Overflowing megacities juxtaposed with desolate wasteland zones: is this the future of our globe? According to UN reports, by the year 2050 some two-thirds of humanity will live in cities – with all of the associated effects on climate and environment. The Scientific Advisory Council to the Federal Government on Global Environmental Changes (Wissenschaftliche Beirat der Bundesregierung Globale Umweltveränderungen, WBGU) therefore views cities as crucial “motors” in the great transformation to sustainability. In the cities it will be decided whether the transformation succeeds or fails. The subject “Climate Protection in Urban Environments in the Year One After Paris” was also addressed by the 22nd International DBU Summer Academy, which traditionally takes place from June 20 - 22 in Ostritz/St. Marienthal.
