Michael Schirmer was Bremen’s dike captain for 20 years and researched inland waters at the University of Bremen. In the star He explains why many dikes are currently reaching their limits and how we need to prepare for climate change.
By Rebecca Stegmann
Mr. Schirmer, you live on the Wümme Bremen-Borgfeld, i.e. in the flood area. What does your home look like right now?
I’m sitting here in a cold booth by candlelight. The power was shut off in our neighborhood about a week ago. For safety reasons, because the risk of a short circuit is high and also so that people don’t get electric shocks when they’re working in their flooded basements. But it has been announced that the power may be turned back on today.
You’ve been stuck in a house without one for a week Electricity and heating?
No, we stayed with friends. The fire department knocked on our door at night and said: “The situation is dangerous, the water levels are rising, we recommend that you leave your houses.” My wife and I didn’t have to be told that twice.