The German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU) is convinced that a new climate policy dynamic is required worldwide. Currently, all eyes are on Germany: its Presidency of the Council of the European Union and Presidency of G8 offer a dual opportunity to drive climate protection forward. The Council‘s core messages are as follows: climate protection is both worthwhile and feasible, further development of the UN climate convention, making the most of the G8 Summit at Heiligendamm, and reaffirming the European Union‘s leading role.