to the German edition

Few ideas on climate protection: The coalition negotiations between the CDU/CSU and SPD show little ambition on climate, environmental and energy issues. Although both parties are committed to the Paris Agreement and climate neutrality by 2045, many measures remain vague. The CDU/CSU wants to abolish the Heating Act, the SPD wants to revise it. There is a dispute over area requirements for the expansion of wind power, and a speed limit remains out of the question. Environmental protection rights are to be restricted and equalisation obligations for construction projects relaxed. CO₂ storage (CCS) is to be accelerated. In agriculture, the 30 per cent target for organic farming has been dropped and specific pesticide reductions have been cancelled. Wolf hunting rights are to be introduced and there is no consensus on the issue of genetic engineering. Rail transport is to be expanded, the Deutschlandticket continued – but more expensive. Nature conservation as a whole threatens to fall by the wayside. Criticism comes from the Green opposition. spektrum.de, tagesspiegel.de , rp-online.de (Green criticism)

Petersberg climate dialogue of the willing: At the Petersberg climate dialogue in Berlin last week, ministers and diplomats from around 40 countries discussed the future of international climate policy – for the first time without the USA, which withdrew from the Paris Agreement under President Trump. Foreign Minister Baerbock also sees this as an opportunity for new alliances. Despite the global crises, observers said there was a positive mood and a willingness to act together. However, scientists such as Johan Rockström warned urgently of accelerated global warming – the 1.5-degree limit was exceeded for the first time in 2023. The earth could become less resilient, which makes it necessary to act more quickly. An OECD-UNDP study shows that more climate protection is even economically beneficial. Nevertheless, political challenges remain: New climate targets are to be presented by September. Olaf Scholz sharply criticised the USA for its climate policy blockade. sueddeutsche.de, taz.de , klimareporter.de

In the next thousand years

global warming could be greater than previously assumed. This is shown in a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). Even in emission scenarios that are considered „safe“, feedback effects – such as thawing permafrost – could lead to the 2-degree limit being exceeded. The study is the first to take into account all known feedbacks in the carbon cycle over such a long period of time. It warns that even small changes in emissions can have significant long-term effects. According to the researchers, the Paris climate target can only be achieved with very low emissions and low climate sensitivity. The results emphasise the urgency of reducing emissions more quickly and actively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. sonnenseite.com

Trump’s climate policy – a step backwards at a global price: Donald Trump’s return to the White House marks the start of a drastic change of course in climate policy in the USA. The new head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lee Zeldin, is cancelling dozens of climate protection measures and blocking billions in funding for renewable energies. New offshore wind projects are also being stopped – in the name of cheap energy and economic freedom. Yet green technologies had boomed under President Biden: the Inflation Reduction Act massively boosted investment and employment in the sustainability sector – especially in Republican-governed states. Over 400,000 jobs were created, with more than 30 billion dollars invested in Georgia alone. Experts warn that the step backwards in climate policy not only jeopardises US jobs, but also global climate protection. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement weakens global efforts to reduce emissions – with high economic costs. Studies show: Inaction on climate protection could cost up to 27 per cent of global economic output. Resistance is coming from climate organisations and the judiciary. The first cuts have already been stopped by US courts. But as long as Trump’s government continues to rely on fossil fuels, there is a threat of international climate damage – with a huge bill for people, nature and the economy. dw.com

Efficient climate protection – market-based solutions and European cooperation needed: Climate change is already causing higher costs than combating it. A standardised, market-based CO₂ price is considered the most efficient instrument for reducing emissions. From 2027, an expanded EU emissions trading scheme should cover around 86 per cent of emissions – the aim is to achieve a uniform CO₂ price in the EU in order to avoid distortions. Germany should support ambitious EU climate targets and also include agriculture with its own emissions trading system. Cross-border electricity trading, smart grid expansion and the conversion of the gas infrastructure for green hydrogen are central to the energy transition. Decarbonisation requires cross-sectoral, European-coordinated planning. tagesspiegel.de

