to the German edition
CO2 Storage Act . Germany plans underground storage: The Federal Cabinet has approved the draft law on underground CO2 storage, which is intended to enable the storage of CO2 in the North Sea. Economics Minister Robert Habeck emphasises that the technology is essential in order to achieve Germany’s climate targets. However, critics warn of possible earthquakes and CO2 leaks that could jeopardise the ecosystem, while the costs of the technology remain high. focus.de , handelsblatt.com
EU election could put the brakes on climate protection: The EU wants to be climate-neutral by 2050. But if right-wing parties get a lot of votes in the EU elections in June, this could jeopardise climate protection. What does this mean for the European Green Deal? In March, the streets of European capitals were blocked by large tractors, tyres were on fire and farmers tipped manure onto the roads. These protests were directed against a law intended to protect and restore nature in Europe. The demonstrations in some European countries also symbolise the counter-campaign against the EU’s climate policy. Under pressure from the demonstrations and the rise of populist, far-right voices, lawmakers in the European Parliament further weakened the Nature Conservation Act ahead of the EU elections in June. The law aims to restore twenty per cent of Europe’s nature by 2030 and strengthen biodiversity on agricultural land. dw.com
239 billion dollars
is the amount invested in clean technologies in the USA. The Inflation Reduction Act led to an almost 40 per cent increase in investment in green technologies in the USA in 2023, as reported by the Clean Investment Monitor. Investment in electric cars and battery storage rose particularly sharply, while new technologies such as sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen also received significant support. spiegel.de
Environmental organisations and trade unions call for climate-damaging subsidies to be abolished: An alliance of environmental organisations and trade unions is urging the German government to change course in transport policy. In a joint five-point plan, the organisations are calling for an end to „socially unjust and climate-damaging subsidies“ in order to achieve savings worth billions. The specific demands include more investment in the rail network, the expansion of local public transport, the refurbishment of motorways instead of building new ones, doubling the flat-rate tax on company cars with combustion engines and the abolition of concessions for hybrid vehicles. The plan was signed by Klima-Allianz Deutschland, BUND, Greenpeace, Auto Club Europa, verdi and the railway and transport union EVG, among others. deutschlandfunk.de
This is the state of wind power in Germany: Most observers agree that the switch to renewable energies is going well. By 2030, at least 80 per cent of the electricity consumed in Germany is to come from renewable sources. However, there are fears that the expansion of wind power could jeopardise this progress. One possible scenario: less wind could blow in Germany due to the changing climate. The year 2021 seemed to confirm this concern, as it was particularly windless. However, Renate Hagedorn from the German Weather Service gives the all-clear: 2023 was the windiest year since 2007. tagesschau.de
Waters in Europe massively contaminated with „perpetual chemicals“: A report by the European Pesticide Action Network shows that the EU limits for trifluoroacetic acid are being exceeded in many cases. In Germany, the Elbe and Spree rivers are particularly affected. The contamination of rivers, lakes and groundwater requires urgent action, including a ban on PFAS pesticides, which are found in many everyday products and accumulate in the environment and in the human body. dlf.de
BOOK TIP OF THE WEEK:
Durstiges Land
The world is running out of water, can we save ourselves?
„The world is running out of water: Can We Save Ourselves?“ by Annika Joeres and Susanne Götze is a gripping and alarming book that tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time: water scarcity. The award-winning journalists use a mixture of fictional stories and real scientific findings to paint a vivid picture of our possible future. Although two thirds of the earth is covered with water, only three per cent of it is fresh water – and these stocks are shrinking rapidly in many regions. Joeres and Götze take us on a journey into a near future in which the effects of water scarcity are already being felt. Through the eyes of fictional protagonists, we experience what life could be like if we either adapt in time or fail to take the necessary measures.
