The difficult negotiations at COP27 get off to a positive start. The Global South puts "loss and damage" on the agenda. The EU fails with a debate on redirecting financial flows.
By Bernhard Pötter
Amid the climate crisis, Egypt faces risks of water shortages, floods and loss of land. The host country of the COP27 nevertheless relies fully on gas and hesitates to expand renewables. The climate conference is an opportunity to mediate between the North and South.
By Bernhard Pötter
The climate conference in Egypt is supposed to become an "implementation COP". Instead of making new promises, the old ones are to be honored: More money for loss and damage, climate finance and climate adaptation. Furthermore, fossil fuels could make a comeback.
By Lukas Knigge
Brazil's next president has already greatly reduced deforestation rates in the Amazon rainforest once, according to climate scientist Carlos Nobre. Lula could achieve this again. But he will need international support: deforestation-free supply chains, billions in funding, and strict rules to ensure that the money actually benefits the forest.
By Alexandra Endres
On Nov. 8, the US Congress will be chosen in the midterm elections. A Republican victory in either or both chambers of the House would also change the climate agenda of the Biden administration. Here are the key areas.
By Redaktion Table
Governments from Africa and Europe pledge climate protection and simultaneously want to produce more natural gas. At COP in Egypt, this controversial topic is officially excluded. But it will still play an important role. The tug-of-war between supporters and opponents has begun.
By Bernhard Pötter
The outcome of the election in Brazil will play a decisive role in global climate protection. If the incumbent Jair Bolsonaro wins, scientists fear the irreversible destruction of the Amazon rainforest. But challenger Luis Inácio Lula da Silva will also have his hands full when it comes to forest protection. And even though the climate issue is "a priority" for him, Lula is also betting on more Brazilian oil.
By Daniela Chiaretti
China's President Xi Jinping is about to serve a third term as head of state. Under him, climate policy became important in the country with the highest carbon emissions. Emissions have been curbed and renewables greatly expanded. But experts doubt that the green transformation will happen faster in the future. Both growth pressure and the coal lobby are too strong, and internal and international crises are too dominant.
By Nico Beckert
The Indian government has now officially recognized that carbon markets and emissions trading are to play an important role in decarbonization. A law to this effect is to be passed at the end of the year. Many details are still unclear, but trading could begin from mid-2023.
By Redaktion Table
The coal phase-out in South Africa is seen as a test case of how industrialized countries can help emerging economies with rapid and socially cushioned climate protection. A year ago, the Europeans and the USA promised the African state $8.5 billion for the Just Transition Energy Partnership. So far, costs and details have remained vague. Now South Africa has presented its price tag for the green transition.
By Bernhard Pötter