Environmental organisations urge faster measures to protect the Baltic Sea: One year after the planned Baltic Sea National Park was cancelled, environmental organisations are calling on the Schleswig-Holstein state government to step up its efforts to protect the Baltic Sea. The action plan that is to take effect instead must be implemented quickly, emphasise representatives of NABU, BUND and the state nature conservation association. In particular, the establishment of strictly protected areas without fishing and water sports must take place by the end of the year, they demand. The reduction of nutrient inputs into the Baltic Sea must also be much more ambitious, according to BUND state director Dietmar Ulbrich. Currently planned reductions are insufficient to fulfil the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive. Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt (Greens) referred to initial progress such as the new marine conservation centre and prepared protected area designations. He emphasised that the protection of the Baltic Sea was a task for generations. The SPD criticised the lack of implementation and political responsibility. The CDU was in favour of the action plan, insisting on measures to promote biodiversity and clean up old munitions. sueddeutsche.de

Climate investments boost prosperity: A new report by the OECD and UNDP shows that ambitious climate policy does not inhibit economic growth, but on the contrary promotes it. According to the report, a low-carbon economy can lead to greater prosperity through greater efficiency, innovation and reduced climate damage. By 2040, climate-friendly measures could increase global economic output by 0.2 per cent compared to the current rate – equivalent to Sweden’s current GDP. The study contradicts the trend of declining climate investments, for example in the USA, and emphasises that investments in clean technologies also make economic sense in the short term. Clean air reduces mortality, strengthens developing countries and can lift millions of people out of extreme poverty. It is therefore particularly important to link climate targets with concrete investment plans – also for emerging and developing countries. focus.de

BOOK TIP OF THE WEEK:

Ökonomie der Fürsorge

Why we need to rethink prosperity, health and work. Degrowth instead of economic growth, welfare state before profit, care and social justice instead of patriarchy

With The Economics of Care, the renowned economist Tim Jackson presents a powerful and at the same time deeply human book that calls for nothing less than a radical rethink: away from the dogma of growth and towards an economy that places care, health and social justice at the centre.

Jackson impressively shows how our current economic system systematically devalues care work – be it nursing, health or education. Although these activities are essential to the functioning of our society, they are considered secondary in the global competition for productivity and profit. With analytical acuity and personal depth, Jackson asks: How did it get this far – and how can we change it?

His attempted response is a passionate manifesto for a different economy: one that no longer strives for growth at any price, but instead places human well-being and the preservation of our livelihoods at the centre. Jackson proposes concrete alternatives, such as a stronger role for the welfare state, a fair redistribution of labour and income, as well as a far-reaching social revaluation of „care“ work – not least as a counter-model to patriarchal economic thinking.

The German translation by Hans-Peter Remmler and Moritz Langer emphasises Jackson’s poetically clear language. Despite its complexity, the book remains accessible and inspiring – a rare feat in the field of economic literature. The Economics of Care is not an easy read – but it is a necessary one. If you want to know what a fairer and healthier future could look like, this book is a must-read. A must-read for anyone who wants to rethink society. A clever, courageous and moving book that turns the economy on its head – not with loud slogans, but with care as a political principle. oekom.de


In a nutshell:

„Last Generation“ as a criminal organisation? Five more climate activists charged in Munich. lto.de
France: National Assembly abolishes environmental zones against the will of the government. auto-motor.sport.de
Focus on children’s health:A potential new coalition government apparently wants to focus more on children’s health and nutrition. aerzteblatt.de
Ranking: These are Germany’s most innovative SMEs for ventilation, air conditioning and heating technology. stern.de
Lawsuit by Deutsche Umwelthilfe: Court prohibits Adidas from advertising with climate targets. spiegel.de
Pipeline: Poland warns against Nord Stream start-up. n-tv.de
Climate-neutral by 2045: How Hamburg is focusing on the business of climate protection.welt.de
Japan: Environmentalists criticise CO₂ storage. sueddeutsche.de

Coalition talks: CDU/CSU and SPD want to promote e-cars with combustion engines on board again. spiegel.de
Transport policy: Alliance calls for investment in sustainable transport and a green mobility bonus. vision-mobility.de
A speed limit is back in the political debate: but what would the climate effects be? The Federal Ministry of Transport publishes a new study. verkehrsrundschau.de
Traffic calming: Not an obstacle, but an opportunity for the retail sector. fair-economics.de
Deloitte: Germany not sufficiently positioned for e-mobility. autogazette.de

