The Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning

Research Project: CC-LandStraD subproject: Settlement and land-use scenarios 2030 – Towards a climate-optimised settlements development in Germany

Project briefing

How can land-use in Germany contribute to mitigate climate change in the face of changes in the framework conditions? This is the central question of the project "CC-LandStraD – interdependencies between land-use and climate change – strategies for a sustainable land-use management in Germany". The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the research programme "Sustainable land management".

Interdependencies between land-use and climate change are complex and require to be analysed in all land-use sectors. Therefore, the interdisciplinary joint project CC-LandStraD is coordinated by the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute (vTI). In applying the scenario approach, different land-use management strategies are developed. In a second step, they are analysed regarding their efficiency in reaching the climate protection goals. Finally, recommendations for stakeholders are derived. Specific objectives of the project are:

  • to elaborate different cross-sectoral land-use scenarios (agriculture, forestry, settlement and transportation) in close dialogue with stakeholders,
  • to identify and evaluate conflicts of goals between climate-optimized land-use strategies and other societal demands as well as their repercussions on global markets,
  • to test the applicability of land-use strategies on the basis of regional examples and to demonstrate what can be achieved through climate protection goals while considering the legal framework conditions.

The Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development is involved in the joint project with the subproject "Land-use scenarios 2030". The objective of the subproject is to develop land-use scenarios for the year 2030 in Germany. The focus is especially on the development of settlement and transport areas.

Land-use scenarios for a climate-optimised development of settlement and transport areas in Germany

The expansion of settlements and the settlement structure have a considerable impact on climate change: the expansion of settlements and the related dispersion and fragmentation of settlements also have a direct impact on open areas. The landscape is fragmented, soil and vegetation that function as carbon sink are destroyed and areas used for agriculture are reduced. These trends indirectly reduce the options for a climate-proof land-use management. Recommendations to reduce the negative impacts of settlements expansion are for example urban restructuring activities including demolition, land recycling and unsealing. But a compact settlement structure simultaneously requires an expanding green and blue infrastructure to reduce the heat-island effect. What is therefore an optimal settlement pattern to adapt to climate change?

Contact us

  • Dr. Jana Hoymann
    Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development
    Division RS 1 "Spatial Development"
    Phone: +49 228 99401-2133
    Email: jana.hoymann@bbr.bund.de

  • Dr. Fabian Dosch
    Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development
    Division RS 6 "Urban, Environmental and Spatial Monitoring"
    Phone: +49 228 99401-2160
    Email: fabian.dosch@bbr.bund.de

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