CLIMATE MISSION POSSIBLE

In the midst of and despite many different challenges, the state capital has its sights firmly set on an ambitious goal: to be carbon neutral by 2035. How to achieve this and what it will take - is the focus of this VIVID issue.

Düsseldorf is on the path to carbon neutrality in 2035. In this interview, Thomas Loosen, head of Düsseldorf‘s Office for Environmental and Consumer Protection, explains how the city is specifically committed to this and how companies and citizens can make their contribution.

Rising temperatures, heat waves and droughts or heavy rain and storms - the effects of climate change have also begun to affect Germany. Cities and municipalities must therefore develop measures to prevent the consequences of climate change. 

Can digitalisation save us from the climate crisis? Or will it only make things much worse? The fact is: the increased use of digital technologies leads to rising energy and resource consumption, but at the same time offers opportunities for climate protection. 

The Düsseldorf Climate Pact unites a large number of companies, businesses and organisations in the city who are pursuing a common goal: to achieve climate neutrality by 2035. We asked four of them what they are already doing to successfully implement this ambitious plan and what reasons prompted them to become part of the Climate Pact.

The concept of CO2 offsetting: emissions that are harmful to the climate are offset by certificates from climate protection projects. What exactly is behind this? And when does the scheme make sense?

Climate protection, decarbonisation, energy transition, sustainable use of resources ... the list of ecological challenges is long. To succeed on the path to sustainable climate protection, many new ideas are needed, as well as a radical rethink across the board. Start-ups play an important role here; not only is innovation usually second nature to them, they also show what is possible if there is enough determination, with lean processes, a modern „mindset“ and a good deal of courage. Young companies around the globe are thus making an important contribution to the climate solutions of tomorrow and to a more sustainable world. Three companies from Düsseldorf show just how different this contribution can look: Hydroplace, KIYO and LEROMA.

Since autumn 2022, the Langen Foundation, a renowned address for art exhibitions on the grounds of the former NATO missile station near Neuss, takes a closer look at our warming planet: Julian Charrière, an artist for whom nature and its transformation is the basis of his work, has come on board. In his exhibition “Controlled Burn”, he explores in multimedia form - whether as film, photography, sculpture or opulent installation - the ambivalent fascination with fire: as a symbol of destruction and genesis. A conversation with the artist about his work, his approach to the world and the sovereignty of nature. 

Since early 2021, Michael Mühlin has been the owner of Rhein-Taxi, a Düsseldorf taxi company with more than 150 vehicles and 500 chauffeurs. Born in Upper Franconia, he has travelled the world a lot, including living in the desert near Dubai and sailing the Mediterranean for four years - but for good reasons he was always drawn back to the Rhineland.

Top international architecture meets sustainability and neighbourhood development: the Tadao Ando Campus & Tower building project aims to set new standards on several levels. VIVID spoke with architect David Schwitzke, project and site manager of Euroatlantic GmbH in Düsseldorf.