Hydrogen core network: billions in losses for taxpayers? KfW loan for the expansion of the hydrogen core network harbours risk. merkur.de
Flying: Beyond Aero develops hydrogen-powered regional aircraft. heise.de
Cost overview: Federal Network Agency prepares charging system for nationwide hydrogen core network. windkraft-journal.de
Alliance of associations: 13 associations from the energy, gas, water and hydrogen industries, the steel, chemical and automotive industries and the mechanical and plant engineering sector appeal in a letter to Friedrich Merz to establish a strategic hydrogen alliance at European level in a future government. energie.de
Study: Hydrogen supply in Baden-Württemberg. ise.fraunhofer.de

 


PODCAST OF THE WEEK:

How the film industry wants to become more sustainable

The film and television industry causes considerable CO₂ emissions – for example through transport, electricity consumption and props. To counteract this, ecological standards for sustainable productions have been developed. Since 2023, they have been a prerequisite for public funding.

Green consultants are a key instrument. They analyse the carbon footprint of productions and advise on how emissions can be reduced. Specialists from the industry are trained for this in certified further training courses.

Sustainability not only affects the production itself, but also the content and role models in the film. Despite growing interest, there are still many challenges – such as tight budgets, a lack of infrastructure and limited implementation speed. Expert Katja Schwarz emphasises that this requires specialised roles that deal exclusively with sustainability.

The change has begun – but there is still a long way to go before climate-friendly film production is a reality. detector.fm


COMMENT OF THE WEEK:

30 billion for cheaper electricity – but the most important thing is missing

In his commentary, Klaus Stratmann criticises the energy plans of the CDU/CSU and SPD as part of the coalition negotiations. Although the planned reduction in the price of electricity by at least five cents per kilowatt hour makes sense in principle, it will be achieved almost exclusively through billions in state subsidies – without any structural reforms.

A reduction in electricity tax, grid fees and levies is planned, for which a total of more than 30 billion euros a year is to be made available from public funds. This is intended to make electricity more attractive as a climate-friendly energy source. However, according to Stratmann, it remains unclear how the coalition intends to create long-term efficiency in the energy system or reduce costs. The commentary concludes that instead of a genuine new start to the energy transition, familiar patterns are merely being continued – with a lot of money but little will to reform. 

The entire commentary is available at handelsblatt.de


LAST WEEK IN THE BUNDESTAG:

Recommendations for action by the Commissioner against Antiziganism: The „Activity Report and Recommendations for Action by the Federal Government Commissioner against Antiziganism and for the Life of Sinti and Roma in Germany“, Mehmet Gürcan Daimagüler, is available as a briefing (20/15140). In the report, the Federal Government Commissioner recommends that 2 August „be recognised as a day of remembrance for the murdered Sinti* and Roma* not only at European level, but also worldwide“ and that an initiative to this effect be launched within the framework of the United Nations. He also pleads for a stronger anchoring of 2 August as a day of remembrance in Germany and Europe. At the same time, he urges the federal government to further develop the national strategy „Combating antiziganism, ensuring participation!“, „to back it up with a budget and to develop verifiable criteria for monitoring its success“. He also wants the federal government to set up a „commission to come to terms with the injustices committed against Sinti* and Roma* after 1945“ and provide it with the necessary resources. The Commissioner is also in favour of „permanently securing the protection status of Roma* who fled to Germany from Ukraine before the Russian war of aggression and granting them equal access to all relevant support measures“. Furthermore, he advises that „refugees Roma* from the former Yugoslavia and their relatives, many of whom are still living with tolerated status today“ should be given secure prospects of remaining in Germany for humanitarian and historical reasons. He also urges that gaps in compensation practice be examined and that „equal treatment of Sinti* and Roma* affected by Nazi persecution and Jewish victims of Nazi persecution be ensured in administrative practice“. In his recommendations for action, the Commissioner also advocates, among other things, raising social awareness of the history of Sinti and Roma and strengthening measures to recognise and promote their cultural achievements and language and their membership of German society.

