more sustainable use of resources and a radical reduction in the level of carbon emissions. The younger generation has done an excellent job so far: The Fridays for Future movement has succeeded in putting climate change at the center of political and public attention. Time is of the essence: Now is the time to act.

Industry plays an important role here, since its energy-intensive nature makes it part of the problem. But above all it is part of the solution, since new technologies are required to develop sustainable processes and produce products more efficiently. Industry has actually been occupied with this challenge for a long time. A glance at the history of HANNOVER MESSE demonstrates how, over the last two decades, energy-related themes have enjoyed a high priority, including energy and resource efficiency, renewable forms of energy and green mobility. And now the pressure is even stronger. Industry is assuming greater responsibility and has dedicated itself to the task of reducing carbon emissions. But it needs an adequate framework to be able to embark on the path of sustainability without getting derailed.

At the world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology, the topics range from minor adjustments to grand visions. Efficient and resource-saving processes and technology, sustainable product development, the circular economy, lightweight construction, decentralized energy supply, flexible power systems, grid stability with an increased share of renewable energy, stationary storage, energy efficiency in building management or alternative drive systems – those are the levers which can be exercised to make climate protection a reality.

The world needs change, and industry is a bringer of change. That is why the lead theme of HANNOVER MESSE 2020 is Industrial Transformation. The subject of climate change and protection will feature prominently at the show’s numerous forums and conferences as well as the exhibition stands. HANNOVER MESSE’s central platform for discussion on the megatrends of climate change, digitalization, individualization and demographic change and the challenges and consequences arising from them is the Transformation Stage in Hall 25. There, on each day of HANNOVER MESSE, leading figures from industry, science and wider society will address the big issues and challenges of our times with courage, passion and hard-hitting honesty.