THE BAYER

CLIMATE PROGRAM

Science For A Better Life

 CONTENTS

Editorial 3

How the climate is created : From weather to climate 4

Climate change : Humankind is changing the climate 6

Climate protection and climate policy : Ambitious goals 8

The Bayer Climate Program : One billion euros for climate protection 10

EcoCommercial Building : Intelligent building 12

Agriculture and nutrition : Stress-tolerant plants 14

Climate protection and the chemical industry : The Bayer Climate Check 18

Children’s painting competition :

LIVING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE 20

A challenge from the children : How do children perceive climate change? 22

 Werner Wenning,
Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer AG

Dear Reader,
Global climate change is one of the most dominant issues of our age. Its impact on our lives is
considerable – ecosystems and species are disappearing, extreme weather conditions are becom-
ing more frequent, glaciers are melting and sea levels are rising.

As a large industrial company, Bayer does naturally emit greenhouse gases – but we are also part
of the solution. In many different ways, our products play their part in saving energy and con-
serving resources. And when it comes to our plants, we have already made great progress as far as
climate protection is concerned. Between 1990 and 2007, we cut our CO2 emissions by more than
a third, primarily as a result of improved energy efficiency.

In the future, too, we aim to raise the bar and pursue new, ambitious emissions targets. To that
end, we are investing EUR 1 billion in a Group-wide Climate Program that features pioneering
projects and brings together our particular skills as an inventor company.

This brochure outlines the complex relationships that exist within our climate system, the im-
pact on climate of humankind and the actions being taken to tackle climate change on a political
level. It also documents Bayer’s objective to lead the way when it comes to climate protection.

In the second section, this brochure features pictures from a painting competition initiated
jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Bayer that illustrate the
extent to which climate change is already embedded in the consciousness of children and young
people throughout the world.

We want to use our commitment to climate protection to develop more solutions to help us deal
with the challenges the future will bring – a goal that is true to our Mission Statement “Bayer:
Science For A Better Life.”

I hope you will find this brochure both interesting and informative.
 HOW THE CLIMATE IS CREATED

FROM WEATHER TO CLIMATE

Our climate is in a constant state of change – it has never remained static. Geological processes
and the position of the Earth relative to the Sun create activity and change.

Often, the climate and the
weather are mistakenly assumed
to be one and the same. The
weather actually represents the day-
to-day changes in the state of our
atmosphere – temperature, wind,
precipitation, humidity and clouds.
The weather itself is the result of
meteorological conditions that arise
rapidly and then pass on, such as a
brief area of low pressure, or a more
persistent zone of high pressure.
It is only possible to forecast the
weather for a limited period, usually
no more than a week in advance.
The climate is very different. The cli-
mate represents the average weather
conditions, including extreme
values, at a specific location over an
extended period of time. The area
in question can be large or small, a
region, continent or even the entire
globe. The key factor is the time re-
quired to generate a statistical mean
– the usual timescale is 30 years.
The climate is therefore a statistical
representation of the weather. It
is only when changes occur in the
statistics relating to meteorological
data that climate researchers begin
to refer to climate change.
Descriptions of the effects of
greenhouse gases are often
somewhat one-sided.
We owe our ability to live to the
natural, primary greenhouse gases.
The Earth’s atmosphere is a master-
piece of Mother Nature – the Earth
is surrounded by a protective shield
consisting mainly of water vapor, but
also of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane
and nitrous oxide. Although these
substances occur in the atmosphere
in only a very low concentration,
they prevent warmth radiating out
into space and generate an average
How the climate is created
Clouds regularly form along mountain
slopes and cause rain to fall.
global ground-level air tempera-
ture of 15 degrees Celsius. Without
greenhouse gases, it would be bitterly
cold with temperatures of minus 18
degrees Celsius. The disturbance of
the atmosphere’s natural balance
is due to greenhouse gas emissions
caused by humans (anthropogenic
emissions – see next chapter).
The current interglacial period,
which began almost 12,000 years
ago, has alternated between warm
and cold spells without any extreme
fluctuations (e.g. ice age).
Plants absorb CO2 during the day and partially
release it during the night. The majority of the
water absorbed evaporates through the leaves
and regulates the humidity of the air.

The climate is defined by complex natu-

ral processes. The interaction between
the ocean and the atmosphere plays an
Humus is formed from the remains
Rainwater gathers in rivers and
of dead plants in which carbon is
lakes, or forms groundwater.
stored.

important role.

