Since industrialization, the global mean temperature of the air near the ground has been rising. Scientific research shows that we humans have played a significant role in this. That is why we speak of anthropogenic climate change.
Due to the burning of fossil fuels, large-scale deforestation along with agriculture and livestock farming, the accumulation of gases such as carbon dioxide or methane in the atmosphere is increasing. This causes the lower air layers to become warmer.
Observational data show that average temperatures are rising faster and faster. The ten warmest years on record all happened in the 21st century. Extreme weather events such as heavy precipitation, heat waves and droughts are happening more frequently.
If greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, the consequences of climate change will intensify in the future. This requires the transformation of energy systems - away from fossil fuels and toward climate-neutral energies. Thus, the phase-out of coal was adopted by law in 2020.
With the fall of the Berlin Wall, Hoyerswerda underwent a tremendous structural break. Since 1989, the number of inhabitants has dropped by half, with many young families moving away. The average age today is around 54. In terms of demographics, Hoyerswerda is already experiencing what still awaits many communities.
This has been followed by massive urban redevelopment over the past 30 years, particularly influencing the new town of Hoyerswerda. High-rise buildings have been - and are being - deconstructed or completely demolished. Green spaces are being created and fewer people are receiving more space.
In contrast to the structural break in the nineties, there will be no renewed mass unemployment this time around. Instead, the multi-layered shortage of skilled workers will be tackled with regional partners and joint strategies.
The solution: Attract more people to the region. To achieve this, optimal conditions for business, research, education, culture and everyday life must be created. This is where the structural change process in Hoyerswerda comes in.