Enviro News Asia, Berlin — More than 30 countries convened in Berlin for the 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue to discuss global climate policy and pathways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels amid an ongoing energy crisis.
The dialogue is hosted by Germany’s Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider, alongside Murat Kurum of Türkiye and Chris Bowen of Australia, who are leading preparations for the upcoming COP31 climate conference.
The meeting gathers ministers, representatives from the European Union, United Nations, and various international organizations, along with participants from civil society, academia, and, for the first time, private sector actors in clean technology, finance, and industry.
Discussions focus on identifying international cooperation strategies to limit global warming to 1.5°C, a target increasingly urgent as recent reports highlight that the period from 2015 to 2025 has been the warmest on record.
Minister Schneider emphasized that the current fossil fuel crisis underscores the need to transition toward renewable energy, electric mobility, and energy-efficient systems to reduce reliance on volatile oil and gas markets. He noted that the crisis presents an opportunity to accelerate climate action and strengthen long-term energy resilience.
The dialogue also highlights the close link between climate and energy policy, with participation from Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency. Discussions emphasized that transitioning to renewable energy not only addresses climate change but also mitigates risks associated with fossil fuel dependency.
Originally launched in 2010 by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Petersberg Climate Dialogue serves as an annual informal forum to build momentum ahead of UN climate negotiations. This year’s meeting is expected to contribute to preparations for the next global climate conference scheduled to take place in Antalya later this year. (*)