Our climate system consists of
various components known as
non-linear dynamic subsystems.
The atmosphere is one of these, as
is the hydrosphere with all the seas,
rivers, lakes, rain and groundwater.
Another key component is the
cryosphere which encompasses the
inland ice masses, sea ice, snow and
permafrost. The final components
are the marine and terrestrial bio-
sphere and the soil. Even the small-
est disruptions to these subsystems
can result in dramatic changes.
The Earth’s climate is defined pri-
marily by the interaction between
the ocean and the atmosphere –
water accounts for 71 percent of the
Earth’s surface. Radiation energy
from the Sun is transformed into
warmth mainly in the surface layer
A volcano erupts, releasing gases
into the atmosphere.
IN BRIEF The Bayer Climate Program
+ The weather and the 4 5
climate are not one and the
same – the weather repre-
sents the current state of
the atmosphere.
+ The climate is a statisti-
cal representation of
the weather at a specific 500 km Exosphere
location over an extended
period of time. The layers of the
atmosphere. The
+ Among other factors, the airless expanse
Earth’s climate is defined of space begins
by the interaction between upwards of approx.
the ocean and the atmo- 500 km.
sphere. Thermosphere
+ Life can exist because of
natural greenhouse gases.
It is only through man’s
influence that they become
80 km
a threat.
Mesosphere
of the ocean. In addition, the high
specific heat capacity of water helps
50 km
to compensate for temperature
fluctuations in the atmosphere. One
other crucial factor is the system
of ocean currents. This transports Stratosphere
large volumes of energy over long
distances and, without it, life would
not be possible at all in the higher
25 km
latitudes.
Ozone layer
17 km
The sun’s energy reaches the The sun warms the
Earth, activating all the various surface of the water.
climate processes. Troposphere
The water
evaporates.
Water from deeper levels rises
towards the surface and is Cold water sinks to Ice sheets reflect the light. The climate
warmed. deeper levels. becomes cooler.
 CLIMATE CHANGE

HUMANKIND IS
CHANGING THE CLIMATE
Climate change has already be- The scientists’ forecasts don’t
make for comfortable reading.
come a reality. For millions of The Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) collates
people, global warming could lead
research results on climate change.
to starvation, illness and water The Panel’s fourth assessment report
of November 2007 made one thing
shortages. very clear – there can no longer be
any doubt that global warming is
really happening. Climate change is
picking up pace. It is already impact-
ing on life on Earth and it is highly
likely that humankind is to blame.
In order to identify a comparable
period of development, scientists
looked back on 650,000 years of his-
tory – they found no such evidence.
The current concentration of carbon
dioxide (CO2) far exceeds anything
identified from ice cores – a type of
historical record of the Earth that
stretches back hundreds of thou-
sands of years.
Ever since the process of indus-
trialization that took place in the
18th century, humankind has had a
direct impact on the atmosphere,
primarily as a result of burning fos-
sil fuels such as coal and oil. These
anthropogenic (caused by humankind)
greenhouse gases are increasing at a
dangerous rate. They are responsible
for the greenhouse effect – similar to a
glass dome under which the tempera-
ture is constantly rising. This process is

A balanced climate depends on careful

regulation of carbon levels. The global carbon cycle
For millions of years, billions of tons
of carbon have been bound up under-
Carbon dioxide is released when
ground and in the oceans in the form of
fossil fuels are burned.
coal, oil and gas. If the carbon is burnt,
Industry causes emissions that affect the Areas used to grow plants and
it is converted into gaseous CO2 and
climate and contributes to the pressure placed farm livestock restrict the
enters the atmosphere. Biosphere between 540 and on the natural cycle in a number of ways. “green lungs” of the Earth and
610 billion metric tons emit greenhouse gases.

The blue text indicates where and how

much carbon is bound up in nature.

The red text indicates where emissions

are released by man.

Soils and organic material: Reservoirs of oil and gas:

1,580 billion metric tons 300 billion metric tons

Sources: Center for Climatic Research, Institute for Environmental Studies,

University of Wisconsin, Madison (United States); Okanagan University College
(Canada), Institute of Geography; World Watch, November/December 1998; Nature;
IPCC, 2001 and 2007.

