2024-11-24 07:30:00
We prefer to sweeten our day with the promise of one of the future candidates for chancellor that the price of electricity will decrease. So, even harder than it always sank. The energy supplier we trust sent out an announcement on Wednesday “that some surcharges will increase from 1 January 2025. These include the offshore grid tax, the KWKG tax and the Section 19 NEV electricity tax. This will be added the “supplement for special use of the network” in order to distribute the costs of expanding the electricity network with renewable energy among all consumers. We’re happy about it, we’re happy to pay the price jump. A kilowatt hour costs 36.8 cents and below that there are basic fees of between 5 and 15 euros per month, which are often ignored in the business debate. Don’t worry about the electric car. And the heat pump. After all, cities will soon turn off the gas and Mannheim will show how it’s done. Naturally at no cost.
To compensate for high blood pressure, we recommend opening your car insurance letter. You can read it, pars pro toto: the costs of changing the windshield of a German compact class model. In 2021 at 833 euros, in 2024 at 1120 euros. This means 34% more due to wages (plus 25%), spare parts (plus 43) and VAT (plus 34). Result: increase in contributions, inevitable, obviously. Nobody can do anything about it and everything will be better on February 23, 2025. Then it’s no longer November.
What are the most significant impacts of climate change observed globally in recent years?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Climate Change Expert Dr. Lydia Klein
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Klein, and thank you for joining us today. As an expert in climate science, your insights are invaluable, especially as we approach the critical milestones of 2024. To start, can you share how climate change is shifting our global landscape?
Dr. Lydia Klein: Good morning! Thank you for having me. Climate change is impacting our planet in unprecedented ways, from rising sea levels to altered weather patterns. We’re seeing more extreme weather events, which not only threaten ecosystems but also jeopardize livelihoods around the world. It’s a critical moment for us to take meaningful action.
Editor: Absolutely. We’ve seen substantial discussions around international policies and environmental agreements, particularly as we approach the next COP summit. How do you assess the progress made so far in combating climate change?
Dr. Klein: Progress is, unfortunately, slow and inconsistent. There have been numerous agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, but many countries struggle to meet their commitments. The urgency of the situation demands bolder and more immediate actions. The scientific community keeps urging significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Editor: The stakes couldn’t be higher, yet there seems to be polarizing discourse around climate issues. How can we bridge the gap between climate science and public perception to foster wider action and understanding?
Dr. Klein: Education and communication are key. We need to distill complex scientific data into understandable terms that resonate with people’s everyday lives. Moreover, sharing personal stories of climate impact can evoke empathy and motivate action. Communities must feel connected to the climate conversation for change to occur.
Editor: That’s a crucial point. Speaking of communities, how can local grassroots movements contribute to the global climate agenda?
Dr. Klein: Grassroots movements are vital because they often represent the voices of those most affected by climate change. These local actions can influence national policies, create awareness, and promote sustainable practices. Furthermore, they can drive innovation in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies tailored to specific environments.
Editor: Can you share an example of a successful grassroots initiative?
Dr. Klein: Definitely! One striking example is the “Fridays for Future” movement initiated by Greta Thunberg. It started with students skipping school to demand stronger climate action, and it ignited a global phenomenon. The movement shows how collective action, even at a grassroots level, can escalate into a worldwide call for change, pushing leaders to re-evaluate their climate policies.
Editor: That’s inspiring! As we move closer to 2024, what should be our top priorities in climate action, from both a policy and individual standpoint?
Dr. Klein: Policymakers need to prioritize implementing renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and preserving natural ecosystems. For individuals, adopting more sustainable lifestyles—whether through reducing waste, using public transportation, or advocating for climate policies—can create significant ripples. Every small action counts when multiplied across millions.
Editor: It sounds like a collective effort is crucial. Lastly, as the editor of Time.news, we hope to mitigate misinformation surrounding climate change. What’s your advice to our audience on distinguishing credible sources from unreliable ones?
Dr. Klein: Great question! Audiences should seek information from peer-reviewed journals, reputable organizations like the IPCC, and verified experts in the field. Cross-referencing news articles with scientific studies can also help. Encourage critical thinking and a healthy skepticism toward sources that seem overly sensational or lack substantiated references.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for sharing your expertise and insights with us today. As we look ahead to 2024, it’s clear that awareness and proactive engagement will be paramount in our fight against climate change.
Dr. Klein: Thank you for having me, and let’s continue to push for the changes our planet urgently needs!