Despite some progress, the German government's climate policy is still rated as "insufficient" by the Climate Action Tracker. The traffic light coalition must accelerate the energy transition even further and develop a strategy for the transport sector – otherwise there is a risk of driving bans. Contributions to international climate financing should be tripled.
By Nico Beckert
The German state of Thuringia leads the country in reducing CO2 emissions and expanding renewables. The main reasons for this are the end of East Germany, good framework conditions, political will and massive electricity imports. However, climate action is not a priority for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Christian Democrats (CDU), the front-runners in the upcoming election.
By Bernhard Pötter
A new UN report warns of dramatically rising sea levels. Hundreds of millions of people are at risk. Above all, the existence of the Pacific island states is jeopardized. The economic damage is already estimated to be in the billions, and the first resettlement agreements have been signed.
By Nico Beckert
In Saxony, lignite and the energy transition are dominating the climate policy debates ahead of the state elections. Since the Greens joined the government, the expansion of renewables has been stepped up and new climate plans have been drawn up. Emissions have practically not fallen for 20 years.
By Bernhard Pötter
All eyes are on Berlin, but climate policy is also decided in the federal states. They are responsible for key tasks such as expanding renewables and financing the heating transition. Table.Briefings is launching a series of climate checks of the federal states ahead of the elections in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg.
By Bernhard Pötter
The debate on the hottest topic at COP29 has begun: What payments for global climate action would be fair? There is no answer, but there are tendencies: More countries and sectors should pay than before, especially the USA. As a donor, Germany is one of the few bright spots.
By Bernhard Pötter
A previously unreleased study commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action calculates for the first time how many billions in tax revenue the German government increased emissions and by how much – and which sector is benefiting the most.
By Bernhard Pötter
On a three-day trip, Robert Habeck wanted to debunk misinformation about heat pumps. Their sales figures fall well short of the Economy Ministry's expectations. However, they are significantly better than often reported, as the statistics convey a false picture.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
China has recently tested a system for filtering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (DAC). Thanks to its strength in mass production, the country could significantly contribute to reducing the costs of these technologies. The United States also provides billions in funding – and companies such as Climeworks are reporting progress. Nevertheless, the challenges remain significant.
By Nico Beckert
Just over six months after taking office, Argentina's President Javier Milei has dissolved the Ministry of Environment, established tax benefits for fossil fuels and significantly reduced state climate policy. Internationally, he has so far refrained from taking sharp positions.
By Redaktion Table
