196 parties adopted the Paris Agreement in 2015 to curb global warming. Delivering on those commitments will require not just incremental sector-by-sector change, but wide-ranging, largescale, rapid and systemic transformation (UNEP 2022). Germany, as the biggest emitter of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) in the EU, has to play a lead role in this endeavor. This policy brief addresses current obstacles and practical proposals for successful mitigation and adaptation actions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 Introduction
- A. Background
- A.1 The Paris Agreement and the flag post of 2050
- A.2 The emissions gap – too little, too slow
- A.3 Climate change is a severe risk
- A.4 Climate change in the German context
- B. Proposed mitigation pathways
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This policy brief aims to inform members of the German federal parliament, particularly those within the current Traffic Light Coalition, about the challenges and opportunities of climate action in Germany. The document highlights key aspects of the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for large-scale systemic transformation towards net-zero emissions by 2050. It explores the urgency of addressing the existing emissions gap and emphasizes the importance of climate adaptation measures to increase resilience in the face of rising climate risks.
- The urgency of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 to limit global warming
- The need for systemic transformation to address climate change effectively
- The challenges of closing the emissions gap and the limitations of current mitigation measures
- The importance of climate adaptation measures to enhance resilience against climate risks
- The role of Germany in leading climate action within the European Union
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- 1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the policy brief's purpose, outlining the need for urgent climate action and Germany's crucial role in achieving global climate goals.
- A. Background: This section examines the global climate change context, emphasizing the Paris Agreement's targets, the urgent need for net-zero emissions, and the rising risks associated with climate change. It also addresses the emissions gap and insufficient climate adaptation efforts.
- A.1 The Paris Agreement and the flag post of 2050: This section underscores the scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change, the importance of planetary boundaries, and the critical timeline for achieving net-zero emissions to limit temperature increases.
- A.2 The emissions gap – too little, too slow: This section highlights the discrepancy between current emission reduction commitments and the necessary trajectory for limiting global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C.
- A.3 Climate change is a severe risk: This section discusses the increasing risks associated with climate change, emphasizing the need for urgent action to mitigate these risks and support vulnerable communities.
- A.4 Climate change in the German context: This section examines the specific challenges and opportunities of climate change within Germany, highlighting the country's emissions profile, the impact of extreme weather events, and the need for increased action to achieve net-zero targets.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This policy brief primarily focuses on the following key concepts: net-zero emissions, climate change, mitigation, adaptation, Paris Agreement, emissions gap, climate resilience, Germany, European Union, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable development.
- Quote paper
- Christian Hackel (Author), 2023, Policy brief. Bridging the gap. Effective pathways towards netzero and climate resilience in Germany, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1395559
