Climate change in danger: Germany is in danger of missing the 2045 climate target!

Climate change in danger: Germany is in danger of missing the 2045 climate target!

In a current study by the Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS) at the University of Hamburg, the climate change in Germany is being closely examined. The comprehensive analysis shows that the Federal Republic may not be able to achieve its climate goals by 2045. According to the study published today, there are seven key social processes that are necessary for successful climate protection. But the assessments are worrying.

Germany has recently faced a number of challenges that make it difficult to implement its climate goals. Delayed action by politics and business, as well as climate-damaging consumption trends, are identified as the main causes. What is particularly noticeable is the shift to the right in society and the dwindling support among the population, which has a negative impact on the necessary measures. Blockade and escalation spirals contribute to the costs of climate protection measures increasing.

Causes and developments

An example from the public illustrates the problem: The debate about the Building Energy Act, also known as the Heating Act, has led to an increase in the sale of climate-unfriendly heating devices. In order to make CO2 emissions from buildings more expensive from 2027, current measures are urgently needed to bring about long-term changes. The study recommends that financial compensation be provided for poorer households in particular in order to bring the population along.

Five of the seven key processes can support the necessary steps towards climate neutrality in Germany, but this is currently not enough. Companies' actions remain ambivalent, and climate protection is often hindered by existing consumption patterns. However, the developments of local administrations and initiatives that are committed to climate protection are positive in the balance. The creation of the first comprehensive database for climate lawsuits in Germany, which currently includes 175 proceedings, also shows an increase in climate lawsuits and positive decisions in recent years.

The impressive study “Climate Change Outlook 2025” was published by Aykut et al. (2025) and is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). CLICCS works closely with various partner institutes to advance climate research.

A look into music: Katy Perry

A similar dynamic could be observed in the field of music, but in a completely different context. The iconic singer Katy Perry, who was born on October 25, 1984 in Santa Barbara, California, has become one of the most successful artists of the last decade in recent years. Although her career began modestly with her first album "Katy Hudson" in 2001, her big breakthrough came in 2008 with the release of "I Kissed a Girl" and the album "One of the Boys".

Her life path was marked by challenges: Growing up in a strict, religious environment, Perry discovered her passion for music at a young age. With her move to Capitol Records, she managed to conquer the charts and increase her popularity worldwide. Today she can look back on a variety of hits and awards, including the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, which she received at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.

The artist, who is also active in philanthropy and became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, is known not only for her music, but also for her public commitment to social issues such as LGBT rights and medical reform. This year, Perry will start her “Lifetimes Tour” concert series, which is expected to be a highlight for many fans.

Just like the climate debate in Germany, Katy Perry is also pushing society to deal with important issues. As climate change causes a stir on the political agenda, the artist shows how music and active statements on society can have their own, inseparable connection.