The 1.5‑degree target is history, worldwide, not enough is being done for climate protection and the climate catastrophe is steadily progressing. Time to worry? – No way!
When did all this actually start?
Barely had humanity seen the light of day, when industrialization opened a new era of speed and began the liberation of carbon. From the urban smog to clouds of factory soot to acid rain, the first obvious environmental responses brought their own problems.
The influence of carbon dioxide on the climate became more prominent in the mid-20th century. Since then, scientists worldwide have been trying to highlight their findings. But often in vain. Laughed at, ridiculed, and insulted – climate scientists have never had a particularly good standing. Lobbying by oil companies and other major polluters further tried to downplay the issue of CO2 emissions and the resulting greenhouse effect.
A more recent invention is the carbon footprint, with which an attempt was made to shift the responsibility onto individuals. This campaign was so successful, that its content was even taught in schools, and still is. Students calculate their own footprint while, above all, the oil industry washes its hands clean. Despite numerous campaigns there came a point, when the already noticeable effects could no longer be ignored. Thus, the countries of the world were summoned to combat climate change. Why not target emissions and major polluters? Well…
A Misery of Summits
The first World Climate Conference was held in Geneva, 1997. From then on, one insignificant summit followed another. From meeting to meeting the results presented became increasingly pathetic. The climate summit held at the end of 2023 stands impressively for the failure and sad irony of global climate policy.
The idea of appointing the head of one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies as president of the UN Climate Conference can only be euphemistically described as real satire. With such preconditions it was clear from the outset, that this meeting would not achieve consistent success in jointly addressing climate protection.
But there were also results. Some countries agreed, that nuclear energy must definitely be expanded further, led by the USA, France and Great Britain. Additionally, many small initiatives were considered, most of which are not worth the paper they are written on. Naturally, there was no resolution proclaiming an exit from fossil fuels. How could it be otherwise with the host country United Arab Emirates and an oil sheikh as conference president? Despite numerous summits no country in the world is doing enough for climate protection. What remains are empty promises and the losers of decades of climate policy and specifically the 2023 climate conference. The climate, small island states, and future generations are not helped by this ongoing international failure.
Consequences of the Farce
CO2 emissions are increasing year by year, the 1.5‑degree target will definitely be missed and, as a consequence, the sea levels continues to rise. Germany is lucky, it is unlikely to become a new Atlantis, which cannot be said for the island nations of South-east Asia. After all, only a few hundred million people live there. They should just do it like the Dutch: high dikes, pumps, and don’t forget the windmills. They will find a solution. Europe is supposed to be nice.
Here in Germany we only have to deal with extreme weather events. Some will have a few problems with climate activists, who are so often celebrated by Springer and Co. for their sticking skills. But those won’t be the only worries for Germans. Once the malaria mosquito feels at home in large parts of the country again, sitting in traffic will be the more pleasant alternative. If it comes to that, our health system will manage it, but that is another story.
Positive things must also be considered. The port of Hamburg will get a direct sea access, highways will become swamps again, and let’s not forget Bremen will finally be independent of Bremerhaven. Of course, coastal protection can prevent these scenarios, provided the necessary funding is available.
We here in Central Germany do not have to worry too much about it. Whether it is extreme weather or tropical diseases, we will survive. At least most of us. Compared to people living along the equator, on islands, or in coastal metropolises, we will be relatively mildly affected. In the end, the impacts of the climate catastrophe will cost us, or rather future generations, a great deal. Apart from crop failures, famines, resource shortages… But all this has been known for a long time. The responsible parties will take care of it, right?
Climate regulations are being loosened in the face of election polls, the transport sector has missed its targets and does not have to make up for them and what was it again with the climate conferences? In North Rhine-Westphalia, the liberation of even more coal was enforced. Lützerath fell and remains a symbol of the lack of will for climate protection. At least many wind turbines are already blowing in Saxony-Anhalt!
Effects in Saxony-Anhalt
Even in central Germany, the first concrete climate-related changes can be noted. The implementation report “Adaptation to Climate Change” of 2021 for the state of Saxony-Anhalt shows that the rate of temperature increase is accelerating. Moreover, there are more summer days and less snow and frost in winter. Additionally, the duration of heat periods is increasing, especially in urban areas like Halle (Saale). The growing heat stress is thus also affecting people and nature. Longer growing seasons influence fruit and wine cultivation, forests and various species. A higher pest pressure in agriculture and forestry is also noticeable. Furthermore, the increase in sunshine duration, combined with rising temperatures, increases the risk of forest fires. In addition, the water balance is also affected. As a result of drought and high summer temperatures, low water periods are more frequent. This lowers the groundwater level while the water demand of people, industry and agriculture rises. At the same time, the increase in heavy rainfall events promotes flash floods and flooding, as we experienced around the turn of the year.
A spark of optimism
Saving the future is not profitable in the short term, nature has no lobby and yet there are efforts to prevent total catastrophe. Still, in a globalized world, many different parties must work together, to achieve a goal. It is sad and tragic that climate summits achieve so little, but at least international representatives come together to focus on climate protection. Emerging nations want to enjoy the carbon age and who can blame them? One country alone cannot save the climate, but it can make great strides. It requires persuasive power and consistent action.
However, initiatives already fail at the smallest level due to money and far too often due to lack of will. An unenforceable climate plan can achieve nothing. A mere declaration of intent is not enough. It takes action. Failures in climate protection in Germany and corresponding adaptations will have their consequences in the coming decades, if they have not already.
At the moment, it is just a change for us, the catastrophe is experienced by others.
Text and Illustrations: Johannes Wingert
Translation: Nikolai Schörken
