Climate change means that the Earth’s climate is changing, which has major impacts on all of us. Temperatures are rising, storms, droughts, and floods are occurring more frequently, and many animal and plant species are threatened. These changes are felt by people, animals, and nature all around the world: in the Arctic, ice is melting, while in countries of the Global South, soils are drying out and harvests are failing.
The two climate stripes illustrate the scale of global warming both on a regional and global level. While the temperature anomalies in Germany highlight the local effects of climate change, the worldwide increase in temperature deviations makes the accelerated warming of the past 150 years visible. They show that climate change is already noticeably altering our lives and living environments today.
POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS
But alongside the challenges, there are also positive developments: around the world, more and more people, initiatives, and countries are advocating for climate protection and sustainable solutions. Renewable energy sources are being expanded, innovative technologies are helping to conserve resources, and social movements show that change is possible. Many cities and municipalities are committed to climate-friendly mobility, green infrastructure, and a sustainable future.¹
The share of fossil fuels in the EU electricity mix in 2024 fell to about 29%, the lowest level ever recorded. The share of coal dropped below 10%, and gas-based electricity generation decreased for the fifth consecutive year to just under 16%. In contrast, the share of renewable energy sources rose to almost 47.5%. Solar energy contributed over 11% to electricity production, while wind power supplied about 17% of the electricity.²
GERMANY IS SLIPPING DOWN
The Climate Change Performance Index 2025 evaluates the climate protection measures of 63 countries based on the categories emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policy. Germany drops two places compared to 2024, falling to 16th place. In the international comparison, countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom lead the index, while states with a high dependence on fossil fuels, such as Iran or Saudi Arabia, achieve low rankings.