Germany taking hit from climate change with heat, worse storms

Berlin - Germany, which is generally known for its mild weather, is already feeling the effects of climate change as its temperatures rise and energy production, agriculture and health care are impacted, a government report said.

The number of days during the year when temperatures rise above 30 have increased from three to eight, said the report, released at the weekend.

Rising temperatures carry health risks because heat can have a severe physical impact, and in regions of southern Germany, the hotter weather has brought an influx of heat-loving insects, such as the tiger mosquito, that can carry diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.

Agriculture has been hit by more extreme weather, such as storms, heavy rainfall, hail and lack of rain, which has led to a reduction of quality in crops and loss of income.

Hot years such as 2003 and 2006 led to a severe reduction in energy production because of a lack of cool water needed at power plants.

Strategies to deal with the impact of climate change have included the production of crop varieties that can better withstand lack of rain and a system to warn about lengthy periods of hot temperatures so hospitals, clinics and nursing centres can prepare, the government report said.