How Do We Bend the Corner? The Path to a Climate-Neutral Future

To limit dangerous climate change, global greenhouse gas emissions must reach net zero in the coming decades. Yet the path towards this goal remains challenging: fossil fuel-related CO₂ emissions have recently reached a new record high, while droughts, devastating wildfires, and other extreme weather events are making the impacts of climate change increasingly visible around the world. In the face of growing challenges and a growing sense of uncertainty in parts of society, one question is more pressing than ever: How can we achieve the necessary transition to a climate-neutral future?

Where do Germany and the world currently stand in terms of climate action? What progress has been made in reducing emissions, and how advanced are the technologies and methods for removing CO₂ from the atmosphere? And, above all, what concrete steps are needed now to achieve our climate targets?

Prof. Dr. Julia Pongratz addressed these questions in her lecture on 8 October 2026 at the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in Halle (Saale). Those interested can read the preceding interview with the Leopoldina here.