‘You can't negotiate with physics. Nature follows its own laws.’
In September, we had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Prof. Mojib Latif in Hamburg. The climate researcher explained how profoundly the physical processes of climate change are already affecting us and what responsibilities this entails. Above all, he highlighted the close interconnection between science and industry.
October 2025
Prof. Latif made it clear that the causes of climate change are obvious: global energy supply is still largely based on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. This produces long-lived greenhouse gases such as CO₂, which remain in the atmosphere for centuries and spread globally – regardless of where they are emitted. The result: the global temperature increase is currently around 1.5 °C, and in Germany it is already over 2 °C. Prof. Latif therefore emphasised: ‘Climate change is real. We humans are the cause. It is dangerous. The experts agree. And: we can do something about it.’
This clear scientific classification also challenges companies like ours to take responsibility. As part of an industry that has historically contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, it is all the more important that we take consistent action today. In recent years, we have fundamentally realigned our investment portfolio and investments with the clear goal of realising our purpose of working towards fossil fuel independence.
Climate impacts in Germany
Latif's description of the climate impacts in Germany was impressive:
- Increase in hot days (above 30 °C), even in regions such as Schleswig-Holstein.
- Extreme weather events such as heavy rain, drought and forest fires.
- Accelerated sea level rise due to ice melt in Greenland and Antarctica.
- Health risks, especially for older people.
- Economic risks, which, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report, are already among the greatest threats today.
Our position as Vattenfall Energy Trading
Prof. Latif's statements once again made it clear to us how relevant our work is:
- We enable companies to position themselves independently and in a climate-friendly manner – through long-term power purchase agreements that combine planning security and sustainability.
- We promote the integration of renewable energies into the energy market by trading renewable energy and implementing projects that do not require subsidies.
- We create economic prospects for our customers that show that climate protection and competitiveness are not mutually exclusive – on the contrary, they are interdependent.
In doing so, we are guided by a clear goal: we are working towards a fossil-free future. We are not only pursuing this goal for ourselves, but also supporting our customers in achieving it. The scientific basis for this is clear. The economic instruments are in place. And the responsibility lies with all of us – as companies, as a society and as a global community.
Conclusion: Science and industry working together for change
Prof. Latif's presentation showed us once again how closely science and industry are linked. The physical facts leave no room for doubt; they leave room for creativity. Together with our customers, operators, industry and commerce, we are actively shaping this change.
Would you also like to play an active role and are you interested in a partnership with regard to long-term green electricity supply contracts, PPAs or direct marketing?
Please feel free to contact us!
<a class="arrow">renewables@vattenfall.de</a>