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Özdemir with vague plans: A broad front is lining up against the use of pesticides on Germany’s fields. The plans from the Ministry of Agriculture are too vague. In an open letter to Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, environmental organisations are calling for more decisive steps to reduce the use of pesticides. The associations, including BUND, Nabu and Demeter, criticise the „Future Plant Protection Programme“ presented by the Ministry, which was previously known as the „Pesticide Reduction Programme“ and aims to halve the use of pesticides by 2030. Although the environmental organisations support the objective in principle, they criticise the lack of „binding, achievable and measurable measures“. The German Farmers‘ Association is also dissatisfied and describes the programme as an „affront to agriculture“. taz.de , wwf.de, argarheute.com
30 per cent of the world’s electricity
comes from sun, wind and water. According to a study by the think tank Ember, the share of renewable energies in global electricity generation exceeded 30 per cent for the first time in 2023, driven by growth in solar and wind power. Despite a decline in hydropower production, mainly due to droughts in China, this deficit was partially offset by increased coal-fired power generation. The overall analysis is based on data sources such as Eurostat and the Energy Information Administration (EIA). rp-online.de
What do the parties think about climate protection? Almost all German parties represented in the European Parliament recognise climate protection as a central task, but there are clear differences in the approaches and measures to achieve climate neutrality. While most parties emphasise the urgency of climate change, the AfD denies man-made climate change and opposes any climate protection legislation. The discussion about the appropriate instruments for climate policy ranges from the question of phasing out combustion engines to the role of nuclear energy, with the FDP in favour of market solutions and the Left Party in favour of state regulation. tagesschau.de
Campaign cash for pollution: Donald Trump has promised to ease environmental regulations imposed by the Biden administration to make it easier to extract oil, according to a report in the Washington Post. In return, Trump asked the oil executives to donate one billion dollars to his presidential campaign, promising to lift certain regulations, such as emissions rules for electric vehicles and a ban on licences for liquefied natural gas exports. This offer was made at a private meeting in Florida, where Trump also voiced plans to expand oil drilling and criticised renewable energies such as wind power. tagesspiegel.de
Alarming: Every third advert harms our planet! TV and YouTube bombard us with adverts that are bad for the planet! The study by the University of Leipzig found that a full third of adverts promote products that harm our planet – think cars that spew CO2 and chocolate that is not so sweet for our environment. The experts agree: this type of advertising violates the Interstate Media Treaty, which clearly states that advertising must not contribute to the destruction of our green planet. Of the 9,700 adverts analysed, 3,000 are real climate killers. mdr.de
BUND criticises nuclear waste ruling: The German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) has criticised a decision by the Darmstadt Administrative Court allowing the immediate start of the disposal of demolition material from the decommissioned Biblis nuclear power plant in a landfill site in Büttelborn. BUND criticises the court for giving the former operator RWE the green light too hastily, even though the Administrative Court in Kassel has not yet ruled on the legality of releasing the material. The court had already authorised immediate enforcement at the end of April. sueddeutsche.de
BOOK TIP OF THE WEEK:
Unternehmen in Grün
A new path to a sustainable economy
Frank Thun’s book „Unternehmen in Grün“ (Companies in Green) comes at just the right time. The book challenges us to rethink the conventional understanding of corporate management and shows that the key to a sustainable future lies not only in private households or government measures, but also largely in the hands of the economic players themselves. Thun impressively argues that many companies still operate according to outdated, profit-driven models that no longer meet today’s ecological and social challenges. With a clever mix of business management principles and a new understanding of ecological and social needs, he draws up a practical guide that can be applied by employees at all levels right up to CEOs. „Unternehmen in Grün“ is more than just a theoretical excursion.
