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.
Table of Contents
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
B.1 Carbon emissions trading
B.2 Decarbonization of the energy sector
B.3 Scale up of carbon removal
B.4 Case-study – Finland on the way to Net-Zero by 2035
C. Proposed adaptation pathways
C.1 Regional differences in adaptation
C.2 Improve coordination across scales
C.3 Case-study – Hampton Roads Sea level Rise and Resilience Project
D. Challenges
E. Conclusions
Objectives and Topics
The policy brief aims to provide members of the German Parliament with evidence-based insights into the current climate crisis, addressing the gap between national commitments and the implementation of effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- Analysis of greenhouse gas emission gaps and climate-related risks in Germany.
- Evaluation of current national climate protection frameworks and legislative strategies.
- Proposals for effective mitigation through carbon trading, energy decarboization, and carbon removal.
- Strategies for improved regional climate adaptation and multi-level policy coordination.
- Examination of successful international case studies for scalable climate action.
Excerpt from the Book
A.4 Climate change in the German context
Energy transition and climate change are perceived as some of today's most critical problems (infratest dimap 2023). Between 2000 and 2021 extreme weather events caused damages of at least €145 bn and over 30,800 casualties (Prognos 2022b). Those numbers are expected to increase in the future as a result of climate-related hazards (Prognos 2022b). The rate of change must be boosted threefold over the next 10 years, compared with the last 30 years — with a tenfold increase in some sectors — in order to reach the net-zero target (McKinsey 2021). Signing the Paris Agreement and passing the climate protection act were important but in relation to Germany's fair share of global GHG emissions, current measures are insufficient (Climate Action Tracker 2022).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the necessity for Germany, as a major emitter, to adopt rapid and systemic changes to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
A. Background: Reviews global climate commitments, the urgency of the emissions gap, and the specific national vulnerabilities Germany faces due to climate change.
B. Proposed mitigation pathways: Discusses practical levers such as carbon trading, energy sector decarbonization, and negative emission technologies to accelerate the path to net-zero.
C. Proposed adaptation pathways: Highlights the need for better regional coordination and integrated governance to address localized climate risks effectively.
D. Challenges: Identifies key obstacles to effective climate action, including diplomatic, political, and socio-economic barriers.
E. Conclusions: Reaffirms that while targets exist, the implementation of concrete actions remains insufficient and urges a shift in mindset to view climate action as an opportunity.
Keywords
Climate Change, Net-Zero, GHG Emissions, Mitigation, Adaptation, Sustainability, Energy Transition, Decarbonization, Carbon Pricing, Policy coherence, Resilience, Extreme Weather, Climate Protection Act, Emissions Gap, Governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of this policy brief?
The document serves as a guide for members of the German Parliament, outlining the urgency of the climate crisis and proposing actionable mitigation and adaptation strategies.
What are the core thematic areas covered in this work?
The work focuses on greenhouse gas emission trends, climate adaptation frameworks, energy transition, and the political and systemic challenges of implementing climate policies.
What is the central research question guiding this analysis?
The brief addresses how Germany can bridge the gap between its current climate targets and the required systemic actions for climate resilience and net-zero emissions.
Which methodologies are employed to develop the recommendations?
The brief synthesizes data from global climate bodies like the IPCC, national climate impact assessments, and comparative international case studies to identify high-impact policy levers.
What does the main body of the document address?
The main body examines the legal frameworks in Germany, proposes specific mitigation pathways like carbon trading and carbon removal, and details strategies for better regional adaptation governance.
How can this work be categorized by keywords?
Key terms include Climate Change, Net-Zero, GHG Emissions, Mitigation, Adaptation, Decarbonization, and Policy coherence.
What specific role does the energy sector play in Germany's climate strategy?
The energy sector accounts for one-third of Germany's GHG emissions; the paper suggests increasing renewable subsidies and expanding the national power grid to achieve decarbonization.
What is the significance of the case studies included in the brief?
They demonstrate successful implementation strategies, such as Finland's 2035 net-zero goal and the Hampton Roads resilience project, providing scalable models for German policymakers.
- Citation du texte
- Christian Hackel (Auteur), 2023, Policy brief. Bridging the gap. Effective pathways towards netzero and climate resilience in Germany, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1395559
