Fragments Of Climate Change (2022- ongoing)
Climate change is probably the greatest threat humanity has ever faced. Germany, with its stable economy and favorable geography, appears well-positioned to meet climate goals. However, the reality is far more complex and challenging.
"Fragments of Climate Change" captures a society on the brink of climate collapse and documents Germany's ambitious plans to become a climate-neutral industrial nation by 2045. The country has committed to phasing out nuclear energy and coal-fired power generation by 2038. Additionally, Germany's climate law mandates significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
As an international pioneer in the fight against climate change, Germany's journey highlights the difficulties of transitioning to a climate-friendly reality. To meet its goals, Germany must triple its number of solar panels and wind farms by 2030. This push has spurred a new era of green colonialism, with the richest nations demanding vast quantities of raw materials, such as lithium and copper, to secure a green future. Germany's demand alone threatens to overwhelm the global market.
Despite being one of the world's strongest economies, Germany faces immense challenges in adapting to climate extremes. While the country met its climate targets for 2022, progress remains insufficient, as noted by Dirk Messner, President of the Federal Environment Agency. We are nearing a tipping point, and it is imperative to honestly consider what a sustainable future looks like. Although many know what actions are necessary, political will to implement them is lacking. Society has perhaps never been more divided between self-interest and fear.
My photos are fragments of this vast, unfolding event. They capture the values and norms of our society at this critical juncture, portraying the complexity and disruption inherent in Germany's green transformation.