TAKEN LITERALLY:

„The climate movement had such a hype and such a high before corona. And everyone thought we could do it now. And then corona came along and we realised that these crises were becoming more and more frequent. And we never have time for them. And people keep going back to such domesticity and such frustration, such a „what’s the point“. And that’s dangerous, it leads people into inaction, into depression in the worst cases. And people can only imagine a future that is worth taking to the streets for if this future has a positive connotation. When there is hope again that it is worthwhile for me.“

Almut Petschauer from the volunteer team at the Climate Book Fair Leipzig;instead of focussing on alarming non-fiction books about the climate crisis, she deliberately chose to focus on positive stories that inspire hope and show scope for action. She explains that, in the beginning, they mainly presented fact-based books, but that this often had a demotivating effect on the audience. The decision was therefore made to focus more on narrative formats – non-fiction books and novels – that create future scenarios and encourage reflection.

The role of the imagination is particularly important here: stories can touch people emotionally, move them inwardly and thus help them to become active themselves. In this way, literature should help to develop new ideas of a good, sustainable life – for example, what a climate-friendly doctor’s surgery could look like or what forms of coexistence are conceivable. Almut Petschauer emphasised that they want to use the fair to encourage people and awaken their desire for the future – and that stories are a particularly effective way of doing this. mdr.de

AFRICA:

Security policy: Africa wants to limit the influence of Russian mercenaries. dw.com
Kenya seeks new loan agreement with the IMF: Government says no disagreements with the Fund. reuters.com
Green tea, green energy: a climate project for Kenya’s tea sector. fair-economics.de
Lesotho: Prince Harry hands over patronage of a project close to his heart in Lesotho. diepresse.com
Namibia: First female president sworn in . bbc.com
Nigeria: 12 dead in clashes between military and Shiite protesters. scmp.com
South Africa: Ministry of Transport launches private sector involvement in rail and port freight logistics projects. lok-report.de
War in Sudan: Facts and background to the conflict. dw.com

 

MORE KNOWLEDGE:

Windkraftanlagen – Herausforderung Recycling: Windkraft gilt als eine tragende Säule der Energiewende und als Hoffnungsträger für Deutschlands nachhaltige Energiezukunft bis 2045. Doch viele der Windkraftanlagen, die einst als Symbol für saubere Energie errichtet wurden, haben mittlerweile ihre technische Lebensdauer überschritten. Laut der Fachagentur Wind und Energie stehen rund ein Drittel der Anlagen in Deutschland kurz vor dem Abbau. Doch was passiert mit den ausrangierten Windrädern? Und welche Herausforderungen bringt ihr Recycling mit sich? fair-economics.de

Warum die Klimarechnung des Bundes nicht aufgeht: Das Bundesklimaschutzgesetz setzt stark auf natürliche CO₂-Senken wie Wälder, Moore und Böden, um Klimaneutralität bis 2045 zu erreichen. Doch diese „grünen Helfer“ emittieren derzeit mehr CO₂ als sie speichern – teils mehr als die Stahlindustrie. Der gesamte Landnutzungssektor (LULUCF) verursachte 2023 rund 70 Mio. Tonnen CO₂-Emissionen. Besonders problematisch: geschädigte Wälder und trockengelegte Moorböden, die langfristig CO₂ freisetzen. Die Wiedervernässung von Mooren gilt als wirksam, stößt aber auf politische und praktische Hürden. Fachleute halten die geplanten CO₂-Aufnahmen bis 2030 und selbst bis 2045 für unrealistisch. Aufgrund von Unsicherheiten bei Wetter und Waldwachstum sollen ergänzend technische CO₂-Senken wie BECCS oder Direct Air Capture aufgebaut werden – letztere ist effektiv, aber extrem teuer. Fazit: Ohne technische Lösungen wird „Netto-Null“ kaum erreichbar sein. mdr.de