accelerated by excessive agriculture and
deforestation. Trees bind CO2 through
photosynthesis and generate oxygen.
However, the plants are no longer able
to cope – between 1970 and 2002 alone,
anthropogenic emissions on Earth
increased by 70 percent and the concen-
tration of CO2 by as much as 80 percent.
Global greenhouse gas emissions total
around 50 billion metric tons each year.
The impact of emerging nations such as
China, India and Brazil on this figure is
increasing all the time.
Over the past 100 years, the
Earth has warmed by 0.74 de-
grees Celsius. It’s important to note
that the rise in temperature over the
last 50 years was almost double that
of the previous half century. Projec-
tions suggest that there will probably
be an increase of 1.4 to 5.8 degrees
Celsius in the average global ground-
level air temperature by 2100, the
highest level for 10,000 years.
A rise in temperature increases
the amount of water vapor in
the air. The likelihood of extreme
weather conditions such as heat
Vehicles emit CO2 that is
harmful to the climate.
Cities are characterized by sealed ground,
high energy consumption and high emissions
of exhaust gases.
Carbon reservoirs:
3,000 billion metric tons
Lithosphere: Marine and rock deposits between
50,000,000 and 100,000,000 billion metric tons
IN BRIEF
+ Climate change is a reality
and humankind is one of
its primary causes.
+ Since industrialization,
there has been a marked
rise in anthropogenic
greenhouse gases.
+ There is an increased
likelihood of extreme
weather, the ice is melting,
sea levels are rising, and
starvation and illness are
becoming more
widespread.
waves, droughts, heavy precipita-
tion and tropical storms is also
increasing. The seas are becoming
warmer and are expected to rise by
18 – 53 centimeters in the course of
the 21st century. Melting glaciers,
shrinking ice caps and weakening
polar ice sheets are causing the seas
to rise even further. The potential
consequences of extreme weather
conditions caused by climate
change include flooding, crop
failures, starvation and the spread
of dangerous diseases like malaria.
20 to 30 percent of all plant and ani-
mal species will be under threat if
The constant increase in air travel puts
pressure on the atmosphere due to the release
of emissions that impact on the climate.
Hydrosphere: 38,000
billion metric tons
Sediments: 150 billion
metric tons
The Bayer Climate Program
6 7
the global temperature rises by two
to three degrees Celsius compared
to values in the pre-industrial era.
Land masses in the higher
northern latitudes are the most
affected by global warming. If,
as some scientists suggest, the criti-
cal temperature threshold for the
Greenland ice sheet is exceeded by
a significant degree, the ice could
melt away completely, causing the
sea level to rise considerably. Some
very poor countries that themselves
bear little responsibility for climate
change are already suffering the
consequences of the rising oceans.
In Bangladesh, for example, large
expanses of the country lie below
sea level.
There is no way to halt climate
change. The question now is the
scale to which it will develop – and
what action humankind must take
in order to mitigate the impact of
climate change.
Atmosphere:
750 billion metric tons
Shipping also increases the pressure
on the environment worldwide.
Surface water: 1,020
billion metric tons
Marine organisms:
3 billion metric tons
Dissolved organic carbon:
700 billion metric tons
 CLIMATE PROTECTION AND CLIMATE POLICY
AMBITIOUS GOALS
Climate protection is one of the biggest challenges facing the world – both now and in the future.
It is becoming clearer than ever that the way in which we address climate change is very much in
the hands of our political leaders.
Emissions caused by industry,
transportation, homes, agricul-
ture and slash and burn are major
causes of global warming. When
it comes to climate protection,
one of the key tasks is to reduce
CO2 emissions.
Is climate protection a viable
technical and financial proposi-
tion? As far as the IPCC is con-
cerned, the answer is a definitive
“Yes.” The combination of existing
and upcoming technologies that
will soon be market-ready could
result in a far more tolerable level
of stability. The market for energy
generation excluding carbon fuels
is estimated to be US$ 500 billion
annually in 2050. According to a
report published in 2006 by the for-
mer chief economist of the World
Bank, Nicholas Stern, inaction
would consume five percent of the
worldwide growth each year, at that
time equivalent to US$ 2,200 billion.
In contrast, at the time this estimate
was made the cost of climate protec-
tion was just one percent of the
worldwide gross domestic product.
Back in December 1997, the
imperial city of Kyoto, Japan,
welcomed thousands of delegates
from across the globe to a confer-
ence devoted to climate protection.
Ever since then, climate protection
has been identified with one name –
the Kyoto Protocol, an amendment
to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) signed by 154 nations
in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Under
this convention, the formulation of
global climate protection targets is
the responsibility of the UN Climate
Change Conferences. The Kyoto
Protocol came into force in 2005
and expires in 2012, and is the first
such agreement to lay down bind-
ing target values for emissions of
greenhouse gases.
During what is known as the first
commitment period from 2008 to
2012, the industrial nations pledge
to reduce their greenhouse gas emis-
sions by an average of 5.2 percent
compared to 1990 levels. Six gases are
subject to regulation – carbon dioxide
(CO2, serves as a reference value),
methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O),
partially halogenated hydrofluoro-
carbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons
(PFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
In July 2008, the G8 Summit in
Toyako, Japan, vowed to uphold
the spirit of Kyoto. The world’s
eight major industrial nations have
now expressly declared their com-
mitment to halving greenhouse gas
emissions by 2050.
As part of the Kyoto Protocol, a
special system known as burden
sharing applies in Europe. Under
this system, a group of signatory
states can fulfill the targets for
greenhouse gas emissions on a joint
basis. For the EU, that means a bot-
tom line of minus eight percent by
2012. By implementing a reduction
of 21 percent, Germany wants to
achieve three quarters of the entire
savings potential in Europe. And
the Germans are keen to continue
setting the pace with plans for 40
 The Bayer Climate Program
8 9
percent fewer emissions by 2020
compared to 1990 – provided the EU
as a whole reduces greenhouse gas
emissions by 30 percent in the same
period.

