Climate change: Experts call for radical rethinking in Munich!

Climate change: Experts call for radical rethinking in Munich!

At a time when climate change is becoming increasingly urgent, the international conference on climate resilience (iCARE) took place in Munich. From October 26th to 29th, 2025, over 200 experts from science, politics and practice gathered in the Kardinal-Wendel-Haus to discuss innovative solutions in climate adaptation. The event, which was largely organized by Dr. Liang Emlyn Yang, Matthias Garschagen and Haifeng Jia, had a clear goal: to shift the focus from risk management to concrete resilience strategies. The discussions revolved around sustainable approaches that make it possible not only to avoid damage, but also to ensure the survival and functionality of vital systems, as Focus reports.

The conference is divided into 17 thematic sessions covering a variety of topics, from urban resilience to social justice to disaster management. Interestingly, an example from Chongming, Shanghai, also sheds light on how concrete resilience measures work in practice. Here, CO₂ emissions rose sharply between 2000 and 2020, but through successful land use and protective measures, the carbon storage could be increased by over 132,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2020. This development could serve as a model for other “high-level resilient cities” in China by 2030, showing that positive examples can make a difference at the international level.

The path to climate resilience

So what are the challenges that need to be overcome? Economic interests, nature conservation and urbanization are often in conflict. In a world where climate change is becoming increasingly evident, it is crucial to think about what can be protected and what can be abandoned. The conference made it clear that resilience is a dynamic process that links nature, technology and society in order to respond appropriately to climate-related disruptions.

There are positive developments worldwide. The boom in renewable energy and the greening of cities are just a few examples of innovative approaches to solving climate issues. Platforms like iCARE promote creative and solution-oriented thinking that goes beyond a simple all-clear. Good climate news should not lead us to make environmentally unfriendly decisions, but should remind us of the importance of acting wisely and responsibly.

The exchange of knowledge at iCARE

iCARE was attended by academics, emerging scientists, policymakers and community leaders committed to knowledge sharing in climate adaptation research. The event not only offers a forum for different perspectives, but also space for new ideas that can be beneficial for everyone involved. Innovative approaches to tackling the challenge of climate change were presented in over 200 presentations, both oral and poster.

It remains to be hoped that the strategies and concepts developed at the conference will also be used in practice and will help us meet the challenges of the future. One thing is certain: the answers to the questions of climate change require global action based on resilience and cooperation. This message makes it clear that the right approach matters not just locally, but globally and concerns us all. Further information about the conference can be found at Geo LMU.