Dr. Umbach noted that commitment to functional climate politics was fundamentally strong, but that a significant slowdown in the fight against global warming had been observed in recent years. In his view, energy policy trends had never suggested that the 1.5 or 2 degree target was achievable; however, the discrepancy between climate policy goals and global energy development has now widened even further.
Umbach highlighted China's Janus face: on the one hand, China is investing heavily in renewable energies, but on the other hand, it is simultaneously expanding its coal and oil industries, causing the highest emissions worldwide. The promotion of renewable energies in China is less the result of climate policy convictions and more the result of an industrial policy strategy. Europe continues to show the most ambitious climate protection programs, while the US is increasing its focus on fossil fuels and opposing global climate targets.
With regard to public perception, Dr. Umbach emphasized the discrepancy between the high level of funding and the results achieved. In Germany alone, around 1.6 trillion euros have been invested since 2000, but the successes have been modest. He said that climate policy programs around the world lack energy and cost efficiency. Umbach also pointed out the enormous demand for raw materials required for the energy transition, such as copper, which he says has not been given sufficient consideration in the political debate so far.