The international community must address urgent worldwide challenges with full determination

Solar photovoltaic systems are a climate-friendly way to provide energy to health centres in rural Ghana. A German-Ghanaian research project has analysed key technical and socio-economic aspects.

The international community has sensible goals, but needs a coherent policy framework to achieve them.

For many years, the paradigm was that underdeveloped countries should catch up.

Several countries announced contributions to different climate funds at the climate summit in Dubai last year. However, their commitments are not nearly enough to cover the costs of adaptation, loss and damage.

The fact that the climate crisis is becoming dramatic must not discourage us. What is needed is more cooperation and less polarisation. Every 10th of a degree matters because it can help put a check on irreversible damage.

According to climate expert Mojib Latif, the climate crisis is also pushing rich countries to the limit. He is calling for governments to be more open with citizens – and for more international cooperation.

The so-called just transition is expensive. Rich countries need to support poorer ones.

The transition to a CO2-neutral economy can only succeed if it is done in a socially just way. Alternative jobs, social security and regional structural policies are essential.

Glaciers, snow and permafrost are undergoing rapid transformation in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, with disastrous consequences for water and food security