A scenario that was until recently considered to be fanciful science fiction is now coming ever closer: the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere in the foreseeable future by up to +4.5 °c is an unparalleled phenomenon in human history – and one that will bring with it incalculable risks for all life on our fragile planet.

As German companies we fully intend to accept our responsibilities towards making a step change in our business thinking and in our business practices. This is why we have joined forces to form a Climate Protection Initiative in order to support the German Federal Government on both a national and international level in its efforts to establish a successful global climate protection policy.

Our declared goal is to limit global warming to 2° Celsius compared to pre-industrialisation levels.

Avoiding the impending climatic catastrophe is an enormous challenge, but one that also brings with it a golden opportunity to make a drastic reduction in man-made greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, this is a chance to further consolidate our pioneering role within the area of future-orientated technological development on the one hand and our reputation as the location of choice for innovative business models on the other.

To meet this challenge means embracing fundamental change: promoting widespread understanding of change, creating the optimal conditions for change and then triggering change – quickly, effectively, cost-consciously and in close co-operation with political institutions and business.

After all, doing everything humanly possible to preserve climatic stability is pure, practical common sense. It is also the vision that spurs us on, with a view to the potential benefits it can bring us all today, as well as in the best interests of the generations to come.