This week's G20 summit will be held against a backdrop of geopolitical upheavals. It ushers in a climate diplomacy marathon through to the end of the year. As Germany's representative, it falls to the Chancellor to push for ambitious results and make offers to Germany's partners in the Global South.
By Redaktion Table
Does Germany need its own photovoltaic industry? This question has been debated in recent weeks in the dispute over the pros and cons of subsidies. Rutger Schlatmann, Head of the Solar Energy division at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, is certain: In order to be a leader in research, domestic industry is necessary.
By Redaktion Table
Just Energy Transition Partnerships are intended to promote decarbonization in developing and emerging countries, such as South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam and Senegal. But the agreements reached so to date have neglected social justice aspects. This poses risks – including for climate action.
By Redaktion Table
Air travel is the privilege of a minority. Although a majority in Germany and other countries support limiting air traffic for the sake of the climate, politicians have so far failed to implement viable proposals. In times of climate crisis, this is hard to comprehend.
By Redaktion Table
Climate science shows: The 1.5-degree target can still be met. To stop fighting for it would be tantamount to giving big emitters carte blanche – and would fail all people who live in places that lack resources and opportunities to adapt to a warming world.
By Redaktion Table
At the Paris climate finance summit, African leaders made clear demands – and have been heard. With Zambia's debt restructuring and Senegal's partnership for a just energy transition, tangible progress was achieved. In the future, Africa must continue to have an equal seat at the table to ensure that the global financial system benefits all.
By Redaktion Table
The loss and damage fund was adopted at COP27. At SB58 in Bonn, negotiations on its design will take place. Harjeet Singh of Climate Action Network International criticizes the delaying tactics and "half-hearted efforts" of wealthy states. Singh argues that the fund must be based on the "polluter pays principle" and hold those responsible for the climate crisis responsible. He calls for a redirection of fossil fuel subsidies and progressive taxes on shipping and aviation.
By Redaktion Table
Angela Merkel traditionally used the Petersberg Climate Dialogue for strong announcements. Olaf Scholz, on the other hand, has so far eroded Germany's climate policy credibility with his policies. Petersberg now offers him the opportunity to make amends.
By Redaktion Table
At least half of all greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the extraction and processing of resources. Circular economy can limit consumption – a decisive but often overlooked lever in climate action and nature protection. At their meeting in Japan, the G7 environment ministers are working to change that.
By Redaktion Table
Even after the agreement reached by the coalition committee, the German government's climate action plans leave many questions unanswered. Germany needs a comprehensive long-term strategy to achieve its climate targets – but there is no such strategy. The German Science Platform Climate Protection (WPKS) explains which points it should include.
By Redaktion Table