Starker Solarausbau könnte Erde bis 2050 unter 1,5 Grad halten: Eine internationale Studie mit Beteiligung der TU Berlin und TU München zeigt: Wenn alle Dächer weltweit (286.393 km²) mit Solarmodulen ausgestattet würden, könnte der globale Temperaturanstieg bis 2050 um bis zu 0,13 °C gesenkt werden. Das würde den Klimawandel messbar verlangsamen – ohne zusätzliche Landflächen zu beanspruchen. Die geschätzten Kosten lägen bei etwa 224 Euro pro Person und Jahr über zehn Jahre hinweg. Ein solcher Ausbau könnte helfen, das 1,5-Grad-Ziel doch noch zu erreichen. golem.de

 

CALENDER:

31 March – 1 April: Green Business Disruption Summit in Vienna

The Green Business Disruption Summit in Vienna is all about sustainable digitalisation. The conference will focus on topics such as sustainable digital business models, data and AI for sustainability and risk management & regulation.
To the website

19 – 20 March: The 3rd European Automotive Decarbonisation and Sustainability Summit 2025 in Düsseldorf

The Automotive Decarbonization and Sustainability Summit takes place as part of the European Green Vehicle Congress and focuses on decarbonisation in the automotive sector. The event, which is aimed at managers from the automotive industry, will take place both in person and online.
To the website

5 – 7 May (digital) and 26 – 28 May: Berlin Energy Days in Berlin

The Berlin Energy Days will take place in 2025 as a digital event and then in person in Berlin. The conference describes itself as „The leading event of the energy transition in Germany“ and is, according to its own statement, the largest congress in the energy and climate protection sector in German-speaking countries.
Visit the website

22 – 26 April: Hannover Messe in Hanover
This year’s motto at the world’s most important industrial trade fair is „Shaping the Future with Technology“. Companies from the mechanical engineering, electrical and digital industries as well as the energy sector will be demonstrating how climate neutrality can be achieved through electrification, digitalisation and automation.
Go to website

24. – 26. April: ChangeNow! in Paris

ChangeNow! in Paris describes itself as the „event with the greatest impact for the planet“. For three days, it offers a mixture of trade fair, conference and meetings. The aim is to bring together more than 35,000 people. The list of speakers includes well-known representatives from politics, companies and NGOs.
To the website

29 April: Sustainable Investment Forum Europe 2024 in Paris

The congress is primarily aimed at investors and asset managers. The trade fair is organised by the Climate Action organisation in cooperation with the UN Environment Programme.
To the website

29 April: Digisustain in Frankfurt

The name, a portmanteau of „digitalisation“ and „sustainability“, is intended to be the programme for Digisustain. The trade fair is designed as a B2B conference and revolves around digitalisation and future technologies in connection with sustainability.
To the website

5 – 6 May: Global Solutions Summit in Berlin
The Global Solutions Summit is an international conference that addresses the most important political challenges facing the G20, the G7 and other global governance bodies. The event brings together high-calibre representatives from politics, academia, think tanks, international organisations and companies. Online participation is possible. To the website

6 – 7 May: OMR Festival 2024 in Hamburg

The OMR Festival at Messe Hamburg is considered the Mecca of the German marketing scene and describes itself as „The Festival for the Digital Universe“. However, the event is also relevant to the topics of sustainability and climate protection, and part of the programme is expected to revolve around sustainability issues, as it did last year.
To the website

21 May: Fashion Law – 2nd German Fashion Law Day in Berlin

Legal issues relating to sustainability transformation play an important role for the textile industry. The exact programme for the event is yet to be announced.
To the website

12 – 14 May: Global Water Summit in Paris

Water is becoming an increasingly important issue in the face of climate change. Germany is also affected by water stress. The Global Water Summit in Paris brings together decision-makers from the water industry; the theme of this year’s event is „Accelerating Investment“.
To the website

20 – 22 May: Greentech Festival and Greentech Conference in Berlin

The Greentech Festival is one of the largest sustainability conferences in Germany. The Greentech Conference, where stakeholders from politics and business discuss sustainable business solutions, takes place as part of the trade fair. In 2025, the conference will be divided into the areas of Mobility & Transport, Energy & Infrastructure and Industry & Materials.

