Europa muss globale Klimapolitik anführen

Scientists are unanimous today in stating that climate change endangers our planet and that human activity is a main source of global warming. Political leaders have followed, in principle, by signing the Paris Agreement. But limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees requires cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% and for the world to become climate neutral by 2050 at the latest.Global trends are at variance with this path. The US has announced it would exit the agreement, Brazil has opened its rain forests to commercial activity, China is investing heavily in new coal plants, Africa needs energy to feed its tripling population. Russia is bribing its former allies by selling gas and oil “to become great again”. In this environment, Europe must take the lead in fighting climate change and shaping globalization in a more responsible way. This is an obligation due to history and past errors, but also a chance to become a technology leader in an important and dynamic technology field. The positive message –not so well known, but empirically proven –is that the leader will have net benefits through an ambitious strategy due to fewer costs, lower tangible and human damage, and the ability to shape the next technology according to own preferences and needs. The reluctant follower –who always demands that others take the initiative –has higher costs for patents, licenses and imported machines. Repairs are costly and acting in a state of emergency requires strong public and sometimes even military intervention.A European lead needs determination, consistent goals, innovative implementation and guidance along broad societal goals. The present report carves out five principles for the transformation. (i) Emissions must be priced by taxes or through an Emissions Trading System. Meanwhile, subsidies for fossil energy have to be curbed, and innovations in alternative energy made more profitable....