• Technology

• Health

• Environment

• Project Co-ordinator: Dr. rer. nat. Stephan Lingner, Dipl.-Geol.

• Memorandum: M. Schröder et al.: Klimavorhersage und Klimavorsorge., Springer 2002  (Ethics of Science and Technology Assessment, Vol. 16)

• Duration: 12/98–12/01

• Funding: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

• Further Information on “Climate Change”

The long-term variability of the climate and probable influence thereupon by humans themselves lead us to expect grave repercussions for man and the environment. Research findings and projections on the part of research into climate and its consequences to date have, for the first time, led to the formulation of internationally binding commitments to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
The legitimation of appropriate measures, however, is to be reviewed with regard to existing uncertainties of climatological assessments, especially in terms of the consequences of a global climate change and the conception and implementation of adequate interventionary controls. This interdisciplinary project aimed at critical stocktakings of the current status of scientific knowledge with regard to future climate development and its consequences for society and the environment. Further reflection from the point of view of science, philosophy of science, political science, ethics, law and the economy analyzed the criteria for action in the climatic context and produced a comparative evaluation. Finally, conclusions for climate research and policy are given.

Climate Change