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 is to be launched at COP27 jointly by the G7 and the V20 (an alliance of the 58 countries that are most vulnerable to climate change).

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.

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.

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.