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
When China's President Xi Jinping announced a halt to the construction of new coal projects abroad at the UN General Assembly in September 2021, the global community breathed a sigh of relief. A year later, the loopholes in the promise are becoming apparent: even today, new coal-fired power plants are still being built with Chinese support. Nevertheless, the announcement remains a positive signal for climate policy. And China wants to invest more in renewables abroad in the future.
By Nico Beckert
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
In his first report, new UN Special Rapporteur Ian Fry, responsible for human rights in climate change, criticizes the deadlock in climate negotiations. He calls for hotly contested measures: A fund to repair climate-related damage, outlawing fossil fuels, a tribunal against fossil fuel investors. At the upcoming climate summit, his arguments will cause a stir.
By Alexandra Endres
