What is the current climate situation?
There is no denying that human influence is the cause of global warming. Climate change is already being felt all over the world through weather extremes. We can already see the effects on our doorstep from natural disasters such as the severe weather in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate in July 2021. This will not remain an isolated incident. Increases in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, heavy precipitation, droughts, tropical cyclones, declines in Arctic sea ice, snow cover and permafrost are directly related to increasing global warming. The many changes due to greenhouse gas emissions are also irreversible over centuries to millennia, especially changes in the ocean, ice sheets, and global sea level.
In short:
We currently have the highest CO2 concentration since the last 2 million years.
The rise in sea level is the fastest in at least 3000 years.
We have the lowest level of Arctic sea ice area in at least 1000 years.
The Glaciers are disappearing at the fastest rate in at least 2000 years.
How will the climate develop?
For all emissions scenarios considered, it has emerged that global surface temperature will continue to rise at least until mid-century. Global warming of 2°C will also be exceeded in the course of the 21st century, unless there is a profound reduction in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades.
What's next?
At the press conference of the IPCC report, the scientists emphasize:
The time to act is now, because every ton of CO2 emitted contributes to global warming and future changes depend on future human influence. Strong and rapid reductions in greenhouse gases are needed to limit global warming. CO2 and methane are the most important greenhouse gases for us to mitigate. They come largely from the burning of fossil fuels.
The use of renewable energies displaces climate-damaging fossil energies. In 2020, greenhouse gas emissions of around 227 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents could thus be avoided. Renewable energies play an important role in power generation, the heat sector and transport. At around 80 %, electricity generation from renewable sources accounted for the largest share of avoided emissions.
How can I contribute?
Green electricity is the most environmentally and climate friendly solution that quickly contributes to emission reduction. Our energy supply must be independent of fossil resources and must be converted to 100 % renewable energies in the long term. However, the statutory funding instruments do not cover all the measures required for a rapid, decentralized and nature-friendly energy transition. Additional impetus must be provided. Green electricity products are suitable for this purpose.
Almost every energy supplier today offers green electricity. But not every green electricity tariff brings additional environmental benefits. That's why environmental and consumer associations have developed a seal of approval for high-quality green power products. With the Grüner Strom-Label, we guarantee green electricity at 100 % from renewable energy sources. In addition, a fixed amount per kilowatt hour flows into the expansion of renewable energies and innovative energy transition projects. So always look for our seal of approval when switching electricity providers!