The stories told by the authors are exciting and frighteningly real. They are based on extensive studies and interviews with scientists, which lends the scenarios told an unsettling credibility. The situations depicted are not just hypothetical extreme scenarios, but could actually materialise if no appropriate measures are taken. The book makes it clear how decisively our handling of the water crisis will influence our everyday lives. It shows both the bleak and the hopeful possibilities that lie ahead of us. Joeres and Götze urge their readers to recognise the urgency of the problem and take action to prevent the worst from happening. „The world is running out of water: Can We Save Ourselves?“ is a gripping and evocative read that asks important questions about our future and makes us think. It is an indispensable book for anyone who wants to understand and overcome the challenges ahead. dtv.de
In a nutshell
FDP insists on an end to EEG subsidies for new systems: Even with negative electricity prices, operators of solar systems are remunerated. The FDP is therefore calling for a fresh start in the promotion of renewables. handelsblatt.com
Energy Charter Treaty: EU withdraws from controversial energy agreement. But only far into the future. zeit.de
Charging stations: Bundestag decides on obligation for petrol stations. heise.de
China’s CO₂ emissions have fallen for the first time since the corona pandemic: A study shows that Chinese CO₂ emissions have reached a plateau – and could fall further from now on. zeit.de
Water and electricity are becoming scarce: Heat record in India at 5.3 degrees. n-tv.de
Wadden Sea: Energy company allowed to push ahead with gas extraction project. abendblatt.de
Natural gas advertising: Eon risks legal action from German environmental organisation Deutsche Umwelthilfe. handelsblatt.com
Space: Environmental pollution from battery debris in space. deutschlandfunk.de
Product passport, repair index: EU ecodesign regulation can come into force.heise.de
Diesel: How climate-friendly is the new HVO eco-diesel? freitag.de
SUVs: Almost half of all newly registered vehicles worldwide. spiegel.de
Still good on foot: After the car, walking is currently the most popular mode of transport in Germany. klimareporter.de
Global warming: The fatal consequences of clean shipping. welt.de
Cycling: How Germany can save 19 million tonnes of CO₂ a year by cycling. manager-magazin.de
Deal for green hydrogen from North Africa: North Africa offers ideal conditions for hydrogen production. Germany has now signed a memorandum of understanding with Austria and Italy for the import by pipeline. tagesschau.de
Hydrogen: Law gives infrastructure „overriding public interest“. Faster official procedures are needed for the hydrogen ramp-up to get underway. A new law is intended to ensure this. heise.de
Pipelines: A large proportion of future hydrogen demand is to come from abroad. The German government is working on an import strategy. The energy industry association BDEW wants more speed. logistik-heute.de
EU Commission approves hydrogen funding worth billions: Germany and six other EU states have been authorised to fund several hydrogen projects with a total of 1.4 billion euros. The EU Commission in Brussels authorised the state aid with reference to the benefits for climate protection. dlf.de
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:
„Healthy hope“ – An Indonesian doctor fights against plastic waste
An Indonesian doctor from Jakarta charges ten plastic bottles for treatment. This payment method kills two birds with one stone: medical care for the poor and combating plastic waste locally. swr.de
COMMENT OF THE WEEK:
Why the barbecue party is highly political
In her commentary, Annette Jensen emphasises that our current diet is massively damaging to both the environment and our health and is particularly unfair to low-income people. She argues that the production and transport of feed for factory farming and the emissions from the animals themselves contribute significantly to environmental pollution and climate change. In addition, highly processed foods, which are often high in sugar, promote obesity and other health problems, especially among children from disadvantaged families.
Jensen calls for a radical change that must be supported politically in order to stop these negative developments. This includes measures such as the expansion of drinking water fountains in schools and public places as well as the provision of high-quality and free meals in daycare centres and schools. She emphasises that a sustainable and healthy food system must be accessible and affordable for everyone. In future, neck steak should come from grazing animals that live in better conditions, even if this increases the price. read the full commentary here
LAST WEEK IN THE BUNDESTAG:
New nutritional recommendations: Healthy and sustainable nutrition possible according to the German government: In its answer to a question, the German government emphasises that the new recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) make healthy and ecologically sustainable nutrition possible. The DGE published its updated recommendations on 5 March and proposed a plant-based diet that also takes into account aspects such as sustainability and environmental impact. According to the DGE, a healthy and sustainable diet should consist of more than three quarters plant-based foods and less than a quarter animal-based foods, which represents a lower proportion of animal-based foods compared to previous recommendations. Answer
Federal government on sustainability in the BMBF: In future, the federal administration will focus more strongly on sustainability and climate friendliness in its procurement procedures. This is the result of an answer from the Federal Government to a question from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. The legal basis for this includes Section 13 of the Federal Climate Protection Act, the general administrative regulation on the procurement of climate-friendly services and Section 45 of the Circular Economy Act. However, researchers and self-employed persons who receive support as part of project funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) are exempt from these regulations. In response to a question from MPs about the toilet paper used by the BMBF, the Federal Government stated that it was labelled in accordance with the certification system for more sustainable forest management. In addition, the coffee used for the BMBF’s „serving service“ carries a fair trade label. Answer
TAKEN LITERALLY:
Here in Germany, we can see how difficult it is to implement change. We have become a nation of doubters. In order for everyone to join in, we need to prioritise profit, not sacrifice. The fact that municipalities have more money for refurbishments and can reduce taxes thanks to the income from wind power, for example, needs to be communicated more clearly. But at least we have already made progress in Germany when it comes to limiting CO2 emissions.