In August 2007, the German

government agreed on the cor-
nerstones of an integrated energy
and climate program, a catalog of
29 individual measures to reduce
the energy consumed by heating,
domestic appliances, cars and
businesses. The aim is to more than
double the proportion of renew-
able energy used in the generation
of power, increasing it to up to 30
percent by 2030. The volume of
energy produced by cogeneration
will also be boosted significantly by cut the heat energy required by six
2020 while, in the future, new build- percent. Every home could make en-
ings should use renewable sources ergy savings of more than 10 percent
to cover 15 percent of their energy simply by switching off the standby
requirements. function on televisions, CD players
and computers. The energy con-
It’s important to remember that sumption of some refrigerators and
it’s not just companies that can freezers can be two or three times
and should contribute to climate that of others. Energy-saving lights
protection – it’s also up to the use 80 percent less power than con-
average man and woman on the ventional lightbulbs. And by leaving
street. Energy saving begins at home. the car at home more often or simply
70 percent of the energy consumed taking your foot off the gas, you can
within a household is used for both play your part in protecting
heating purposes, yet a one degree the climate and relieve some of the
reduction in room temperature can strain on your wallet.

IN BRIEF Examples of a proactive approach to

climate protection include the use of al-
+ Climate protection is a major global challenge.
ternative energies (such as wind power),
+ The Kyoto Protocol marks a sea change in inter-
national climate policy. The first commitment environmentally friendly new technolo-
period draws to a close in 2012. gies (e.g. in automotive engineering)
+ Overall, Europe aims to cut its greenhouse gas and changes in the home (use of energy-
emissions by 20 percent by 2020. saving lightbulbs, etc.).
+ Germany aims to achieve a reduction of
40 percent if the EU strives for a reduction
of 30 percent.
 THE BAYER CLIMATE PROGRAM

ONE BILLION FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION

According to IPCC findings, climate change will bring about dramatic changes to our lives and
the ecosystems. Much depends on how rapidly this change takes place and how mankind responds
to it. In the period to 2010 alone, Bayer is investing EUR 1 billion in a unique climate protection
program.

As a large industrial company,
Bayer is responsible for emitting
greenhouse gases. However, as a
research-based company, Bayer also
helps to save energy and protect
the environment. “We are, above
all, part of the solution,” says Bayer
Chairman Werner Wenning.
When it comes to effective climate
protection, the rate of innovation
influences the rate at which climate
change progresses – such innova-
tion includes the intelligent applica-
tion of cutting-edge techniques, new
technologies for more efficient use
of energies and the development of
alternative fuels.
Lowering Bayer’s own CO2 emissions and developing new solutions for climate
protection and tackling climate change – the Bayer Climate Program was launched
at an international press conference in Leverkusen in November 2007.
Ambitious production targets and
major investment in the develop-
ment of climate-friendly products
and processes are the hallmarks
of the Bayer Climate Program – an
action plan that pools the company’s
technological expertise. Bayer is one
of the first DAX 30 groups to bring
together all of its global measures
for climate protection. EUR 1 billion
are available for this project over the
period to 2010 alone.
Bayer has been actively involved in
climate protection for many years.
Between 1990 and 2007, the Group
reduced its carbon dioxide emissions
by over 37 percent. Bayer Material-
Science, the most energy-intensive
of the subgroups, is set to lower its
specific greenhouse gas emissions
per metric ton of sold product by
a quarter by 2020. Over the same
period, Bayer CropScience and
Bayer HealthCare will reduce their
greenhouse gases by 15 percent and
five percent respectively in absolute
terms. The Bayer Climate Program
has also initiated pioneering projects
(see following pages) and Bayer
products are already helping to
save energy and conserve resources
in many different ways. Examples
include products for insulating
buildings and refrigerators and for
constructing lightweight automotive
components.
Bayer was the only European
company in the industry to be
named “Best in Class” in the Carbon
Disclosure Leadership Index in 2008
for the fourth time in a row. Of the
500 largest listed companies in the
world, this first global ranking for
climate protection selects those that
offer effective strategies for tackling
climate change. This index identi-
fies Bayer as an international leader
in climate protection.
 IN BRIEF The Bayer Climate Program
+ Between 1990 and 10 11
2007, the Bayer Group
reduced its greenhouse agement and support to scientists companies. Bayer views the Climate
gas emissions by over and young people involved in Program as a fully integrated plan
37 percent.
developing solutions for climate of action. That means that the over
+ Bayer expects to change. For example, the Bayer 100,000 staff employed by the Group
maintain its absolute
greenhouse gas emis- Science & Education Foundation have an important role to play – after
sions at 2007 levels has established new programs based all, it’s all about leading by example.
until 2020 despite the around the topic of “Climate Change When it comes to business trips,
growth in production
volumes. – Climate Protection.” These include for example, the Group is turning
the Bayer Climate Award which was to more climate-conscious means
+ Bayer is investing EUR
1 billion in a unique launched in 2008 and is presented of mobility and using conferencing
climate program in the every two years. Boasting a prize technology that makes many flights
period to 2010 alone. fund of EUR 50,000, this interna- redundant. “EcoFleet” is an initiative
tional prize is awarded for work in to increasingly employ vehicles with
climate research. The Foundation’s lower carbon dioxide emissions.
A commitment to social issues “Bayer Climate Fellows” project Ambitious climate protection tar-
and a contribution to sustainable supports particularly committed and gets can only be achieved with the
development are the cornerstones talented young people. In addition, help of new ideas and new technolo-
of the Bayer corporate philosophy. Bayer also puts its expertise to good gies. Climate protection is the door
That’s why part of the Bayer Climate use in an ongoing process of dialogue to major new opportunities – and
Program focuses on giving encour- with politicians, NGOs and other innovation is the key.

