New season, same message: better climate coverage is possible!
A „Klima vor acht“ format sounds good, but is it really feasible? Absolutely! Back in 2021, we already produced a pilot season on a shoestring budget. In 2026, season two is published – and an image film. Both are supported by sponsors such as GLS Gemeinschaftsbank and Prokon. Once more, a big thank you for their contribution!
The image film with the claim „Wir schauen hin“ was supposed to run as advertising in ARD prime time, but was rejected by the ARD (more info).
The episodes examine complex climate topics with scientific accuracy and in easily accessible language – from lobbying to the impact of the climate crisis on beer. Our focus is on communicating scientific facts, reporting on current developments and contextualising new findings. The goal of every episode: to empower viewers to understand and question the reality of the climate crisis. The season shows what climate communication can look like when it is scientifically sound and socially relevant.
Season 2
Episode 1: Media and the Climate Crisis
Climate protection is one of the most important tasks of our time — yet how much do the media really talk about it? KLIMA° vor acht examines how much airtime the subject of climate actually gets on public-service television: the review of the first half of 2026 shows that although the climate crisis keeps worsening, TV covers it less and less. With facts, figures and concrete courses of action — and the question of how climate communication can succeed.
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Episode 2: Climate vs. Beer
Does climate change only affect the weather? Far from it! In this episode of KLIMA° vor acht, we explore the impact of climate change on beer and examine how changing temperatures affect its taste. Could the climate crisis spell the end for beer? This is a fact-based and solution-oriented look at an emotional — though as yet little-known — topic.
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Episode 3: The resourceful oil lobby
How does effective lobbying work? KLIMA° vor acht reveals how the oil lobby influences politics and society, from events and strategic communication to manipulating public debate. Learn “How to Lobby” and what lessons can be applied to climate reporting.
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Episodes 1–6 (in German)
The factsheets linked below are PDF files in German.
Episode 1: Our Moors – Better Than Forests
Forests are important for the climate – that’s common knowledge. But few people realise that wet moors are even more effective climate protectors. This is due to a substance we’re familiar with from our gardens: peat. KLIMA° vor acht takes a closer look at these mysterious wetlands and reveals why wet moors are indispensable for the climate.
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Episode 2: Well-intended or well-executed? The Renewable Energy Act
The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) was the driving force behind Germany’s energy transition. Thanks to it, the construction and subsidy schemes for wind and solar power plants progressed rapidly. But that driving force is faltering. KLIMA° vor acht highlights where the problems lie and why the EEG needs to be simplified.
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Episode 3: Hanging in the Balance: Why it might be too late for the Greenland ice sheet
In Greenland, the ice is melting faster than ever – and we will soon see whether the Arctic island’s ice sheet will melt away completely. This is because one of the major tipping points in the climate system lies there. If this tipping point is reached, the consequences will be irreversible – including those for our lives here in Germany. KLIMA° vor acht explains when this tipping point might be reached and whether there is still hope for Greenland’s ice.
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Episode 4: CO₂ makes the world greener: myth or fact?
Could CO₂ be better than its reputation suggests? It contributes to the Earth’s northern hemisphere becoming greener. The reason for this is, that plants use CO₂ for their growth, and there is currently plenty of it. However, the programme ‘KLIMA° vor acht’ shows that this so-called ‘fertilisation effect’ is only valid to a very limited extent. In the long term, it may well turn into its opposite …
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Episode 5: The new scrappage scheme: Politics and vices
German heavy goods transport generates 48 million tonnes of CO₂ – every year. A scrappage scheme for lorries therefore seems to have come at just the right time. The German government approved this incentive for scrapping old lorries last year, and the application deadline has just passed. A good reason for KLIMA° vor acht to take a critical look at the new regulations. Because what initially sounds like a good deal for the climate turns out, on closer look, to be a sham.
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Episode 6: Twin worlds and climate litigation: Attribution research
Our Earth has a twin – at least in the virtual world. Using computer modelling, attribution research compares two worlds: today’s world with man-made emissions and its twin world, completely free from human influence. When a weather event occurs, it is possible to calculate the probability of whether it is the result of climate change or ‘normal’ extreme weather. KLIMA° vor acht introduces this emerging – and very important – field of research. In future, it could provide evidence for potential climate-related legal action.
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