The least developed countries resort to a new, more flexible negotiating strategy at COP. Depending on their own interests, they join forces with the classic developed countries – or remain firmly rooted in the G77. This way, they counter past attempts by large countries to dominate them and do everything in their power to keep the 1.5-degree limit within reach.
By Goswami Urmi
The long-awaited text at the conclusions of COP28 triggered a storm of outrage: No fossil fuel phase-out, new coal possible, high monetary demands for adaptation – all red lines of frontrunner countries. Who or what has driven conference chair Al Jaber to present this paper?
By Bernhard Pötter
The EU Parliament is adopting the final agreement on the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) today and the law is expected to come into force in January. The Commission could select the first strategic raw materials projects in just a few months.
By Leonie Düngefeld
Argentina's new President Javier Milei does not like dictatorships. Instead of making his country's economic recovery dependent on China, he is relying on the support of the USA and Europe. Threats from Beijing are followed by pragmatic advances from the regime.
By Marcel Grzanna
The vast majority of Hong Kongers have ignored the district elections. The reason: following a fundamental electoral reform by Beijing, they only see it as a sham election. Despite this, the city government celebrates the election as "open and fair."
By Jörn Petring
Recent data has shaken one of the foundations for the distribution of responsibility at the UN climate negotiations: Contrary to popular perception, developed countries and their historical emissions are no longer the main cause of global warming.
By Bernhard Pötter
The draft text for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) was finally published on the third-last day of COP28 and leaves many questions unanswered. Developing countries criticize the lack of benchmarks for progress and demand tangible financing. Much could be postponed until next year.
By Alexandra Endres
There is no universally recognized definition of the term "abated fossil fuels." This complicates negotiations on phasing out fossil fuels or reducing their use, as each country can use its own definition. However, there are already scientific approximations.
By Lukas Knigge
China stoically positions itself as a developing country at the current climate conference. This status brings advantages and fits in with Beijing's traditional role perception. But the narrative no longer is as convincing.
By Christiane Kuehl
The EU has reached a compromise on the regulation of artificial intelligence. The AI Act regulates some things differently than the German government wanted. The technical details will be fleshed out in the coming days. Thus, the discussion continues.
By Corinna Visser