Thun provides concrete strategies and examples that illustrate how sustainability can be effectively integrated into day-to-day business without compromising economic performance. The clear language and structured presentation make the book an indispensable guide for anyone who wants to create not only economic, but also ecological and social added value in their professional role. In conclusion, „Unternehmen in Grün“ is a convincing call to radically rethink the economy. Frank Thun shows that a greener future is possible if companies are willing to redefine their role in society and actively participate in shaping a more sustainable world. An inspiring read for anyone who believes that change is not only necessary, but also feasible. oekom.de
In a nutshell:
Climate change: Hottest April since records began. sueddeutsche.de
Council of Environmental Experts: Rejects Berlin fast-track building law. tagesspiegel.de
Acquittal: Hate comments against climate campaigners. fair-economics.de
Great Britain: Court overturns the British government’s climate law for the second time. n-tv.de
Shell: Apparently millions of phantom certificates sold. manager-magazin.de
Society: Racially discriminated people have a higher risk of poverty. deutschlandfunk.de
CCS: Decision on Bremen CO2 port terminal in autumn. stern.de
Climeworks: World’s largest CO2 filter plant opens in Iceland. handelszeitung.ch
Cruises remain climate killers: The cruise companies Tui Cruises and Aida have quietly said goodbye to climate neutrality for the time being. taz.de
EU policy: „Away with the Green Deal“, Polish farmers mobilise. euronews.com
Climate risks and finance: The ECB has put massive pressure on banks to take climate risks into account. This pressure seems to be working. finanzmarktwelt.de
Not a good outlook: The community of global climate scientists is predicting a global temperature rise of 2.5 degrees by 2100, well above the 1.5-degree target agreed in 2015. theguardian.com
Deutsche Bahn: Left holding the billions in additional costs for Stuttgart 21. spiegel.de
France: Government and car industry have agreed on a framework to promote electromobility. heise.de
Survey: The majority of Germans are ready for a change in transport. klímareporter.de
Rail use: Rail companies take legal action against increase in charges. sueddeutsche.de
Student ticket: There is no better way to get young people interested in climate-friendly mobility. welt.de
Hydrogen core network: Uniper plans to supply green hydrogen to Salzgitter from 2028 chemietechnik.de
White hydrogen – more than just a glimmer of hope: Hydrogen from natural deposits, also known as white hydrogen, will not save the world. But it could simplify the path to the hydrogen world. handelsblatt.com
National hydrogen strategy: focus on green hydrogen needs more consistency. Now is the time to establish sustainable supply chains. chemie.de
Producing hydrogen more cheaply: Researchers take important step. futurezone.at
Germany: Leading in the electrolysis of hydrogen. elektroautos-news.net
The seventeen goals magazine tells inspiring stories about how people move the world and shows how everyone can make a contribution to achieving the sustainability goals.
PODCAST OF THE WEEK:
What the ecological transformation will bring: „Of course there will be impositions“
The reorganisation of the world of work and the economy must also work socially, says Reiner Hoffmann. The former head of the DGB expects more honesty from the Chancellor.
Reiner Hoffmann, Chairman of the German Council for Sustainable Development and former head of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), emphasises the need for a socially responsible transformation of the world of work and the economy in order to achieve Germany’s goal of climate neutrality by 2045. He criticises the lack of honesty on the part of political leaders, particularly Chancellor Olaf Scholz, regarding the challenges and necessary measures, and calls for more participation and clear communication about the upcoming changes. Hoffmann warns of the noticeable changes and the importance of massive investment in education and infrastructure in order to successfully shape the ecological transformation. tagesspiegel.de
COMMENT OF THE WEEK:
Protest against Tesla: Poland is only 70 kilometres away
from Hannes Koch
Left-wing groups want to blockade the Tesla plant in Brandenburg. That is dangerous. The Tesla car factory near Berlin, which offers significant economic benefits for eastern Germany and contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions, is facing planned blockades from left-wing groups. Despite the creation of over 12,000 jobs and a contribution to ecological improvement through the promotion of electric cars, opponents criticise the environmental impact of lithium mining and the potential overuse of local water resources. The commentary in the taz argues that the advantages of the factory outweigh the disadvantages and warns against completely questioning progress, despite the risks of radical action and possible negative ecological effects. Moreover, an erratic person like Elon Musk could be trusted to pull the plug in Grünheide and locate his factory in Poland. the whole commentary can be found in taz.de
LAST WEEK IN THE BUNDESTAG:
No new funding programmes for hydrogen mobility planned: In a response to a question from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, the German government has clarified that the funding of hydrogen projects by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV) will not approve any new projects at the moment. It has been decided that the BMDV may not issue any new funding decisions or conclude any contracts until further notice, although exceptions may be authorised by the State Secretary level in urgent cases. Furthermore, the Federal Government informed that no more budget funds are available for the construction of hydrogen filling stations and electrolysis plants, so that outstanding applications must be rejected and no new funding programmes for hydrogen mobility are planned in the short term. Response from the Federal Government
Federal programme for the conversion of livestock farming: 70 applications with a funding volume of 87.5 million euros have currently been submitted as part of the federal programme to promote the conversion of agricultural livestock farming. The Federal Government writes this in an answer (20/11246) to a minor question (20/11091) from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. Since the start of the programme on 1 March, applications have been submitted by companies in the federal states of Lower Saxony (25 applications), Bavaria (15 applications), Baden-Württemberg (14 applications), North Rhine-Westphalia (seven applications), Schleswig-Holstein (six applications), Saxony-Anhalt (two applications) and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (one application). The average investment volume amounts to around 1.25 million euros, according to the response. With the federal programme for the conversion of agricultural animal husbandry, farms can receive funding for animal-friendly barn renovations and conversions (access to outdoor climate, outdoor runs or organic). Furthermore, the additional running costs incurred by farms that comply with these animal husbandry standards can also be subsidised in part. The federal programme will initially focus on pig farming.
