In the concluding session, we made an effort to wrap up the main findings, or better guiding questions for future research and discourse. While Jonas’ ecological imperative “Act so that the effects of your actions are compatible with the permanence of genuine human life” is definitely valid and probably more imperative than 40 years ago, the question, which technologies we may choose in a responsible way to address global challenges is open. Is it responsible to foster research on climate engineering as an “instrument of last resort” to contain global warming? Is it responsible for Germany, as one of the leading countries in energy research and engineering, not to invest in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, while all mayor studies (IPCC, WBGU, IRENA) framing scenarios for global warming below 2°C or better 1.5° assign CCS an important role? Should we take another look at biotechnologies, if gene editing provides opportunities for enhanced food security under conditions of climate change? All these issues were pursued during the event.

Panel:

• Imme Scholz, German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungsforschung (DIE)
• Jakob Rhyner, Scientific Director, Bonn Alliance for Sustainability Research