Claudia Kemfert: Kurzschluss

How We’re Gambling Away Our Energy Future—The Author in Conversation with Marija Bakker

“Heating shock,” “culture of bans,” “dark lull”—the energy transition is tearing families and circles of friends apart, dividing society and the economy. How much longer can we still plan for the future? What will become of my home when the next crisis hits? Who will really have to foot the bill in the end? Is Germany knowingly hurtling toward the abyss?

The brutal reality: The 1.5-degree target is a thing of the past; resource wars are already ravaging entire continents. In her new book, Claudia Kemfert confronts us with the new climate policy questions of today and reveals where myths obscure dangerous realities. She shows which technologies might still work and how phasing out natural gas could make Germany a global technology leader—if we still have time. A book for everyone who refuses to believe the illusion that there are still simple answers. Climate and the economy cannot be pitted against each other.

Claudia Kemfertis a German scholar specializing in energy and climate economics. Since 2004, she has headed the Department of Energy, Transportation, and Environment at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) and is a professor of energy economics and sustainability. She is a multi-award-winning leading researcher, a sought-after expert in politics and the media, and a bestselling author.

Marija Bakkeris a freelance journalist. Among other things, she hosts the science program “Quarks” and the literature magazine “Bücher” on WDR 5, and she is engaged with the topics of sustainability, climate, and the mobility transition not only professionally.

The event is part of the Cologne Climate Festival 2026.