The world community meets at the Sharm el-Sheikh International Convention Center for the annual climate conference.
(Photo: Reuters)
Before the start of the most important annual meeting on global climate protection, the challenges could hardly be greater. First, there is a large gap between what needs to be done to limit global warming to a level that is barely tolerable and what the international community is currently willing to do. Secondly, the damage caused by climate change due to drought, drought and flooding is increasing worldwide. Third, the geopolitical situation triggered by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is pushing the climate debate into the background.
Under these omens, almost 200 countries in Egypt want to discuss over the next two weeks how global warming can be slowed down to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times in order to prevent the worst consequences of climate change. Global warming is already 1.1 to 1.2 degrees today.
The findings about the impending climate collapse have not led to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on a global level in recent years. On the contrary: A new record is imminent for 2022.
The statements that global warming can still be limited to 1.5 degrees are therefore nothing more than a tranquilizer. The chance might have been missed. The knowledge is there as to how to counteract climate change: the fossil age should be ended quickly.
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But for years there has been a lack of courage and determination to tackle change with the necessary haste. Nevertheless, it is still worth every effort to slow down climate change. Every tenth of a degree counts.
The stronger global warming is, the more frequent and violent not only weather and climate extremes become. The danger of abrupt and irreversible changes in the climate system is also increasing.
More: Interview with Achim Steiner – “The geopolitical tensions are a heavy burden”