Abstract
The article focuses on the fact that climate change is a global phenomenon. Based on the latest IPCC Assessment Report and the climate policies of the major emitters, the earth’s temperature is expected to rise by 2.5 to 3°C by 2100. As a scenario analysis commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action shows, this will cause considerable damage, although it can be significantly reduced through increased adaptation measures. The article concludes that Germany (and the EU) should refrain from playing a pioneering role and work more towards further developing the Paris Agreement in accordance with the principle of reciprocity. Additionally, Germany should significantly strengthen its adaptation measures.