Table.Briefings

Feature

Germany makes climate core of foreign policy – and weakens its position at COP28

On Wednesday, the German Federal Cabinet adopted the "Strategy on Climate Foreign Policy" based on a proposal from the Federal Foreign Office: The aim is to align all policy areas with global climate targets and the energy transition. However, regarding phasing out fossil fuels, the strategy undermines and weakens Germany's position at COP28.

By Bernhard Pötter

Study: Tipping points as disasters – or as positive change

A new study warns of the enormous impact of climate tipping points, but also shows the power of positive social change. It says policymakers must actively support these positive tipping points through innovation, money and behavioral and norm changes.

By Nico Beckert

Limits for disposable fashion

Many retailers will no longer be allowed to destroy unsold clothing in the EU. This was agreed by the negotiators in the last trilogue of the Ecodesign Regulation. Consumer advocates complain that the rules for online stores are too lax and business associations that reporting obligations are too strict.

By Manuel Berkel

Solarpanels aus China: Abhängigkeitsfaktor für EU

Large parts of the solar industry oppose tariffs

The solar industry is in disagreement over how to deal with competition from China. The reason for the divide: companies are affected differently. While manufacturers suffer, the downstream segment benefits from low prices.

By Christiane Kuehl

Background: cities and regions

Cities around the world would have to invest more in climate adaptation. However, local actors complain about a lack of funding and that their concerns are not sufficiently reflected in national climate action plans. What developments could be expected at COP28?

By