Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Private Sector Reconstruction
The legal sub-project “Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Private Reconstruction” takes an interdisciplinary approach to examining the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley, focusing on the current legal framework and its implications for private reconstruction and the goal of climate resilience. In addition to analysing the legal framework, the sub-project will conduct a comprehensive analysis of incentive mechanisms such as financial support schemes as well as advisory and information services.
Profile
Academic disciplines
Law & Law Economics
Head of Sub-Project
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Svenja Hippel
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Lorenzen
Objective
Specific policy recommendations for new legislation
How can legal frameworks and administrative processes be improved to both promote climate and flood protection and reduce inequalities and injustices in the reconstruction process?
- The current legal situation in the Ahr Valley and its implications for private reconstruction and climate resilience
- Legal and administrative procedures relating to private reconstruction
- Advisory and information services as incentive measures
- Analysis of official documents
- Interviews with administrative staff
- Citizen survey
- Further qualitative research
Research Objectives
The central research objective is to investigate whether the reconstruction in the Ahr Valley has primarily resulted in a return to the pre-flood state, or whether it is also providing impulses for long-term sustainable and climate-resilient spatial development. In this context, climate adaptation and climate change mitigation are regarded as closely interlinked objectives which also relate to the constitutional protection of life, health and property.
The focus is on private reconstruction, which accounts for a significant proportion of the overall process. The study analyses the legal conditions under which reconstruction can take place and the requirements imposed on the design of plots and buildings, for example with regard to soil de-sealing, roof greening, renewable energy or climate-friendly heating systems.
Methodology
Methodologically, the sub-project forms part of an interdisciplinary analysis of the medium- and long-term consequences of the flooding in the Ahr Valley. It combines a legal assessment of the current legislation with the analysis of documents, interviews with administrative stakeholders, and findings from public surveys and other qualitative research.
The aim is not only to document the legal framework in normative terms, but also to understand its practical application and impact in the reconstruction process. In addition to binding requirements under building, planning and flood protection law, the sub-project examines in particular how planning instruments – such as climate adaptation and climate change mitigation planning, as well as urban land-use and spatial planning – can contribute to enabling climate-resilient and sustainable reconstruction. Particular emphasis is placed on how these objectives can be reconciled with the interests of those affected in achieving a swift and socially acceptable reconstruction.
In addition, current and planned legal developments, as well as government funding and support programmes, are analysed. Alongside financial assistance, advisory and information services, as well as the public sector’s role as a role model, are also considered as potential incentive mechanisms. At the same time, barriers that may hinder the implementation of climate-resilient measures are identified, such as legal uncertainties, administrative procedures or a lack of financial leeway.
The sub-project thus helps to present the legal framework for reconstruction in a clear and accessible manner, to assess its practical impact, and to identify starting points for designing future reconstruction processes in a legally sound, sustainable and socially balanced way.
Sub-Project Lead
The sub-project is led by Jun.-Prof. Dr. Svenja Hippel and Jun.-Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Lorenzen. Svenja Hippel is Professor of Law and Economics at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Law and Economics (CASTLE) at the University of Bonn and investigates how legal regulations and human behaviour interact. As the Argelander Professor of Sustainability Law and Ecological Transformation at the University of Bonn, Jacqueline Lorenzen’s research focuses in particular on climate, environmental and energy law, as well as issues relating to sustainable urban development. The team is complemented by two PhD students and a student assistant.
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Lorenzen
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Svenja Hippel
