Causes and consequences

The earth's climate influences our living conditions considerably. The man-made greenhouse effect is currently in the process of changing those conditions in the long term, without our being able to control the consequences, one of which is likely to be the continued steep increase in extreme weather events.

Records dating back to 1861 enable us to determine mean global temperatures. Thanks to indirect observation techniques, we have reliable estimated temperature readings for the northern hemisphere going back 1,000 years. The records show a clear trend. The earth's mean temperature is increasing, having risen by 0.7°C since 1900 alone, and by as much as 0.9°C in Germany. The ten warmest years ever recorded have all been subsequent to 1995. Indeed, a new record was set in 1998 when the maximum temperature was higher than in any other year in the last millennium.

The earth is heating up

A temperature increase of 0.7°C may seem moderate. However, between ice ages and warm periods, which alternate due to natural factors, there is a difference in mean global temperatures of only 6-7°C! The extremely pronounced warming-up observed particularly in the past three decades can no longer be explained by natural influences. The scientists of Munich Re's Geo Risks Research Department are convinced that this global warming is essentially man-made and will have massive repercussions.