Deeper cooperation between PIK and BMZ

Once a year, the event series provides a deeper insight into the cooperation between BMZ and PIK. As a dialogue forum for representatives from politics, science and practice, the series promotes exchange on the challenges of climate change in the global south. The focus of the cooperation is on the expansion of application-oriented research on climate change, development and building up corresponding capacities. Johan Rockström explains:” "The science is clear that weather extremes are on the rise across the globe - from droughts to floods, increasing risks of yield failures and even violent conflicts. To help build a safe future for all, we're very glad to be able to provide scientific advice to some of the important BMZ activities. This collaboration is of strategic importance. Life conditions and potentials for development are changing so fast that deeper science-policy interactions are critical and can together achieve sustainable change, with positive outcomes for all."

The first focus of the intensified cooperation between PIK and BMZ is the adaptation to climate change in developing countries. State Secretary Jäger explains: "Developing countries that have contributed least to climate change are already suffering the most from its consequences. Climate protection and adaptation to climate change are therefore among the central tasks of development policy. For sustainable and climate-proof development planning and investments, our partners and us depend on the analysis of current and future climate risks. Our collaboration with PIK, one of the world's leading scientific institutions in the field of climate research, will significantly improve the basis for this."

Within the framework of the cooperation, practical studies and climate risk assessments will be prepared. These are intended to provide the German development cooperation and its local partners with detailed information and the latest scientific findings on the effects of climate change. They should also identify locally adapted options for action that can be used for the European cooperation with Africa. The BMZ has pledged more than EUR 3 million to support the partnership within the AGRICA project between 2018 and 2023.

The first edition of the series took place within the framework "From climate science to climate action: Climate-proofing African-European cooperation". Representatives of the African Union, the European Union, and scientific and development organizations addressed questions of European-African cooperation with regard to climate risks and adaptation options in sub-Saharan Africa.