Possible state regulation of tobacco products: The possible state regulation of tobacco products is the subject of a minor interpellation (20/11237). The governments in France and the UK have set themselves the goal of achieving a „tobacco-free generation“ and a „smoke-free generation“ respectively. Specifically, an extension of the smoking ban and a ban on disposable e-cigarettes are planned in France. The British government is also planning a ban on disposable e-cigarettes and also wants to raise the age limit for the sale of cigarettes by one year each year until there are no more smokers by 2040. The New Zealand government is taking a different approach and recently announced that it does not intend to implement an anti-tobacco law passed by the previous government. The MPs want to know how the German government views the plans in France and the UK and whether it is pursuing similar plans aimed at a permanent ban on the sale of tobacco products for future generations.
TAKEN LITERALLY:
The whole country is struggling with the devastating floods, but it is affecting people in very different ways. Those with the broadest shoulders, who can afford to go on holiday in the Masai Mara, can afford to be evacuated by plane. The people in the slums bear the brunt of the natural disaster. They are the most vulnerable because they have no resources to protect themselves. If we don’t get significantly more climate finance from the Global North soon, this inequality will get worse and worse. This is the cruel irony of climate change: those who are least responsible for emissions suffer the most. The catastrophe that is unfolding right now is exactly what climate scientists have been warning about. But this is just the beginning.
In the interview, Mohamed Adow, head of the Powershift Africa think tank, emphasises the drastic impact of the climate crisis on Kenya, which has already manifested itself in extreme weather events such as the worst drought in four decades and subsequent flooding. Adow describes Kenya as an economically advanced country in Africa that is nevertheless overwhelmed by the current situation. The country’s capacities have already been exceeded by recent natural disasters. He calls for the development of a resilient infrastructure in order to better meet the challenges posed by extreme weather events. This includes efficient drainage systems, early warning systems and improved disaster preparedness. Investments must also be made in meteorological services and in drought-resistant agricultural practices in order to secure the livelihoods of particularly vulnerable population groups. Adow made it clear that the greenhouse gas emissions of industrialised countries are a direct cause of Africa’s climate problems and emphasised the responsibility of the Global North to provide financial support. This was essential in order to take effective action against the climate crisis. He also emphasised the need to ensure that the funds provided are used effectively to help the affected communities as much as possible. spiegel.de
AFRICA:
Sensation in East Africa: Ethiopia bans combustion cars: Ethiopia has become the first country in the world to ban the import of non-electric vehicles in order to avoid the high costs of importing fossil fuels, which totalled almost 6 billion US dollars last year. This step was taken less for environmental reasons than for financial necessity. The country, which predominantly uses renewable energy sources, is also planning to expand its electric vehicle infrastructure, including more charging stations, to meet the new requirements. scientists4future.org
Status of economic agreements with African countries: The German government is currently examining the possibility of introducing draft legislation to ratify the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the Southern African Development Community and Central Africa as well as the interim EPAs with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in the parliamentary procedure this year. This is the result of an answer (20/11042) to a minor question (20/10815) from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. The answer also states that, in accordance with the coalition agreement and the further developed key issues paper „Trade Policy of the Federal Government“, the Federal Government is committed „in all EU negotiations on investment protection agreements (current and future) to a further strengthening of state regulatory law and a focus on equal treatment of nationals and protection against direct expropriation“. All other EU association, framework and economic partnership agreements as well as investment protection treaties that have been negotiated and signed are listed in the response.
