The consequences of global warming are increasingly evident. Worldwide, extreme weather events caused damage of over USD 3.8 trillion between 2000 and 2024 and have more than doubled over these two decades. Businesses in Germany are also affected by the impacts of climate change. According to the KfW Climate Barometer, 21% of firms already report negative impacts, with the figure as high as 74% among LSEs and 31% among energy-intensive companies. In addition to direct damage to physical assets, the economy is particularly strained by disruptions in energy and transport infrastructure and supply chains. As a highly import- and export-oriented country, Germany is also heavily exposed to the consequences of climate change in other parts of the world. Unchecked climate change is a substantial risk to future economic prosperity. To limit risks, decisive international climate action and early adaptation measures to climate change are needed.

Global damage from extreme weather is rising – 21% of German enterprises already affected by the negative consequences of climate change(PDF, 762 KB, accessible)

Press release