Water scarcity and drought are among the serious consequences of climate change.

Climate change and development

Climate and development are inextricably linked. Climate change is having severe consequences for people and the environment, especially in developing countries. If we manage to limit global warming and adapt to climate change worldwide as quickly as possible, then we will be able to prevent uncontrollable consequences for our planet and at the same time create new development opportunities. The BMZ is supporting its partner countries in overcoming challenges related to climate change.

Logo COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Logo COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

In November 2022, the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change met in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, for the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27).

The German Development Ministry (BMZ) represented the German government for many of the issues being negotiated and organised events at the conference together with partners.

Challenges

A woman in Burundi reads by the light of a solar-powered table lamp.

Just Transition: Making sure that the transition towards climate-neutral economies and lifestyles is just Internal link

Lifestyles and economies worldwide must become climate neutral by the middle of this century for the fallout of climate change to be manageable. This transition will only be successful if it includes emerging economies and developing countries – and it must be designed in a way that is socially just (Just Transition). No one should be left behind on the path towards climate neutrality and climate justice.

Solar plant and coal-fired power station in Ulan Bator, Mongolia

Stopping global warming: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions Internal link

The emission of carbon dioxide needs to be reduced rapidly and drastically so as to halt the increase in global average temperatures (“decarbonisation”). This will require protecting natural carbon sinks such as oceans, forests and wetlands. Agriculture, for instance, will have to be restructured in order to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide.

Construction of a embankment on the banks of the Mayur River in the town of Khulna in south-western Bangladesh

Enhancing resilience: Adapting to the impacts of climate change Internal link

Climate change is posing a threat to countless people’s livelihoods and this threat will increase in the future. That is why the German Development Ministry (BMZ) is not only promoting climate action and measures to achieve a just transition towards climate-neutral economies and lifestyles. It is also supporting its partner countries in their efforts to adapt to the now unavoidable consequences of climate change.

A road in the Caribbean nation of St Lucia was washed away after heavy rain.

Loss and damage protection: Setting up a Global Shield against Climate Risks Internal link

Loss and damage caused by climate change is becoming increasingly more frequent in many developing countries and emerging economies. That is why Germany initiated the drafting of a “Global Shield against Climate Risks” during its G7 Presidency. The Shield was launched at COP27 jointly by the G7 and the V20 (an alliance of the 58 countries that are most vulnerable to climate change).

What we do

As at: 14/10/2022