Why We Need to Get Serious About Flood Defences

Professor Holger Schüttrumpf, a member of JARA-ENERGY and director of the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management at RWTH Aachen University, emphasizes the urgency of improving flood protection in Germany. Despite some progress, such as the introduction of early warning systems, the effects of another flood like the one in 2021 would be almost unchanged. Schüttrumpf warns of a “flood dementia” and calls for a consistent implementation of planned protective measures.

The research conducted at his institute focuses on flood protection, coastal protection and hydropower, supplemented by topics such as microplastics and interdisciplinary projects. He believes it is particularly important to give rivers more space, to educate the public better and to work together internationally to counteract the consequences of climate change.

In a video interview, the expert provides deep insights into the topic and the associated opportunities and risks: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/die-rwth/aktuell/pressemitteilungen/dezember/~blfcao/warum-die-hochwasser-demenz-so-gefaehrli/?lidx=1