New year, new luck – What does the climate say? Our experts take a closer look.

2024 has just ended, marking the hottest year in recorded history since weather tracking began in 1881. What can we expect from the new year in terms of politics and climate action? Our experts share their thoughts and assessments with you through quotes. You are welcome to use the statements in your publications. Our quoted experts are also available for interviews and to answer further questions. Feel free to contact us at press@climatepartner.com

Moritz Lehmkuhl, Founder and Managing Director of ClimatePartner

"An exciting year lies ahead. With new elections in 2025, will the climate benefit or suffer? Much depends on the election outcome, as the established parties have very different views in their election manifestos on climate action. Climate action, yes — but will it come with strong commitment and future-focused investment, or will it be done with little minimal effort, perhaps using outdated methods that neither deliver value nor protect our climate? A clear reliance on science-based data can help: the annual cost of damages caused by climate change is six times higher than the investments required to limit global warming to 2°C."  

Susanne Wöllecke, Head of ClimatePartner Germany

"There’s been a lot of talk recently about climate action losing relevance. From what I see with our customers, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Companies of all sizes are stepping up, not just because they care about the climate but because they feel a strong sense of social responsibility. The climate crisis is enormous, and we must do everything we can to address it. No product today can be produced without emissions, but we need to reduce emissions as much as possible and invest in climate action measures to give ourselves a chance."  

Robin Stoffers, Managing Director at ClimatePartner Impact

"In 2024, wind and solar energy surpassed fossil fuels in the EU for the first time. I hope to see similar progress in other areas, such as the voluntary carbon market. This market is not just sensible but also an important tool in fighting climate change and its impacts on nature and communities. With the help of the voluntary commitment of companies, we’ve invested millions of dollars in projects that reduce, avoid, and sequester carbon emissions. But the real value of these projects goes beyond that: they improve family incomes and health, protect forests, promote technological advancements, restore ecosystems, create hundreds of jobs. We must broaden our perspective beyond carbon. Climate finance mechanisms have a crucial component for sustainable development across the world.”  

Dennis Uieß, Head of Research and Development at ClimatePartner:  

"2025 promises to be an extremely exciting year for norms, standards, and regulations, keeping the environment for voluntary climate action highly dynamic. Work will continue on multiple levels to enhance standards and norms, ensuring that corporate voluntary commitments contribute effectively to achieving global climate targets. Key developments to watch in the coming year include the implementation of the CSRD in the EU, updates to international carbon footprint standards (ISO and GHG Protocol), the publication of guidance for emissions accounting in agriculture and forestry (FLAG Guidance), the development of a new standard for "net-zero aligned organizations", and ongoing developments related to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and quality improvements in the voluntary carbon market."