A lot is at stake in the COP26 climate conference, which begins on Sunday and will see its first climax with the summit of heads of state and government on Monday. With more than 190 states in the Scottish city, one of the most important goals is to increase ambitions in the fight against climate change.
Sounds irrelevant, but it is by no means: “If we want to achieve the target of global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees, we have to massively increase our dynamics. With the current rate of reduction globally “We have no chance”, says Blick, Gunthard Niederbaumer (59). The climatologist works for the Swiss Insurance Association (SIA) and is part of the Swiss delegation to a climate summit for the fourth time.
“We have to take action”: “I hope we can get the problem under control”(03:06)
confessions instead of obligations
Problem: Ambitions – ie CO . reduction targets for2 – Very polite. Even if all states have achieved their self-imposed climate targets, the Earth will currently be 2.7 degrees warmer. That’s why ambitions have to rise: “I’m not incredibly optimistic about it, we have to be prepared for the fact that it will get even hotter,” Niederbaumer says, lowering expectations.
In addition, there are no restrictions if the goal is not achieved. “Confessions are only morally binding,” Niederbaumer says.
Switzerland is anything but a model student. In any case, the Swiss electorate should have a co. Morality has not resulted in becoming2law would be adopted. So Switzerland travels to Glasgow empty-handed and cannot pursue its ambitions.
It gets twice as hot in Switzerland
A country like Switzerland can set a good example: “The attitude that Switzerland has no influence on climate change is completely wrong thinking,” Niederbaumer says. First, our country is one of the major climate sinners, and secondly, the effects are already being felt.
Because of its continental location, it is warming in Switzerland, warns climatologist Niederbaumer: “The temperature in Switzerland will rise twice the global average. That’s what all models show.” Result: By 2100, most of the glaciers in the Swiss Alps are likely to disappear. Skiing in the foothills of the Alps is likely to be history even earlier.
On the other hand, as one of the leading economic nations, Switzerland can make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change: “Who wants to develop new technologies, if not with all the great companies and famous universities,” says Niederbaumer. Huh. With climate change as an opportunity, this attitude is now widespread among decision-makers in the economy.
disappointing talk
On Sunday Niederbäumer is traveling to Glasgow as part of the official Swiss delegation and has been assigned a sensitive issue: loss and damage. Because these already exist today, the islands of the South Sea are submerged in the ocean or expensive money has to strengthen their coastal barriers. Drought is spreading in Africa. So many developing countries are already in need of financial assistance.
Problem: The Paris climate agreement only provides for payment for future climate measures. Switzerland and many other industrialized countries want to adhere to this principle, not open the agreement.
Niederbäumer knows what to expect: “Negotiations can be frustrating when the last decimal point is negotiated late into the night.” On the other hand, happiness increases even more when there is success at the last minute.
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