The average global temperature has increased by 1.1°C since pre-industrial times (most currentIPCC Synthesis Report 2023). In Germany, it is already 1.6°C warmer (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action 2022). This has consequences. Apart from the physical changes to the weather system, social and economic effects are evident.
By signing the Paris Agreement in 2015, the UN member states have commited to keeping the average global warming by 2100 below 2°C compared to pre-industrial times, with strong efforts to keep warming below 1.5°C (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action 2022). To meet this goal, Germany has to strongly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Our university is not only a research institution but also a role model for sustainability. Therefore, we are fully committed to operating as climate-friendly as possible. The Climate Action Plan outlines our climate goals up to 2040 and defines specific measures to achieve these goals in the coming years.
The plan includes a detailed carbon footprint, presenting the current emissions status at the University of Passau, and highlights the potential for emissions reduction in the areas energy and mobility. To pave the way toward carbon neutrality, 42 targeted measures have been established to reduce the university's greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. Throughout the development process, all relevant university stakeholders had the opportunity to actively participate in the content through workshops and collaborative formats. Especially in identifying specific measures, the contributions of numerous students and staff were an invaluable part.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed their ideas and commitment to this plan. Your support is crucial in successfully realizing our vision of a greenhouse gas-neutral university by 2040.
Title: KSI: ClimUP - Klimaschutzmanagement und Erstellung eines integrierten Klimaschutzkonzepts an der Universität Passau
Duration: January 01, 2023 to February 28, 2025
Funding number: 67K20072
Goal: Development of an integrated climate action concept for the University of Passau
Funding party: http://klimaschutz.de/kommunalrichtlinie
With the National Climate Action Initiative, the German Government has been initiating numerous projects since 2008 that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its programs and projects cover a broad spectrum of climate action activities: From the development of long-term strategies to specific support and investive funding measures. This variety is a guarantee for good ideas. The National Climate Action Initiative contributes to the local implementation of climate action activities. Consumers, companies, municipalities and eductional institutions have benefitted from the initiative.
