A new publication on how to transition to a climate-friendly society
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A new scientific publication aimed at the broader public, and freely available online, presents findings from the social sciences on how the transition to a climate-friendly society can be achieved. Authored by seven experts, including two from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), it is published by the umbrella organisation German Climate Consortium and the Klimafakten information portal.
"According to scientific projections, the goal of greenhouse gas neutrality can be achieved in Germany by 2045 if substantial changes are made in the areas of food, transport and housing," summarises Sabine Fuss, Research Department Head at PIK and one of the authors of the publication, alongside PIK FutureLab Leader Helga Weisz. "With the imminent global climate negotiations in Antalya, budget negotiations here in Germany and important debates at EU level, there are many opportunities right now for politicians to take a stand on climate action."
Today's "Climate Facts Paper" is the second in a series. It follows on from an initial paper that described the problem, summarising the current state of scientific research on climate change and its impacts (more information in German here). The current paper proposes solutions, showing that concepts, models and technologies are largely in place, and many options are already cheaper than their fossil-fuel-based alternatives. However, for these concepts to gain traction, active policy is needed to create reliable framework conditions for climate-friendly action over decades.
CO₂ must be priced appropriately
According to the new analysis, an important factor for the success of climate policy measures will be a socially just balance between high- and low-income households. A good balance is also needed at the international level: different countries have contributed to the climate crisis to varying degrees, and have very different capabilities for mitigation. Furthermore, the economic framework must be right for the phase-out of fossil fuels to succeed; for example, emissions of climate-damaging CO₂ must be priced appropriately.
The German Climate Consortium (DKK), as the umbrella organisation for German climate research, brings together 26 research institutions and promotes dialogue between politics, business and the public. Its aim is to develop scientifically sound options for action to enhance climate protection and address the impacts of climate change.
Article:
Aykut, S., Fuchs, D., Fuss, S., Oels, A., Perino, G., Santarius, T., Weisz, H., (2026): Das Klimafaktenpapier 2026. Published by the German Climate Consortium (DKK) and Klimafakten.
Link to DKK press release and paper (German):
Published by
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
