Climate change threatens the resin: forests die, future uncertain!

Climate change threatens the resin: forests die, future uncertain!

When you travel into the Harz, you will meet an impressive landscape that not only impresses with its beauty, but also with its eventful history. This area extends over 350 kilometers from Cologne over around 2200 km² and impresses with heights of up to 1141 meters. The region was created in the Variscian mountain formation about 300 million years ago. A central starting point for exploration is Clausthal-Zellerfeld, known for the largest wooden church in Germany and the traditional technical university, which has been teaching geosciences for 250 years

The Harz is a region that is shaped by its industrial past. Mining in the Oberharz in particular has left deep traces. Outdated shafts are part of the landscape today and are reminiscent of a time when this area was a center of raw material promotion. The influence of mining extends to forestry, which has to deal with the upheavals of nature sustainably. These challenges have been reinforced by climate change today.

in the shadow of climate change

climate change has already led to noticeable changes in the region. Winter sports take away what affects exclusive bookings and the tourist attractiveness of the region. A current report [biodivies in the forest] (https://biodiv-im-wald.online/Xursion report-waelder-im-Nationalpark-Harz-Deutschland) documents the dramatic effects of climate change on the forests in the resin. In particular, the spruces die extensively, which is closely related to rising temperatures, longer drought and pest infestation. Originally, deciduous trees such as oaks and beeches in the forests of the resin were displaced by spruce, which are now at risk due to their susceptibility to pests such as bark beetles and fungal diseases.

Especially in the area of ​​the Brocken massif, the effects of the hot summer 2023 were devastating. According to a report by Moritz Kreyer in the book "Problems of the Wald extinction through climate change in the Harz National Park", the consequences of this forest death became visible for the first time since the 1980s. Almost two thirds of the spruces in the Harz have already died, and the future of these forests is uncertain.

leisure activities in the Harz

But in addition to the challenges, the Harz also offers numerous leisure opportunities. The Rappbode dam, the highest dam in Germany with an impressive height of 106 meters, attracts numerous visitors. Here you can not only enjoy the breathtaking view, but also experience adventures, for example walking through a suspension bridge or trying out the mega finices that opens up a spectacular view of the landscape.

Another highlight is the Harzturm in Torfhaus, which was opened in 2024 and offers a magnificent view of the Brocken. Modern holiday settlements have been created around the region that are tailored to the needs of vacationers. The Brockenbahn enables a nostalgic journey to the highest peak of the Harz and is a popular destination for tourists. International visitors, including bikers from Belgium, Denmark and Sweden, presents the region its charming old towns such as Goslar, Wernigerode and Blankenburg, which inspire with their lovingly restored half -timbered houses.

The Volvo ex30: an innovator on four wheels

A lot is currently happening in the automotive sector. The new Volvo Ex30 Extended Range could take on an interesting role in the region's mobility mix. Equipped with a 65 kWh battery, the vehicle creates a WLTP range of 475 km and has a maximum output of 200 kW (272 hp). The interior captivates with Scandinavian design and high-quality recycling materials, while the trunk offers enough space with 318 liters. With a top speed of 180 km/h and a maximum charging capacity of 200 kW, the Volvo is also technologically up to date.