Climate Change
The greatest danger to our planet. Find out more about the problem of global warming and the need for climate protection.
The clock is ticking...
Droughts, floods, and storms – the climate crisis is increasingly affecting our lives more frequently and intensely. We are aware that we are already in the midst of climate change, and that our actions are significantly accelerating it. Time is running out: The consequences of climate change are severe. The changing climate threatens unique natural landscapes worldwide and puts our livelihoods to a serious test.
What does the term climate change mean?
The term “climate change” is often associated with “global warming.” However, climate change actually refers to long-term changes in the Earth’s climate development, which include both cooling and warming phases. It is important to note that “climate” should not be confused with “weather.” Weather refers to the short-term changes in temperature that we perceive daily. Climate change is not a new phenomenon. It describes long-term changes in factors such as temperature, precipitation, and ocean currents. These changes have been proven worldwide in recent decades through numerous studies and observations. The long-term trends are crucial, meaning that despite long-term warming tendencies, there will always be deviations either upwards or downwards.
What is meant by the greenhouse effect?
Our atmosphere surrounds the Earth like a protective shield because it contains greenhouse gases. These gases prevent the heat radiated by the Earth from escaping into space, a process known as the greenhouse effect. There is also a natural greenhouse effect without human intervention, which occurs due to the lower permeability of the atmosphere to long-wave heat radiation that is reflected back by the Earth’s surface and the air. This is caused by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide or methane. Through this natural greenhouse effect, the Earth warms to a level that allows life to exist.
What causes climate change?
The greenhouse effect also plays a crucial role in global warming: Due to human activities, more greenhouse gases are entering the atmosphere, which amplify the natural greenhouse effect, especially carbon dioxide (CO2). As a result, the Earth’s surface warms further. This is known as the anthropogenic greenhouse effect, meaning a human-caused effect. More than half of human-made greenhouse gas emissions come from the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas, primarily for electricity, heating, transportation, and industrial processes. Other significant sources of greenhouse gases include agriculture and land-use changes, such as deforestation and the draining of peatlands and wetlands.
What are the effects of climate change?
The climate crisis will not be without consequences: Global warming is likely to be the biggest cause of species extinction this century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that an average increase of 1.5 degrees could cause the extinction of about 20 to 30 percent of all species. If the climate crisis is not stopped, it will have far-reaching consequences for all ecosystems.
What are the effects of climate change in Germany?
Heatwaves and extreme weather threaten both native animal and plant species as well as agriculture and forestry in Germany. Studies predict that in the coming decades, between five and 30 percent of native species could be lost due to climate change. The impacts of climate change in Germany are also being felt in agriculture and forestry. Crops are drying up, wildfires are increasing, and trees are becoming more vulnerable to pests like the bark beetle due to heat stress. Additionally, climate change is affecting water availability in Germany. Rivers, lakes, and wetlands are threatened, not only by potential drought but also by the rise in water temperatures, which lowers oxygen levels and increases the metabolism of animals. This leads to higher oxygen demand, while algae thrive and limit habitats for fish. These processes can cause entire bodies of water to collapse, as seen in the Oder River in August 2022.
What can we do to stop climate change?
To stop climate change and mitigate its impacts, it is necessary for us to change our behavior. This requires a transformation of our society towards a zero-emissions society. It is essential to transform industry, transportation, and agriculture, and to collaborate internationally. Additionally, we must ensure that natural carbon sinks such as forests and oceans remain healthy. Only if we all contribute to climate protection together, can we stop the climate crisis and reduce its impacts.