Climate conference simulation in Ingolstadt: Together against global warming!

Climate conference simulation in Ingolstadt: Together against global warming!

In a world where climate change represents one of the most pressing challenges, the simulation of an authentic UN climate conference will take place in Ingolstadt from July 14th to 16th, 2025. This special event is aimed at citizens and students from the 10th grade. The KU Future Campus will host an event open to the public on July 14, 2025 from 5 to 9 p.m., while school classes are invited to the large meeting room of the New Town Hall on July 15 and 16. Participation in this simulation game is free and is intended in particular to increase awareness of climate policy and make the participants' responsibility tangible. It is carried out by the Die Multivision association and organized by the Sustainability Department of the City of Ingolstadt and the Audi Environmental Foundation. Registration for the public events ends on June 24th and for school groups on June 6th.

The goal of this simulation is to limit the global average temperature to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100. This value is part of the commitments set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Despite the UNFCCC's alarming report released ahead of COP 26 in Glasgow, it is clear that states' national climate contributions (NDCs) are insufficient to meet this target. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that the world is on a catastrophic path to warming of 2.7 degrees Celsius. Missing the 1.5 degree target could have a devastating impact on lives and livelihoods, underscoring the urgency of such initiatives.

Importance of the world climate conferences

UN climate conferences have the potential to significantly increase attention to climate change and are crucial for international climate policy. These conferences enable the exchange of ideas and strategies to mitigate climate change. Countries are required to update their national climate contributions every five years to ensure progress. COP 21 in Paris was a milestone as it saw the adoption of the Paris Agreement, signed by 197 states and ratified by 191.

Despite progress at the multilateral level, such as COP29 in Baku, which included steps towards climate finance and new rules for carbon emissions trading markets in its final documents, the implementation of the agreements often remains a challenge. The need of developing countries for financial support to achieve their climate goals exceeds the sums requested. Therefore, supporting industrial nations is essential to meet global climate goals.

Design goal for the future

The upcoming simulation in Ingolstadt is intended to provide a practical model for participants to better understand the challenges and decisions that will be made at the world climate conferences. As a supplement to the theoretical knowledge of climate policy, this promotes personal commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. Given the challenges posed by the climate crisis, it is more important than ever to include future generations in the discussion and give them the opportunity to actively participate in the solution.

The urgent needs of climate policy, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy, represent not only a challenge, but also an opportunity for innovation and progress. Initiatives such as the simulation of the UN climate conference in Ingolstadt are fundamental steps to raise awareness and work across national borders for a common solution.