22 – 23 May: Circular Republic Festival in Munich

Several thousand participants attended the first Circular Republic Festival in Munich. The second edition of the circular economy event will take place on 22 and 23 May 2025. It describes itself as „Europe’s leading event for innovations in the circular economy“. Companies, start-ups and visionaries are invited to discuss topics such as resource scarcity, climate change and supply chain resilience. | GREEN.WORKS is a media partner.
To the website

26 – 28 May: Re:publica in Berlin

The Re:publica digital conference discusses the influence of digitalisation on the economy and society. In 2025, the festival will be held under the motto „Generation XYZ“. It is also about finding sustainable solutions for the economy of tomorrow.
To the website

2 – 3 June: Hamburg Sustainability Conference

The motto of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference is „Together We Co-Create Sustainable Development“. The conference in Hamburg will focus on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The aim of the event is to bring together leaders from politics, business, science and civil society from all over the world to explore opportunities and practical ways to achieve the 17 sustainability goals.
To the website

2 – 3 June: ZNU Future Conference in Ludwigsburg

The event discusses solutions and ways to achieve greater climate protection and sustainability in companies. It is one of the established and renowned events on the sustainability scene and is organised by the Centre for Sustainable Leadership at Witten/Herdecke University.
To the website

3 – 4 June: Scope 3 Innovation Forum in Amsterdam

The Scope 3 Innovation Forum focuses on the challenge of Scope 3 emissions. The conference in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, will discuss opportunities and innovations that can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the value chain.
To the website

10 – 12 June: European Sustainable Energy Week 2025 in Brussels and online

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is the largest annual event on renewable energy and efficient energy use in Europe. It is organised by the European Commission and takes place in the Belgian capital.
To the website

16 – 18 June: European Climate Change Adaptation Conference 2025 in Rimini

The ECCAC is centred around the topic of climate adaptation. Experts come together in Rimini, Italy, to discuss smarter, faster and more systematic climate adaptation in Europe.
To the website

 

25 – 26 June: Sustainability Summit in Hamburg

The Sustainability Summit in Hamburg is a trade fair and conference for sustainability in business, which will take place for the second time in 2025. The summit is aimed at companies and start-ups. In the exhibition area, participants will present their IT solutions for sustainability and ESG.
To the website

1 – 2 July: LZ Summit Packaging & Sustainability in Frankfurt

The conference is aimed at managers and those responsible for sustainability management and strategy and focuses on optimising sustainable corporate management in the consumer goods industry.
To the website

21 – 22 July: Sustainability Standards Conference 2025 in Frankfurt

The German Accounting Standards Committee (GASC), the IFRS Foundation, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main and the Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE are jointly organising the Sustainability Standards Conference. The conference will focus on the implementation and further development of IFRS sustainability standards
To the website

2 – 3 September: Carbon Capture Global Summit in London

The Carbon Capture Global Summit 2025 aims to advance the capture and storage of CO2. The conference in London brings together industry representatives, policy makers, investors, financiers and buyers.
To the website

9 – 10 September: BME Sustainable Procurement Summit 2025 in Darmstadt

The BME Sustainability Summit is a conference organised by the German Association of Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics, which focuses on the topic of sustainable procurement.
To the website

17 – 18 September: Impact Festival in Frankfurt

The Impact Festival is a meeting place for greentech start-ups and SMEs, corporate sustainability managers and investors. In 2025, the conference will take place for the fifth time – and for the second time at the Messe Frankfurt exhibition centre.
To the website

21 – 28 September: Climate Week NYC in New York

Climate Week is an annual event that takes place in New York and offers over 900 events and activities in the city. Every year, decision-makers from business, politics and civil society travel to the conference to debate transformation and climate change.
To the website

24 September: TW Sustainability Summit in Hamburg
The Sustainability Summit of the textile industry (TW) is an industry meeting point for all those who have set out to achieve greater sustainability in the fashion industry – from big players to first movers.