Bayer is setting the standard in climate protection with a carefully integrated portfolio of projects and measures. The Climate Check
is a control instrument for use in production that identifies potential for saving energy and cutting CO2 levels while also taking pre-
production processes into account. The EcoCommercial Building offers a concept for a zero-emission building that is applicable in all
climate zones. And with concepts for higher yields on smaller areas, biotechnology from Bayer supports the agriculture of the future.
 ECOCOMMERCIAL BUILDING
INTELLIGENT BUILDING
According to figures from the IPCC, energy consumption in
buildings accounts for almost 20 percent of total greenhouse
gas emissions worldwide.
In Central Europe, the primary
concern is to protect houses
against the cold. In warmer climes
the situation is reversed, with
large amounts of energy devoted
to keeping buildings cool. Insulat-
ing materials with low thermal
conductivity are particularly suitable
for preventing both heat loss and
heat gain. Using rigid polyurethane
foams is therefore a particularly
convincing solution in terms of the
energy balance. The energy saved by
polyurethane insulating materials is
more than 70 times that required for
their lifecycle (production, transport
and usage).
IN BRIEF
+ Almost 20 percent of all
greenhouse gas emissions
are the result of energy
consumption in buildings.
+ Bayer’s EcoCommercial
Building – using BMS
technology to create zero-
emission buildings.
+ The first EcoCommercial
Building in New Delhi aims
to consume 70 percent
less energy.
Bayer MaterialScience is a world
leader in the polyurethane
industry. Polyurethanes are an
integral component of a pioneering
project being carried out as part of
the Bayer Climate Program – the
“EcoCommercial Building.” Ap-
plicable throughout the world, this
concept for zero-emission buildings
in the commercial and industrial
sector subscribes to the idea that
adapting a building to the climate
is better than adapting its cooling
and heating system to the climate.
The best materials, systems and
technologies are brought together to
define a new standard in sustainable
industrial architecture. Experts are
confident that intelligent use of ef-
ficient insulating materials can halve
the energy consumption of build-
ings – a proposal that is naturally of
considerable economic interest to
investors, too.
Based on insulation made of Bayer
materials and the building’s own
resources for generating renewable
solar energy, the EcoCommercial
Building can meet its entire energy
needs itself – from power, heating
and hot water to cooling. Bayer also
provides components for photovol-
taic modules made of thermoplastic
polyurethanes. Polycarbonate panels
for transparent roofing, for example,
have an insulating effect and their
production process consumes less
energy than that of glass.
The EcoCommercial Building also
harnesses the energy storage capac-
ity of concrete, supports and ceilings
to balance the temperature through-
out the cycle of day and night.
When the sun shines, a battery
stores energy. Based on an annual
average, this innovative building
generates at least as much energy as
it draws from the supplier.
The first EcoCommercial Build-
ing is being built near New Delhi
in India. In this part of the world,
it is not unusual for temperatures
in the shade to reach 40 degrees
Celsius and, on a yearly average,
the temperature barely falls below
25 degrees. Nevertheless, Bayer
MaterialScience’s 1,200-square-
meter Innovation Center and an
additional display hall of almost
the same size are set to require a
good 70 percent less energy than
conventional buildings in this
region – while still ensuring rooms
remain at a comfortable tempera-
ture. The building is scheduled to
open in 2009.
 The Bayer Climate Program
12 13

EcoCommercial Building
Sophisticated design, intelligent use of cutting-edge technology and expertise from Bayer MaterialScience all combine to
make the EcoCommercial Building an environmentally friendly and economical building solution for the future.

Solar power Makrolon roof

The solar cells are embed- The high-tech plastic
ded in thermoplastic provides protection
polyurethane from Bayer from the heat and is
MaterialScience. lightweight and break-
resistant. This makes it
the ideal choice for the
atrium roofing.

Window design
Stepped facade The size of the windows is
The lower section of the determined by the amount
building is set back under the of daylight required at the
upper section. This reduces workplaces in the building.
the amount of sun shining
Insulating material directly into the building.
Polyurethane reduces
Cold storage
the thermal conductiv-
During the day, the build-
ity of the building. In
ing supports, floor panels
terms of insulating
and ceiling panels cool the
performance, the plastic
surroundings by absorb-
outstrips all commonly
ing warmth. This warmth is
used materials.
released at night.

