Merle, Climate Adaptation Manager for the municipality of Kleve in Germany

I work as a climate adaptation manager for the municipality of Kleve in Germany. 

My job description is based on the climate adaptation action plan that was developed for the municipality of Kleve in 2023. It involves coordinating, initiating, and monitoring the key measures defined in the action plan – for example, developing new standards for planting urban greenery in Kleve together with the responsible colleagues. 

During my master’s thesis, I wrote about the participation process for Kleve’s climate adaptation action plan. I already had a connection to the municipality through my partner and found the topic very interesting. Right after my thesis presentation, the municipality advertised a new position, and I applied. 

SLU’s campus is located just outside the city of Uppsala, so I would recommend finding accomodation within the city to fully enjoy the student life and all the student nations. Besides that, SLU is a very hands-on university,  and the ECM programme in particular is diverse in terms of both topics and people. Make the most of it - connect with everyone you meet and study with throughout the programme. These connections are something I look back on very fondly, and collaborating with others taught me a lot about my own way of studying.

Working for a municipality or other type of public institution means your work is highly influenced by politics. Because of this – and due to bureaucracy in Germany - progress can take a long time to become visible. You need to be patient and persistent, but it is worth it!