Ms. Otto, when it comes to climate protection, the image of the blue planet that we humans inhabit together or of the boat in which we all sit is often conjured up. They think these images are false. Why? Because we are all rowing on the same ocean, but we are in different boats. The richer you are, the less affected you are by climate change. The extent of the damage caused by a heat wave or flood does not depend solely on temperature or water masses. But also whether you live in well-insulated houses and whether you have access to information and early warning systems. These things make a huge difference. We do not have a climate crisis, but a justice crisis.

Should sociologists now take over climate research after the physicists? At least it is not enough to view climate change as a purely scientific and technical problem. Even if you mitigate the consequences of extreme events, such as a heat wave, by insulating houses or creating cool rooms, this does not help in regions where there is no alternative to agriculture and where people are forced to stay on their land even at 40 degrees Celsius fields to work.

In your new book you also write that climate change is sexist. In what way?

Access to all STERN PLUS content and articles from the print magazine

ad-free

Already registered?