Climate crisis remains explosive: Dirk Steffens calls for future-oriented solutions!

Climate crisis remains explosive: Dirk Steffens calls for future-oriented solutions!

Despite being temporarily displaced by wars and economic crises, the climate crisis remains an urgent issue. The well-known TV presenter and science journalist Dirk Steffens addresses the difficulties people have in staying consistent with climate protection. His point of view is particularly relevant in the current discussion surrounding the world climate conferences and global climate protection.

The last world climate conference, also known as COP28, took place in Dubai and brought together representatives from around 200 countries. After two weeks of intensive negotiations, a final document was adopted that represents a minimal compromise. However, the desired goals are far away, especially the Paris climate target. As [web.de](https://web.de/magazine/politik/tv-moderator-steffens-groesste-eselei- conservativeen-41657548) reports, Steffens remains optimistic that humanity can fight climate change even without political support.

The challenges of the climate conference

At COP28, an important commitment to moving away from fossil fuels was formulated, but without any decisions that were binding under international law. Countries like Saudi Arabia in particular opposed the phase-out of coal, oil and gas. In addition, a compensation fund was set up to support poor and vulnerable countries in the event of climate-related damage, with total funding of $800 million, as tagesschau.de reports. This step is considered necessary to combat climate change on a global scale.

However, Steffens questions the usefulness of these large climate conferences. Countries that benefit from fossil fuels are often not interested in real climate protection agreements. He emphasizes that climate protection is possible even without political pressure, as renewable energies are becoming increasingly more economical. The first half of 2025 showed that more electricity was generated worldwide from wind, sun and water than from coal.

Global measures and local approaches

The COP30, which took place in Brazil in November 2025, ended almost 27 hours late and failed to achieve all the ambitious goals set by Brazil under President Lula da Silva. During the conference, an alliance of over 80 countries was founded that advocated a binding phase-out process from fossil fuels. But due to the resistance of oil-rich nations, there was no concrete roadmap, as umweltbundesamt.de notes.

Steffens is not only a critical observer, but also an optimist and encourages thinking rationally, even in times of crisis. He argues that people in Germany are already too pessimistic, which poses a threat to democracy. “Optimism is necessary to find solutions to the climate crisis,” he believes. His numerous documentaries about fragile ecosystems and his experiences as a moderator make him a familiar voice in the climate debate.

It is important that, despite all the challenges, awareness of climate protection is kept alive. Steffens' appeal that every individual should bear responsibility makes it clear that we can all contribute to the solution, even without mandatory political regulations.