Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and the Federal Environment Agency remain silent on the government’s plans for the Building Modernization Act (GMG). Among other things, the way protections for renters have been designed is likely to be a key factor in the law’s impact on CO₂ emissions.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
15 and 40 years after the Fukushima and Chernobyl nuclear disasters, politicians and some sections of industry are promising a massive expansion in nuclear energy to meet climate targets. However, a lack of industrial capacity, companies and funding means it is simply not going to happen.
By Bernhard Pötter
Changing economic sentiment: The Sustainable Transformation Monitor shows companies reporting progress on social and environmental transformation. At the same time, more firms see politics as an obstacle. The share of companies with climate targets is rising.
By Ferdinand Fröhlich and Kai Schöneberg
Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has cut off about one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply. Experts warn the resulting price spikes could jeopardize efforts to refill European gas storage ahead of next winter.
By Manuel Berkel
While China is reducing its carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, they are rising in the US, Russia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia – pushing global greenhouse gas emissions slightly higher overall. Methane emissions have also reached a record high.
By Nico Beckert
International emissions credits risk undermining Europe’s climate targets and driving up domestic emissions. At the same time, they could tie up substantial funding that would otherwise support the energy transition.
By Lukas Knigge
Social welfare organizations and the Climate Alliance are calling for climate action that benefits everyone. They want to ensure that investments in renewables and climate-neutral mobility deliver tangible benefits – especially for low-income households.
By Lisa Kuner
The European Investment Bank is testing new ways to boost energy efficiency: Small and midsize enterprises would no longer have to buy equipment, but could instead rent it as a service from third-party partners.
By Nick Nuttall
Germany’s Economy Ministry is planning to end the feed-in tariff for small solar systems. Instead, utility-scale ground-mounted PV is to be expanded more strongly. Whether that keeps the 22-gigawatt expansion target within reach is, however, doubtful.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt and Nico Beckert
Germany’s governing parties argue that the country’s climate targets remain achievable even if gas- and oil-fired heating systems continue to be installed. A proposed green gas quota is intended to offset the resulting emissions. However, many experts urge caution.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt and Nico Beckert