25 – 26 September: German Climate Management Conference in Hamburg
The conference will focus on the topic of climate stress, which will be viewed primarily from the perspective of municipalities and local authorities.
To the website

25 – 26 September: ESG Reporting and Management 2025 in Düsseldorf

The conference, organised by Handelsblatt, focuses on the topics of sustainability reporting and ESG management. In person and digitally.
To the website

3– 4 November: Dena Energy Transition Congress in Berlin

More than 1,200 high-calibre participants from business, politics and science will meet at the Energy Transition Congress organised by the German Energy Agency (Dena) to discuss climate protection and the integrated energy transition. The Dena Energy Efficiency Award will also be presented to companies with innovative concepts as part of the congress.
To the website

10 – 21 November: World Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém (Brazil)
Against the backdrop of increased weather extremes and natural disasters, the parties to the Paris Climate Agreement 2025 will meet in the Brazilian city of Belém to discuss the next steps towards achieving the global climate targets.
More information

13 – 14 November: EcoCompute in Berlin

After taking place in Munich last year, EcoCompute will be held in Berlin in 2025. It is dedicated to digital sustainability in hardware and software and, according to the organisers, aims to provide a platform for experts to discuss current trends, research and practices in the field of green technology.
To the website

17 – 21 November: Euro Finance Week with Green Finance Forum in Frankfurt

As part of the Euro Finance Week organised by the dfv Media Group, the Green Finance Forum will once again take place in 2025, focusing on ESG and green investments. It will take place on the second day of the conference (18 November) and will bring together high-calibre speakers.
To the website

02 – 05 December: Global Carbon Markets Conference in Barcelona

The Global Carbon Markets Conference 2024 organised by financial specialist S&P will focus on the development of the global carbon markets. Market participants will gain insights and background information on what they need to prepare for the future.
To the website

04 – 05 December: 18th German Sustainability Day and 18th German Sustainability Award in Düsseldorf

The German Sustainability Day is a firm fixture in the annual event calendar. The German Sustainability Award is also presented as part of the conference. Every year, companies are honoured in various categories in the most comprehensive national sustainability competition. The „Next Economy Award“ is also presented to particularly innovative start-ups.
To the website

Expected in September: UBA and BMUV Blue Compass award ceremony in Berlin

Every year, the Federal Environment Agency and the Federal Ministry for the Environment award the „Blue Compass“ prize to five companies, municipalities, research and educational institutions and associations that can present innovative, effective and sustainable solutions for dealing with the effects of climate change.

Expected in November: Circulaze Summit 2025 in Munich

The Circulaze Summit is once again expected to take place in Munich in late autumn 2025. The conference is centred around the topic of the circular economy and is aimed at circular economy start-ups as well as companies active in this field and their managers.
To the website

Probably November: 10th annual conference of the Climate Economy Foundation in Berlin

The annual conference of the Climate Economy Foundation is expected to take place again in November. The event, which will probably host its tenth edition in 2025, is aimed at experts from politics, business and science.
To the website

THE LAST:

Time changeover – The eternal EU endurance race with the clock

Yesterday, on 30 March, it was that time again: the clock is turned forward, sleep is stolen and the collective eye-rolling begins. Because although the EU bravely decided to abolish the time change in 2018, we’re still cheerfully turning the hands in 2025 – every six months, of course. Why is that? Because the Member States simply don’t want to kick the ball into the goal that the European Parliament put neatly into their penalty area six years ago. Perhaps they are still waiting for injury time.

Two researchers from the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences – yes, the region with the longest name – now have a simple, radical idea: if the clock won’t stay where it is, then the time zones will have to change. Because the real problem is not the changeover itself, but the completely overstretched Central European Time Zone (CET), which stretches generously from western Spain to eastern Poland. Who would have thought that CET is actually a geographical stretch yoga class?

The solution: Spain back to the Portuguese time zone, the East back to Eastern Europe (in terms of time, of course). And yes, you might have to change your watch again when travelling – which shouldn’t really be a problem in a world full of smartphones, smartwatches and smart people. Incidentally, studies show that the half-yearly clock acrobatics hardly bring any benefits, but instead cause lasting damage to health, sleep and mood. But what’s a little chronobiological damage if you feel like you’ve changed something in your life twice a year? The time change is here to stay – for the time being. Because it’s apparently easier to torment entire continents with coalition agreements than to stop a clock once. heise.de

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