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The German government has sent out a clear signal by amending the Climate Protection Act: Germany is to become climate-neutral by 2045. To this end, the national climate protection targets have been tightened, with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions by 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Current calculations show that previous efforts are not yet sufficient to achieve this: While emissions have fallen by an average of 15 million tons annually over the last decade, they must now fall by 36 to 41 million tons each year by 2030. In view of these new legal requirements and the increasing effects of climate change, it is urgently necessary for Germany to make faster progress towards sustainability and climate friendliness.

In the following article, we explain exactly what “climate neutral” means, what measures are necessary and who the law affects.

What does climate neutrality mean? An explanation

Climate neutrality refers to the state in which greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities are fully compensated or offset. This means that the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere are neutralized through measures such as emission reduction, CO2 storage or removal and the use of carbon sinks. The most important natural carbon sinks include soils, forests and oceans. They are able to absorb more carbon than they emit. It is estimated that natural sinks remove an average of 10.8 gigatons of CO2 per year (source). In 2023, global CO2 emissions reached a new high of an alarming 36.8 billion tons. So far, it has not been possible to develop artificial carbon sinks that can remove carbon from the atmosphere to the extent that would be necessary to combat global warming.

The long-term goal of climate neutrality is to restore the balance between man-made emissions and the atmosphere’s capacity to absorb greenhouse gases in order to limit global warming and its impact on the climate.

The generational contract

The law provides for clearly defined reduction targets for the coming years in order to achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2045. For the first time, a reduction target of at least 88% has been set for 2040 (source). After 2050, the German government even plans to aim for negative emissions, which would mean that Germany would bind more greenhouse gases in natural sinks than it emits.
In view of the consequences of climate change, there is an urgent need for action. Ongoing global warming and its accompanying effects, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels and the loss of biodiversity, pose an acute threat. The Federal Constitutional Court’s ruling, which came into force in August 2021, obliges the state to take proactive measures to prevent future disproportionate restrictions on the fundamental freedoms of the younger generation. Climate change is proving to be a serious challenge that not only affects the environment, but also has a significant impact on the economy and ultimately on the livelihoods of the entire population. Only through cross-border, international cooperation and the consistent implementation of concrete measures can climate change be countered in order to fulfill the intergenerational contract.

Measures for achieving climate neutrality

Strengthening natural carbon sinks

Natural sinks such as forests, soils and oceans play a crucial role in the absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems significantly increases the capacity for carbon sequestration. Decisive measures for this include reforestation programs and the preservation of natural habitats.

Expansion and funding of renewable energies

Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energies such as solar, wind and water is an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The expansion of wind and solar energy plants and the promotion of investment in renewable energy technologies reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

Use of biogenic fuels

The aim is to replace fossil fuels entirely with environmentally friendly, renewable energies. Generating energy from direct sunlight and renewable raw materials has proven to be the most efficient and resource-saving method. Steamergy technology uses precisely this form of energy generation. The use of locally available, biogenic waste materials ensures that electricity, heat and hydrogen are provided as required. This practice promotes self-sufficiency through the use of sustainable energy sources, in particular the utilization of biogenic resources, and at the same time contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Investments in research and development

Investments in research and development of innovative technologies such as Steamergy for CO2-neutral energy generation are crucial for the transition to a low-carbon economy. These investments enable the development of cost-effective and scalable total climate solutions that aim to reduce CO2 emissions while increasing energy efficiency.

International collaboration

The fight against climate change requires a joint effort at a global level. This includes a close exchange of knowledge, resources and technologies as well as the creation of uniform framework conditions and standards. Increased international cooperation not only enables the mobilization of financial resources to support developing countries, but also the use of valuable synergy effects.

Using Steamergy technology for CO2-neutral energy generation

Companies, especially large industries, have a crucial role to play in achieving climate neutrality by 2045 and are required to transform their business models to reduce CO2 emissions and promote sustainable operations. This requires investment in new technologies, process optimization and collaboration along the entire supply chain. Steamergy offers the efficient and sustainable overall solution by ensuring a CO2-neutral energy supply that is independent of raw materials, time and weather. Steamergy thus guarantees the supply of electricity, heat and hydrogen in line with demand, even at times when neither wind nor sun are available.

Working together on the path to climate neutrality

As the article shows, climate neutrality affects everyone and everything. Businesses in particular are called upon to transform their operations, invest in sustainable technologies and actively participate in the global climate change agenda to ensure a liveable future for generations to come. Climate neutrality by 2045 is an ambitious but achievable goal that can be reached through decisive action and collective efforts. Every individual is called upon to make their contribution and take concrete measures to reduce CO2 emissions and come a step closer to climate neutrality. There are plenty of instruments that enable a climate-neutral life on the planet. They are called solar, wind, hydropower and innovative technologies such as steam energy. They all offer the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint and secure a future worth living for generations to come. Overall, climate neutrality by 2045 is a goal that requires collective commitment, innovation and determination. By everyone doing their part, climate change can be successfully tackled.

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