Background Towards climate neutrality: challenges and opportunities

There are numerous countries in the Global South whose greenhouse gas emissions were very low in the past, which means they hardly contributed to climate change. This has changed now. Developing and emerging economies account for about two thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions – and their emissions are rising.

This means that the countries of the Global South, too, now have to adapt to the impacts of climate change and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening and developing their economies.

This transition to climate-neutral, resilient and socially just economic and social systems requires broad-scale reforms and investment. It is beset with risks, including job losses, rising prices and growing resource demand. However, it also offers opportunities – for clean energy, new jobs, global cooperation and stable supply chains. International cooperation helps to cushion risks and tap opportunities. This benefits Germany, too, for example through fair raw materials partnerships, investment in sustainable markets, and better protection of our shared environment.