Climate protection needs ambitious policies. We report on the status of national climate protection plans and their implementation. We moderate national and international dialogues between science, politics, and civil society that advance our thinking about climate protection and energy transition.
The effects of climate change are increasing all over the world. Heat waves, droughts, floods, and forest fires are wreaking havoc – including in Germany. Every day people die, others lose their homes and livelihoods, and ecosystems are destroyed.
If we do not act decisively, future generations will have no choice but to deal with the catastrophic consequences of our inaction. To prevent this, a radical reduction in emissions is needed. To limit global warming to 1.5°C, energy-related emissions must be cut by 45 percent by 2030 and reduced to zero by 2050.
This will only be possible through a global transformation of energy systems and a change in lifestyles. The energy transition requires a shift away from fossil to renewable and low-carbon energy sources across the entire economy.
Germany has contributed 4.6 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1850, and its per capita CO2 emissions are well above the global average. The 20 leading economic nations, the G20, is responsible for 75 percent of global CO2 emissions – and that proportion is rising. Germany and the G20 thus have a unique responsibility. That is why we are campaigning for a more ambitious climate policy in Germany and the G20 countries.
Transparency creates the basis for ambitious action and increases pressure to act: Under the umbrella of Climate Transparency, we work with various civil society actors in the G20 countries to support exchange on the status of national climate policies and their implementation, and to increase public pressure to act.
Exchange promotes knowledge implementation: In Germany, we work on energy policy issues with a wide range of stakeholders at local and national levels, increasing knowledge of collaborative solutions.
