Countries are obligated to protect the climate as ambitiously as possible, and if they fail to do so, they can be held accountable: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has decided this in an advisory opinion. Experts and NGOs are calling it a breakthrough.
By Alexandra Endres
The authority is taking up a key demand from industry, which fears for its competitiveness in the global market. The new EU climate target of a 90 percent reduction in emissions by 2040, on the other hand, has not gone down well with industry everywhere.
By Lukas Knigge
The Federal Ministry of Economics has awarded the contract for the crucial energy monitoring to the EWI in a roundabout way. Both the contractor and the content of the contract have been criticized.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
Denmark takes over the EU Council Presidency in July. Climate policy is at the top of the agenda - albeit less for emissions reduction and more for low prices and competitiveness.
By Lukas Bayer
The government's draft budget shifts many items back and forth when it comes to climate action, but the total remains roughly the same as before. In the short term, more money could be available for climate investments. However, the international target of EUR 6 billion in climate aid will probably not be reached.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
The World Bank wants to work with African countries, banks, companies and foundations to connect 300 million people in Africa to the electricity grid by 2030. Environmentalists and civil society praise the project as a great opportunity, but oppose the expansion of gas alongside renewables.
By Viktor Funk
The financing of climate policy remains a hot topic at SB62 in mid-June. Business consultants and scientists are now calling for a change of perspective: International climate financing is not development aid, but rather protects supply chains and corporate values in the self-interest of the global North.
By Nico Beckert
The Hamm Higher Regional Court rejects the lawsuit brought by mountain guide Saúl Luciano Lliuya against RWE, but considers fossil fuel companies to be fundamentally responsible for the consequences of climate change. The plaintiff sees this as a groundbreaking success. RWE takes a completely different view.
By Alexandra Endres
The EU is now demanding that oil and gas companies set up geological CO₂ storage facilities that enable CCS and CO₂ removal technologies such as direct air capture (DACCS) and bioenergy with CCS (BECCS). For the German government, however, removing CO₂ from the atmosphere is a low priority. However, the Climate Council, scientists and associations are calling for exactly this.
By Nico Beckert
Environmentalists propose using climate and nature conservation to improve defense readiness: Marshes and wetlands in Poland, the Baltic States, and Finland should secure NATO's eastern flank and simultaneously boost the market for voluntary peatland certificates in Europe.
By Bernhard Pötter