Effective insulation can halve a build-

ing’s energy consumption. The lower the
thermal conductivity of the insulating
material, the more effectively it will
prevent heat loss and gain. As poly-
urethane has extremely low thermal
conductivity, insulation panels made of
this plastic are the ideal way to achieve
dramatic reductions in heating and cool-
ing requirements.
 AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION

STRESS-TOLERANT PLANTS
The world’s population is increasing all the time. 850 million people are suffering from hunger and
malnutrition. Yet at the same time, growing prosperity in the emerging nations is bringing about
a rapid change in consumer habits. Demand for foodstuffs is rising and the land available for
cultivation is becoming scarce.

The expected increase in average
temperatures poses serious conse-
quences for humankind and nature
and has a considerable impact on the
production of staple foods. This can
be a contributory factor in food crises.
The relationship between the
climate and plant growth is a
complex one. Although many
plants are able to withstand high
temperatures, there are limits to
how much heat they can tolerate.
Abiotic stress factors – such as heat,
drought, increased light stress and
soil salinity – can reduce yields by
up to 80 percent. Climate research-
ers expect extreme weather events
like hurricanes, floods and droughts

to become more frequent. These
phenomena have the power to
destroy entire crops and thus cause
food shortages.
The solution is to develop strate-
gies, capable of supplying food to
a global population that, according
to estimates, is growing at the rate
of 80 million people each year. How
can we safeguard crops and increase
yields? Fossil fuels are increas-
ingly scarce and energy is becoming
more expensive. Could plants be
the alternative fuel that can fill the
gap and help to improve the global
climate? How can the issue of global
bioenergy production be reconciled
with the need to meet the world-
wide demand for food?
Safeguarding and boosting crop
yields plays a vital role. As part
of the Bayer Climate Program, the
Bayer CropScience subgroup has
initiated a number of projects to
make plants more stress-resistant
IN BRIEF
+ Demand for foodstuffs is
growing, but they are be-
coming increasingly difficult
to produce.
+ The production of bioenergy
must be reconciled with the
need to meet the demand for
food.
+ Use of new crop protection
solutions, optimized cultiva-
tion technology and cutting-
edge biotechnology.
and achieve a significant increase
in agricultural productivity, i.e.
the yield per hectare of land under
cultivation. In addition, research is
being carried out into ways to make
greater use of plants as fuels, while
ensuring that the cultivation of
such plants does not conflict with
the production of food.
Bayer is carrying out intensive
research into solutions that can
help to meet the growing demand
for agricultural products. This can
only be achieved by using an inte-
grated approach that encompasses
The Bayer Climate Program
14 15
new crop protection solutions, seeds
with higher potential yields, and
optimized crop rotation, irriga-
tion technology and fertilization.
This approach also represents new
opportunities in terms of modern
plant cultivation methods and
recognizes the potential of state-
of-the-art plant biotechnology. If
harvests are to be safeguarded, com-
prehensive crop protection is more
essential than ever before – and
that’s where Bayer CropScience’s
extensive experience in this area
comes in. New active ingredients
help to protect harvests. Research
shows a close correlation between
the stress factors drought, heat, cold
and high light intensity, and energy
metabolism in plants. Bayer is work-
ing on biotech solutions for use in
this field.

Grain is a staple food for a large proportion of the world’s population. Cereals that deliver a higher yield could help to safeguard
food supplies for people worldwide.
Today’s modern technology can make plants more resistant and deliver higher yields. This in turn helps to meet the needs of the
ever-increasing global population. At Bayer CropScience’s research center in Ghent, Belgium, work is carried out to optimize crop
plants such as rice, canola (below right) and cotton (below left).
 IN BRIEF
+ Controversy surrounds the
use of canola as a source of
biofuel.
+ Excessive cultivation of
canola as a fuel could have
a negative impact on the
production of food crops.
+ Bayer is developing higher-
yielding canola and promot-
ing Jatropha curcas
as an alternative
source of biofuel.
Scientists working on canola have
succeeded in reducing the activity
of a gene responsible for generating
high energy consumption when
the plant reacts to stress – a factor
that can lead to dramatic crop
losses. Under dry field conditions,
plants with reduced defensive
reactions to stress demonstrated a
considerable increase in yield. This
research is now being extended to
corn, cotton and rice. One chemical
approach is based on the stress-re-
ducing effect of established active
ingredients used in crop protec-
tion. For example, certain insecti-
cides can have a positive effect on
growth regardless of whether the
plant is infested with insects or
not. Bayer crop protection products
containing the active ingredient
imidacloprid – sold under the
brand names Gaucho, Admire and
Confidor – significantly increase
the salt tolerance of rice.
Canola is the subject of contro-
versial discussion. The discussion
revolves around the question of
whether, and to what extent, the
potential of biofuels should be har-
nessed as an alternative to fossil fu-
els. Canola is a raw material for the
production of biodiesel. Compared
to conventional fuel, biodiesel can
reduce CO2 emissions considerably.
Canola therefore makes a good fuel
and is good for the environment.
However, canola is a food crop. In
view of rising food prices and the
need to safeguard supplies, the ex-
cessive use of food crops to produce
fuel for cars is a contentious issue.
Bayer is following this debate
very closely and is addressing the
issue in two ways. The first is an
innovative means of significantly
increasing the productivity of canola
cultivation – InVigor, a high-yielding
variety of canola developed by Bayer
CropScience in Canada, delivers a
biodiesel yield around 20 percent
higher than that of similar seeds. The
second involves the development of
innovative crop protection solutions
for a plant that can produce the oil
of the future. This plant is Jatropha
curcas, a member of the Euphorbia
family that was formerly used for its
purgative properties. This high-yield-
ing oil crop does not conflict with
the production of foodstuffs and, in
a few years time, it could replace a
significant proportion of the demand
for diesel fuel in India.
 The Bayer Climate Program
16 17
Jatropha prospers on barren
GREEN LUNGS ground that is unsuitable for the
cultivation of food crops. More than
30 percent of the seed of Jatropha (or
purging nut) is made up of inedible
oil. With a cetane number of around
60 (compared to canola’s 54), it is
one of the world’s most effective
vegetable oils for use in technical
applications. The plant helps to
regenerate the soil and protect the
climate.