Less malaria in Africa? Transmission areas could shrink due to climate change: Climate change could reduce the areas in Africa suitable for malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes, as fewer regions will have the necessary water reservoirs in the future. Despite a possible shrinking of these areas, the areas where malaria is transmitted all year round could increase, especially along large rivers, leading to higher exposure of the population living there. Research suggests that by the end of the century, a northward and southward shift in mosquito abundance could create new risk areas, including in Europe, although the models take little account of future intervention measures. mdr.de
Ghana: Fake news and social media. Press freedom as a façade. Ghana has progressive media laws, but the situation for journalists has deteriorated. Fake news on social media is spreading. taz.de
Elections in Chad: little hope for change: After three years of transition, the people of Chad are allowed to elect a new president. But many believe the race is already decided. A new electoral law is causing criticism. dw.com
MORE KNOWLEDGE:
Destinations that will soon no longer exist due to the climate crisis: Popular destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, Venice and the Dead Sea are under acute threat due to the climate crisis and human intervention, with some of them potentially disappearing from the map soon. Experts warn that places like Venice are being dramatically altered by rising sea levels and the Great Barrier Reef by coral deaths, jeopardising their long-term existence. In addition, Glacier National Park in Montana could lose its glaciers completely by 2030, and the Maldives faces the challenge of losing large parts of its land mass due to rising sea levels.
watson.com
Propaganda between book covers: The latest children’s and young adult books are increasingly turning to politically correct topics, from LGBTQ+ to the climate crisis, placing a focus on the early promotion of political correctness as a kind of new educational status symbol. In these books, traditional adventure narratives are replaced by stories in which, for example, a fox is vegan or children are playfully allowed to be astronauts without having to develop their own interpretations. This development reflects an increasing indoctrination through books, which also serve as a mirror of social debates and conflicts, thereby shaping the social socialisation of children. nzz.ch
How African farmers are fighting climate stress: African farmers are fighting the climate stress that is threatening their harvests. In Zimbabwe and other countries south of the Sahara, droughts and extreme weather exacerbate the already existing problems with soil fertility. One farmer, James Tshuma, relies on traditional farming methods with organic fertilisers to save his vegetables. Experts recommend a combination of traditional practices and modern technologies, such as the use of organic fertilisers and a switch to old, drought-resistant grain and vegetable varieties. In Somalia, greenhouses are being used to cope with climate stress, while in Kenya a new bean variety called „Nyota“ has been developed that can cope better with the changing climatic conditions and brings hope for higher crop yields. n-tv.de
CALENDAR:
Consultation on strengthening inland navigation
Time: Monday, 13 May 2024, 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Place: Berlin, Paul-Löbe-Haus, conference room E.800Subject of the hearing: Motion by the CDU/CSU parliamentary group – Strengthening inland navigation (
The hearing will be broadcast live online at www.bundestag.de/mediathek and will then be available for viewing in the media centre.
Hearing on the future prospects of bioenergy
Time: Wednesday, 15 May 2024, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Place: Berlin, Paul-Löbe-Haus, conference room E 800Motion by the CDU/CSU parliamentary group
Giving bioenergy a clear perspective for the future and removing existing obstacles, BT-Drucksache 20/9739
GLF Moorlands 2024: The climate solution we forgot about
When: 6 June 2024
Where: Bonn, Germany, and online
Further information: WebsitePeatlands make up only 3-4 per cent of the Earth’s land surface, but they store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined. At this hybrid event, taking place alongside the Bonn Climate Conference, you will learn why this important ecosystem is under threat – and what we can do to protect it.
Tickets are free for all those attending online. Secure yours now!GLF Africa 2024
When: 17 September 2024
Where: Nairobi, Kenya, and onlineFurther information: Website coming soon!
