Nature and Environment

3 degrees on seven continents

What would life on the planet look like under 3-degree warming? From one location on each of the Earth's continents, multimedia reports take seven snapshots: of one specific climate change impact, and one response to it.

Globe on dried earth — Image: picture-alliance/beyond/Tips RF

Advertisement

Climate change will have varying effects - and varied responses - around the world. In many places, the effects of climate change are already being felt. Taking one location on each of the Earth's continents, the DW environment desk paints a picture of a climate-changed future.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Will the Maldives be inundated?

With the sea-level rises expected by the end of this century, the Maldives' inhabitants could be displaced.

3 degrees, 7 continents: Kenya

In Kenya’s northern region, erratic weather is getting worse due to climate change. Drier periods are getting longer, rainfall patterns are changing, and water is scarce. It’s a scenario that’s already playing out across the Horn of Africa. So, what impact would a three degree temperature rise have?

Amazon: victim and executioner

Altered weather in the Amazon spells chaos for locals - with implications for ecosystems and further climate change.

Living Planet: A hotter, drier Australia

Seasonal bushfires are a part of Australia's history and landscape. But scientists warn that they will become more severe and frequent with climate change. This year, the bushfire season has started early, with record heat waves recorded across the country. As Jennifer Macey reports, the early outbreak of bushfires could be a taste of what's to come.

Berlin's climate ambitions

Like many cities across Europe, Berlin is seeking out novel ways to reduce its carbon footprint.

Seven Continents: Building with climate change in Canada

Scientists warn that Earth’s rising temperature must be capped at two degrees above pre-industrial levels to avoid catastrophic climate change impacts. But three degrees or more may be in store in northern latitudes. At the heart of North America, in Winnipeg, Canada, the public energy utility is responding…personally.

The emperor has no ice

Climate change is endangering iconic Antarctic species - like the emperor penguin, which is facing dramatic decline.

3 Degrees, 7 Continents: Antarctica

Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, driest and highest continent on earth. Despite its hostile conditions, the frozen continent is home to extraordinary wildlife, including penguins, seals and whales. As Antarctica's icy landscape is beginning to change, scientists predict that the iconic emperor penguins are in danger of dramatic declines by the end of the century.

Building for a warming world

One Canadian utility has already developed a response to likely hydropower shortages resulting from climate change.

3 degrees, 7 continents: Europe

When it comes to preparing for a future in a warming world, Europe is often considered a leader, and that applies especially to Germany. The capital Berlin is famous for its hip nightlife and culture, but its also serious when it comes to being green. As Anja Kueppers found out when she visited the ufaFabrik, green thinking isn’t new to Berlin.

Climate change fuels bushfires

Record-breaking heat, exacerbated by climate change, is leading to unprecedented bushfires in Australia.

3 degrees, 7 continents: Latin America

The Kuna people from Panama have one of the best preserved tropical forests in Latin America, thanks to their strong land tenure rights and their traditional way of life. But since 2008, their forests have been at the center of a debate over climate change. The Kuna have become a model for other indigenous groups, as they try to figure out their rights and their futures, in a warming world.

Show more stories

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

German opposition wants confidence vote now

Opposition parties have called for an immediate vote of confidence after Scholz sacked the FDP finance minister.

What's in store for Germany after the government collapse?

Germany's governing coalition collapses: What now?

German Chancellor Scholz runs out of patience with coalition

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW

Africa

Mozambique opposition: Government 'must restore the truth'

Mozambique opposition: Government 'must restore the truth'

More from Africa

Asia

With Trump election win, China braces for higher US tensions

With Trump election win, China braces for higher US tensions

Germany

35 years after Berlin Wall, East German football struggling

35 years after Berlin Wall, East German football struggling

More from Germany

Europe

Spain struggling with the aftermath of devastating floods

Spain struggling with the aftermath of devastating floods

More from Europe

Middle East

Israel, Hezbollah evacuation orders: '45 minutes to leave'

Israel, Hezbollah evacuation orders: '45 minutes to leave'

More from Middle East

North America

Thousands told to flee wildfire near Los Angeles

Thousands told to flee wildfire near Los Angeles

More from North America

Advertisement