Forests are the green lungs of the Earth. Like all green plants, trees
use photosynthesis to bind carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. By
cleansing the Earth’s atmosphere, forests carry out a crucial and
irreplaceable role. However, they are under great threat as a result
of fires, slash and burn cultivation, and deforestation which destroy
around one million hectares of forest each year. We need the forests
to help us tackle climate change – so saving them is one of the most
important aspects of climate protection. That’s why Bayer is support-
ing “Plant for the Planet: the Billion Tree Campaign” organized by the
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Bayer CropScience is helping to make the cultivation of raw materials for biofuels and of
foodstuffs more compatible by carrying out research into stress-resistant, high-yielding
plants and developing innovative crop protection solutions for Jatropha.
 CLIMATE PROTECTION AND THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

THE BAYER CLIMATE CHECK

Energy is fundamental to chemistry. For virtually every single developments in the generation,
storage and usage of energy would
process, the chemical industry requires power, gas or heat. be practically impossible without
new solutions in the chemical
industry.

Innovative technologies and products
from the chemical industry play an
important role in conserving resources
and protecting the climate.
Bayer analyzes its production sites
worldwide in order to minimize
emissions of gases that impact on
the climate.
Raw materials and energy are
key production and cost factors.
For that reason alone, companies
have a vested interest in using
resources as efficiently as they possi-
bly can. Chemistry has a key role to
play in environmental and climate
protection. Throughout their life
span, many products of chemi-
cal production are already saving
considerably more energy than they
require during their manufactur-
ing process. Equally, technologies
and products from the chemical
industry are helping to save energy
in other fields and thereby prevent
greenhouse gas emissions. Crucial
This is where the “Bayer Climate
Check” comes in. The Group
uses this tool developed by Bayer
Technology Services to analyze
production processes worldwide
– including aspects such as raw
materials, logistics and energy –
and determine their interaction
with the climate. This check affects
around 100 subgroup plants that
are responsible for 85 percent of the
greenhouse gases emitted as a result
of Bayer production. It is expected
that emissions of direct and indirect
greenhouse gases in the Group will
be reduced by a further five to 10
percent.
 IN BRIEF The Bayer Climate Program

+ The chemical industry

18 19
offers a wide range of po-
tential solutions to protect Conserving Resources Protecting the Climate e
the environment and the Science For A Better Life

climate.
+ The Bayer Climate Check
– an objective instrument
that analyzes production Bayer is developing solutions that will
processes to determine
their interaction with the reduce the “Climate Footprint,” which sym-
climate. bolizes the negative effects humankind’s
+ Overall goal – the ongoing actions have on the climate. An advertising
reduction of greenhouse campaign clearly illustrates the Group’s
gas emissions in the
Group. commitment to the environment.

What effects do the raw materi-
als used have on the climate?
Are the type of energy used and the
means of supply as efficient as they
can be? What is the best way to or-
ganize logistics processes? From an
ecological production perspective,
these are all extremely pertinent
questions.
The Bayer Climate Check stands
out because it is transparent and
easy to understand. It is made up of
two components – the specially de-
veloped key performance indicator
“Climate Footprint” identifies the
quantities crucial to evaluating the The Bayer Climate Check is an
impact different process variants objective instrument that enables
and sites have on the climate. It Bayer to ensure transparent, sustain-
serves as an important source able documentation and internal
of information for investment reporting. The Climate Footprint has
plans and technology projects, for been certified by TÜV Süd, an official
example. The second component inspection agency in Germany.
is the “Climate Impact Analysis,” a
systematic, climate-focused exami-
nation of manufacturing processes
and production plants. Once the
potential for saving CO2 has been
identified, it is possible to assess
measures for optimizing processes
and plants.

