A few days ago, the Copernicus climate change service announced that in 2024, the global average temperature was 1.6 degrees above pre-industrial levels for the first time. 2024 was thus the warmest year globally since weather records began, i.e. since 1850. What does this mean for the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement? VDI expert Dipl.-Geogr. Catharina Fröhling gives an assessment and points out the importance of technical regulation. “The data from 2024 show that we are getting dangerously close to the 1.5-degree target and at the same time make it clear that we urgently need to act in a more focused manner,” says Catharina Fröhling. She heads the focus topic of climate adaptation at the VDI.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial, but adapting to the consequences of climate change is also essential! Fröhling points out: “We still have the opportunity to take a path that will at least allow us to meet the agreement to limit global warming to below 2 degrees. This must now have top priority!” Otherwise, the costs of climate change could reach up to 900 billion euros by 2050. “And this only reflects financially measurable costs. Intangible damage such as health consequences or the loss of biodiversity are not included,” adds the VDI expert.

The VDI is driving forward the issue of shaping our future in the face of climate change. “We therefore see it as our task to address and overcome the challenges of implementing climate protection and adaptation measures by means of our technical regulations and standardization activities. This is because technical regulation serves as a basis for planning, increases transparency and also creates planning security. For a sustainable, innovative and climate-adapted future,” says Dipl.-Geogr. Catharina Fröhling.