The 25th World Climate Change Conference in Madrid ended without significant results. A great disappointment and a setback for climate protection. Nevertheless, we must not be discouraged now and must work together at all levels and across all borders.
Today, millions of people around the world are once again taking to the streets to call on international politicians to finally implement effective measures for greater climate protection. This sends an important message to the UN Climate Change Conference COP25 that begins in Madrid on Monday.
Less than USD 25 per megawatt-hour of solar power — these kinds of prices are not uncommon any more in sunny regions. Thanks to its continuously falling costs, photovoltaics is on the right track to becoming the world’s most cost-effective source of energy. It thus totally makes environmental and financial sense to build new PV systems rather than continue to rely on conventional power plants.
The strategy consultancy Oliver Wyman states in a study that the coal phase-out could lead to an enormous increase in electricity prices and endanger the security of supply. For economic reasons, gas-fired power plants must now be increasingly used. Is it a coincidence that this so closely supports the opinion of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy that natural gas is vital?
Despite the valid criticism, the two important climate events that took place last week – the presentation of the German Federal Government’s climate package and the results of the UN Climate Action Summit – represent a start, at least in some areas. It is now a question of maintaining pressure to give us a chance of achieving the 1.5-degree goal.
Even though there has been a lot of negative news for the climate in the media in recent weeks, it is still worth taking to the streets for more climate protection. Tomorrow's global climate demonstrations are supposed to demonstrate: The time for talking is over, now we need decisive action.
Hate, exclusion and racism are unfortunately on the rise again in large parts of the world. All social forces, including business enterprises, must take a clear stand against this.
Combined with intelligently managed battery-storage systems, photovoltaics provides a reliable supply of electricity around the clock exactly where it is needed. At the same time, it is helping support grids. With the costs of solar energy and batteries decreasing, nothing stands in the way of their increased expansion.
No company alone can master the complexity resulting from the decentralization and digitalization of the energy supply. Close cooperation among specialists from different fields is vital for creating a sustainable, reliable, low-cost and highly convenient energy supply.
A political consensus at the international level is still a long time coming despite the great urgency for effective climate protection. We should therefore now assume more national responsibility and quickly introduce a carbon tax. Other countries such as Great Britain, Sweden and Switzerland have long since done so.