This summer, heavy rain in Hamburg has again led to local flooding. One of the reasons is apparently the increasing proportion of sealed surfaces. A new funding program is now to be launched to reduce this.
Less paving and asphalt, but more flowerbeds and lawns in which water can seep away: starting Monday, those who unseal their property will receive funding from the city: specifically, up to 50 percent for private households and up to 30 percent for companies.
Around 45 percent of the city is sealed
According to experts, the high proportion of sealed surfaces is a main reason for flooding after heavy rainfall. According to the environmental agency, almost 40 percent of Hamburg’s urban area was registered as sealed in 2021, and the trend is rising. The General Association of Insurers already estimates the figure to be 45 percent.
City wants to set impulses with funding program
The environmental agency wants to use the funding program to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as flooding after heavy rain. The city itself has no access to private property, but wants to use it to provide impetus.
The environmental agency has presented the development of soil sealing in Hamburg on its website.
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NDR 90.3 | NDR 90.3 Current | 06.09.2024 | 06:00 a.m.
