adapt to heat waves and heavy rainfall. The script describes the concept of a 'sponge city,' which aims to retain water within urban environments to mitigate flooding and extreme heat. The example of Karlsruhe's urban planning efforts to create a greener, more climate-resilient city is provided, showcasing the integration of green spaces and water retention features in city design.

The script concludes with a call for innovation in adapting to climate change, featuring forester Bernhard Frauenberger's efforts to enhance the water retention capacity of the Soonwald forest. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of focusing on natural functions to increase the forest's 'sponge function' and the optimism that with adaptation, we can manage changing weather patterns. The story ends on a hopeful note, with the Baumann family nearing the completion of their home reconstruction, signifying progress and resilience in the face of climate challenges.