5-point strategy for climate change

DB Group is probably more severely affected by the effects of climate change than any other large company in Germany. This is one of the findings from the study entitled “Climate change – impact on Deutsche Bahn AG” by the renowned Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung; PIK). The study basically concludes that many extreme weather events are now occurring more often, with the frequency probably increasing in the coming years.

For this reason, DB Group is committed to a five-point strategy for adaptation to ensure safe and secure rail operations. More green cuttings along the train-paths, robust command and control technology, intelligent vehicle technology, structural protection in risk areas and especially a further sharp reduction in CO₂ emissions are the focus of attention. Vegetation management is being expanded considerably.

Regular inspection of the air-conditioning systems in more than 4,000 interlockings, sub-interlockings and control units as well as other cooling facilities is aimed at protecting the command and control technology against extreme heat.

We aim to ensure that the more than 5,500 rock embankments and hillside cuttings with a total length of over 1,400 km do not pose a risk after heavy moisture penetration near the rail tracks. For this purpose, more than 1,000 constructions such as safety nets, guard walls and catch fences provide protection against hillside movements.