Bayer checks its production plants worldwide to determine how their processes interact
with the climate.
Transportation

Raw materials

Reduced emissions

A gglobal commitment to the climate

BBayer is taking steps to increase efficiency at some
Bay
100 plants worldwide. The map shows the Group’s
key sites across the world. Bayer checks what effect
Products raw materials, logistics and the energy used have on
Heat the climate. This allows production to be optimized
Cooling fur
further and made more climate-friendly.
Production
Electricity
CHILDREN’S PAINTING COMPETITION ORGANIZED BY UNEP AND BAYER

LIVING WITH
CLIMATE CHANGE

Lakshmi Shree (10), INDIA

A lack of rain and a sinking groundwater table have already caused the level of the lake on
the edge of the city of Bengaluru to drop by half. Lakshmi, who lives in this metropolis in
southern India, chose this as the place to present her image of climate change. As her pic-
ture clearly illustrates, the felling of trees in India is playing a key role in climate change.
Jiang Ziyan (9), CHINA
In her picture, Jiang from Beijing chose to highlight the negative effects of burning coal.
She presents her picture in a coal mine near the Chinese capital – a city that suffers
more from air pollution than almost any other.
 The Bayer Climate Program
A CHALLENGE FROM THE CHILDREN 22 23

How do children perceive CLIMATE CHANGE?

Every year, Bayer and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) organize an
International Children’s Painting Competition. In 2007, the young artists were asked to focus
on the topic of climate change. 13,500 children from 104 countries sent in their pictures
which captured their experiences, fears and hopes ... and set a clear challenge to the adults.
Although they were all very different, all of the paintings expressed one common message:
“Take care of our planet. It’s the only one we have!”
Working on behalf of Bayer, photographer Peter Ginter (see photo below) visited eight of the
young artists in their home countries. He photographed them and their paintings in their
local environment. The images make it strikingly clear that the children’s paintings relate
directly to their own personal experience – they are uncomfortably close to the bone.
 The Bayer Climate Program
24 25

Zayaan Masood (12), BANGLADESH

Time and time again, people in Bangladesh are forced to
gather up all their belongings and flee from flooding.
This sad reality is echoed in this painting by Zayaan (in
the yellow T-shirt) from Dhaka.
 The Bayer Climate Program
26 27

Renée Wang (13), UNITED STATES

In fall 2007, a lengthy period of persistent heat and dryness unleashed cata-
strophic forest fires in California. Renée from Saratoga presents her picture in a
charred forest near San Diego. It depicts how people react to disasters triggered
by their actions – disasters they could also prevent.
Rajarshi Khan (12), INDIA
The Bayer Climate Program
Rajarshi’s painting shows humankind at a crossroads. Man can choose whether to pollute
28 29
or rescue the Earth – he has the knowledge and ability to do both. Rajarshi presents his
picture against a backdrop of felled trees in Ranchi in north-east India where forests are
disappearing on a daily basis – a resource the Earth cannot afford to lose.
 The Bayer Climate Program
30 31

Guy Nindorera (12),

BURUNDI
“If we destroy the trees, we put
our lives in danger,” says Guy from
Bujumbura, the capital of Burun-
di. “Without trees, there will be
erosion and floods and people will
starve.” Guy presents his picture
in the bed of the Ntahangwa river,
the banks of which are scarred by
deforestation and soil erosion.
Charlotte Sullivan (11), UNITED KINGDOM
The Earth has lost its protective power and is turning its back on humanity. Charlotte
from Godalming near London won first place in the International Children’s Paint-
ing Competition with this striking picture. She says: “Not even all the powerful
people in the world can prevent the Earth spinning out of control. It’s up to every
single one of us to do something about climate change.”
The Bayer Climate Program
32 33
 The Bayer Climate Program
34 35

A warning, a task – and hope

for the future.
With their impressive pictures,
the young artists made a total of
almost 30,000 calls for action in
2007 and 2008. A small selection
of these images is included in
postcard form.

Entries for the 18th International

Children’s Painting Competition
organized by UNEP and Bayer
can be submitted until June 5,
2009. The theme is: “Climate
Change: Our Challenge.”

Further details are available at

www.unep.bayer.com. In ad-
dition to a wide range of other
information, the video “Solutions
to Climate Change” is available
to view and download at www.
climate.bayer.com.

MASTHEAD : Publisher Bayer AG 51368 Leverkusen Editor Iwan Zinn iwan.zinn.iz@bayer-ag.de Bayer online www.bayer.com
Image rights agentur grintsch Bayer AG corbis getty images istockphoto Design agentur grintsch, Cologne English edition CURRENTA GmbH & Co. OHG Language Service
Typesetting and printing: Kunst- und Werbedruck, Bad Oeynhausen
Science For A Better Life