New Analysis: 1.5°C Threshold Permanently Breached
The 1.5 °C mark has been permanently exceeded – end fossil investments now!
Dear readers,
Our new study shows with alarming clarity that global warming has been permanently above 1.5 °C since 2024. This means that the “remaining budget” of greenhouse gas emissions to meet this target is effectively zero. If we continue as we are, this will probably lead to permanent warming of 2.0 °C by 2032 – with serious consequences for people and the economy.
These key findings have already attracted national attention: The Tagesspiegel Background reports in detail on our study and its political relevance.
Key messages of the study
- Climate neutrality required worldwide by 2038 at the latest to limit warming to 2.0-2.5 °C.
- For Germany, this means an immediate halt to all fossil fuel investments – from the construction of new gas and coal-fired power plants to combustion vehicles and fossil fuel heating systems.
- This change of course is worthwhile: it generates an annual economic boost of €100 billion and strengthens German industry in international competition.
- Not taking action costs significantly more: 0.5 °C additional warming reduces the global gross national product by 11 %. For Germany, this corresponds to a loss of prosperity of € 420 billion per year or € 11,000 per household.
- The technologies for transformation are available: Wind power, photovoltaics, green hydrogen, biogas, heat pumps and electric vehicles are economically competitive and ready for use.
Our message to politicians
- Communicate openly: The 1.5 °C limit has been exceeded, 2.0 °C threatens in the near future.
- End fossil investments immediately and consistently replace them with renewable technologies.
- Actively plan large-scale CO₂ removals in order to lower the temperature again, at least in the coming decades.
The full study (in German) can be viewed here.
The article in the Tagesspiegel Background can be found here.
With this analysis, we are presenting a fact-based but determined basis for action. It is time to take responsibility.
Best regards,
The team of the Energy Watch Group
Photocredit: PublicDomainPictures on pixabay
