Managing climate impacts—an analysis of adaptation funding in German cities and districts

With accelerating climate change, local governments must enhance adaptation efforts. Germany’s federal adaptation funding scheme (DAS) supports municipalities in developing adaptation strategies, yet disparities in funding distribution remain. This study analyses DAS adaptation funding across 400 German cities and districts using multilevel regression models. Findings reveal that urban areas receive more funding, influenced by higher education levels, income, and political support, and prior climate mitigation funding. In contrast, the sensitivity dimension of climate vulnerability shows weak correlations with funding allocation. These results highlight an urban-rural divide in climate adaptation financing and emphasize the role of socioeconomic and political factors in shaping local climate action. By addressing gaps in adaptation policy implementation, this study contributes to the understanding of climate governance and provides insights for improving the equitable distribution of adaptation funding.