Can Africa usher in a global green renaissance? The continent has vast natural resources that support its food systems, livelihoods and growing young population – but the climate crisis could undo these benefits. This mixed conference will explore how Africa can overcome these challenges by harnessing the potential of its diverse landscapes and peoplesFirst International Conference on Small Island Developing States
When: 27-30 May 2024
Where: Venue to be confirmed, Antigua and BarbudaFurther information: Website
Small island developing states expressed disappointment with the agreement reached at COP28. In May, the group will reconvene to review its progress on sustainable development and propose a new decade of partnerships and solutions to the climate crisis, rising debt and the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Bonn Climate Conference – June 2024
When: 3-13 June 2024
Where: Bonn, GermanyFurther information: Website
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will hold the 60th session of its subsidiary bodies at its headquarters in Bonn, Germany. Stay tuned for more details.III World Biodiversity Forum
When: 16-21 June 2024
Where: Davos, SwitzerlandFurther information: Website
Under the theme „From Science to Action“, the third World Biodiversity Forum will bring together researchers, practitioners and civil society to explore how to move from science to action and solutions to conserve biodiversity and put us on the path to a transformation towards sustainability.VII European Congress for Conservation Biology (ECCB 2024)
When: 17-21 June 2024
Where: Bologna, ItalyFurther information: Website The 7th ECCB, organised
by the European Section of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), will focus on the key theme „Biodiversity Positive by 2030“ and formulate a call to action for the conservation of our planet’s biodiversity.ICLEI World Congress 2024
When: 18-21 June 2024
Where: São Paulo, BrazilFurther information: Website; Press release; Registration form
In June, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability will organise its triennial World Congress. It will be hosted by the city of São Paulo. The event will showcase how local and regional governments from our network are driving sustainable urban development worldwide.IUFRO World Congress
When: 23-29 June 2024
Where: Stockholm, SwedenFurther information: Website
The IUFRO World Congress is one of the largest global forestry events, held every five years since 1893, bringing together leading scientists and top leaders to jointly shape a sustainable future for forestry, climate and society. Under the motto „Forests and Society Towards 2050“, the 2024 event will address the challenges that population growth, climate change, globalisation and a growing world economy pose for forests and their management.
The GLF and CIFOR-ICRAF will participate in this event. Stay tuned for more details.International Peat Congress
When: 4-9 August 2024
Where: Taizhou, Zhejiang, ChinaFurther information: Website
The 17th International Peatland
Congress, organised by the International Peatland Society, provides a platform for scientists, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to share knowledge, best practices and new ideas on peatland conservation and advocates for the responsible use of peat and peatland resources. The proposed theme for this year is „Peatlands in a changing world“.Summit of the future
When: 22-24 September 2024
Where: UN Headquarters, New York, NY, United StatesMore information: Website
The Future Summit is a high-level event that brings together world leaders to build a new international consensus on how we can create a better present and secure the future.
The Summit has two main objectives: to accelerate efforts to fulfil our existing international commitments and to take concrete steps to address new challenges and opportunities. This will be achieved through an action-orientated outcome document, the Compact for the Future, which will be negotiated and endorsed by countries in the run-up to and during the Summit.Climate Week NYC 2024
When: 22-28 September 2024
Where: New York, NY, United States, and onlineMore information: Website
During the same week as the Future Summit, the annual Climate Week NYC will organise over 500 in-person, hybrid and online events and activities across New York City.2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference
When: 21 October-1 November 2024
Where: Cali, ColombiaFurther information: Press release
Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) and the meetings of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol.
At COP16, governments will be tasked with reviewing the status of implementation of the Kunming and Montreal Global Biodiversity Frameworks, which were adopted at COP15 in Montreal, Canada, in December 2022.2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29)
When: 11-22 November 2024
Where: Baku, AzerbaijanFurther information: Press release from COP28
At last year’s COP28 conference in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), countries agreed for the first time to move away from fossil fuels and to finance the fund for loss and damage.
In November, heads of state and government and delegates from all over the world will meet again in Azerbaijan for the biggest climate event of the year to set
a new global target for climate financing.Session of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP16)
When: 2-13 December
Where: Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaFurther information: Website
Not to be confused with the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP16 will bring together world leaders to take action on drylands under
the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Since the last UNCCD Conference of the Parties in May 2022 in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), this will be the world’s largest summit on land issues.
THE LAST:
The end is near!
The „collapsologists“, a group that predicts the imminent end of human civilisation due to ecological crises, regularly discuss their views in online meetings such as the „Climate Collapse Café“. This movement is based on the assumption that efforts to combat the climate crisis will fail, which could lead to widespread collapse. Although they cannot scientifically substantiate their predictions, they offer a space for exchange and preparation for possible future scenarios, while scientists such as Jobst Heitzig refrain from accurately predicting a collapse of civilisation and rather emphasise the development of scenarios and models to understand the complex interrelationships and strengthen society’s resilience. n-tv.de
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