A survey of the perceptions of regional political decision makers concerning climate change and adaption in the German Baltic Sea region

Ecologic Institute and Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (previously GKSS) conducted an online survey with regional political stakeholders from the German Baltic Sea coast in spring 2011. Eleven hundred actors at the community level in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein were surveyed on their perceptions of climate-induced changes in their communities and possible measures for adapting to climate change. They were also questioned on their experience with using regional climate data and its use in political practice.

Ten percent of all addressed stakeholders participated in the opinion poll. The analysis of the poll shows that climate change at the German Baltic Sea Coast is being recognized as a problem and that the need for pro-active and quick adaptation measures at the community level is being acknowledged. In order to have a better understanding of possible options for action, the regional stakeholders are in need of further and easily understandable research as well as information on regional issues and needs.

The questionnaire was conducted by Ecologic Institute Berlin and Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, previously GKSS and supported by BALTEX (the Baltic Sea Experiment).