“Climate policy implementation crisis despite major economic relevance: Science and politics must work together more effectively”

Climate change is progressing, and the economic impacts are becoming increasingly apparent. Research in this area has expanded significantly in recent years and is characterized by a wide range of models and scenarios, as well as regional and sectoral perspectives. The results are clear: globally speaking, we can expect to see significant economic damage by mid-century. To mitigate the worst consequences, we must drastically reduce emissions now, while simultaneously implementing adaptation measures more vigorously. In Germany, the economic impacts are particularly evident in agriculture and forestry, fisheries, and critical infrastructure areas like transportation and energy. The effects on human health also have a significant economic component. The greatest risks come from flooding, droughts, and heat. These extreme weather events, which will occur even more frequently as a result of climate change, will limit economic performance. Measures that mitigate global warming and help us adapt to the impacts of climate change not only reduce damage but also have positive economic effects overall.

The scale of the problem can be seen from past extreme weather events. The 2021 flood disaster in the Ahr Valley caused at least €40.5 billion in damage. The heat and drought years of 2018 and 2019 cost at least €35 billion. In addition, 99 percent of the more than 30,000 extreme weather-related deaths since 2000 can be attributed to heat.

The problem: although our understanding of the economic aspects of climate change is growing, it’s still not sufficiently reflected in politics. Particularly at the local and regional level of counties and municipalities – in other words, exactly where climate policy has to be implemented directly – there is a significant need for support.

The urgent need for action is undisputed. The debate is currently fueled by the issue of “overshoot,” i.e., temporarily exceeding the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Climate Agreement. The associated economic and social consequences and their significance for local adaptation planning aren’t yet sufficiently understood. It should also be kept in mind that there are limits; after these points, no further adaptation is possible.

At the same time, we are currently in a climate policy implementation crisis – and one that affects more than just the application of scientific findings: economic and sustainability perspectives and solutions aren’t receiving the necessary political consideration, either. Proposals for overcoming these shortcomings are formulated in particular in the “Augsburg Call for Strengthening Social Science Climate Research” and the statement “Sustainability Research More Urgent Than Ever!”, issued by the German Committee for Sustainability Research (DKN). They identify new research priorities and urgent need for action, while also emphasizing the necessity of long-term reliable research funding.

In order to overcome the climate policy implementation crisis, science and politics must work together more effectively. More support is especially needed at the regional and local levels, to help develop and implement climate protection and adaptation measures that are scientifically sound, effective in the long term, and socially acceptable.