Mojib Latif, climate researcher, emphasises that international cooperation is necessary to tackle the global impact of CO2 emissions, but that this is becoming increasingly difficult due to national interests. He is in favour of certain bans, such as against plastic, as no changes can be achieved without them. He also advocates financial incentives and an economic system that rewards environmental protection in order to promote sustainable behaviour. He criticises the unequal distribution of money and emphasises the need to reform the economic system in order to tackle the climate crisis. Latif praises the current German government despite challenges such as the war in Ukraine and the gas issue and emphasises that economic interests often take precedence over climate protection. In conclusion, he calls for reflection on the wisdom and responsibility of mankind. The whole interview here.
AFRICA:
ANC loses elections in South Africa: The African National Congress (ANC) has received only 40 per cent of the vote in the latest elections in South Africa and is facing a crucial test as it has lost its absolute majority for the first time in 30 years. The ANC now needs a coalition partner, but programmatically only the liberal Democratic Alliance (DA), which is perceived as the „party of the whites“, fits the bill, making it a difficult alliance. Other possible coalition partners such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the party of former president Jacob Zuma (MK) have radical plans and could further destabilise the country, which is why everything depends on the ability of the current president, Cyril Ramaphosa, to maintain political stability.
More education for Africa: Experts at a high-level dialogue hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Kenya have called on African nations to attract more private funding for higher education to equip the continent’s youth with competitive skills. Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete emphasised the need to increase national spending on education in order to harness Africa’s demographic potential. The event, organised in collaboration with the Kenyan government, the African Union and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), discussed innovative financing strategies for higher education and signed a joint declaration of intent to promote vocational training and youth employability. allafrica.com
Ruto in the USA: William Ruto recently visited Washington DC, the first state visit by an African leader in more than fifteen years. This visit marks a significant expansion of bilateral relations between Nairobi and Washington. Ruto’s visit was only the sixth state visit under President Joe Biden and the first by an African leader since 2008, underscoring Kenya’s growing importance as a strategic partner to the U.S. The U.S. and Kenya have enjoyed a close relationship since Kenya’s independence from Britain in 1963, spanning several areas including economic prosperity, defence, regional security, democracy and public health. The Biden administration has been keen to expand its sphere of influence on the African continent, especially in the face of the growing presence of rivals such as China and Russia. A significant achievement for Kenya was Biden’s announcement of Kenya’s designation as a „major non-NATO ally“ – the first sub-Saharan African country to have this status. This reflects the long history of strategic co-operation on security issues. During the visit, security agreements were signed that include the expansion of the Manda base in Lamu. In addition, the USA pledged financial support for Kenya’s deployment of police officers in Haiti. Another focus of the visit was economic cooperation. The USA is Kenya’s largest export market, particularly through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Important trade agreements, such as the construction of an motorway between Mombasa and Nairobi worth 3.6 billion dollars and investments in data centres and the beverage industry, were concluded.Despite the expansion of relations with the USA, Ruto is keeping Kenya’s options open and is pursuing an independent foreign policy that favours neither East nor West. african.business
Tanzania’s President Samia is seeking more Chinese loans at this year’s Focac: President Samia Suluhu Hassan will visit China in September for the Forum for China-Africa Co-operation (Focac) to finalise new loan agreements. During a recent visit by Tanzanian Foreign Minister January Makamba to Beijing, China confirmed its willingness to provide new project financing. During their last visit to Beijing in November 2022, 15 bilateral agreements were signed, including the upgrade of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and a debt cancellation of TZS 31.4 billion. China also provided a USD 56.72 million loan for a new terminal at Zanzibar Airport. Under President Samia, Tanzania is pursuing a neutral foreign policy and focussing on economic diplomacy. Chinese companies are the largest foreign investors in Tanzania and the country is aiming to increase its exports to China to USD 1 billion by 2025. theeastafrican.co.ke
Drought threatens Zambia: A severe drought in Zambia is threatening millions of people with hunger, disrupting the power supply and destroying the economy, Environment Minister Collins Nzovu has warned. The drought, which was caused by extremely low rainfall, led to massive crop failures, particularly in the staple food maize. President Hakainde Hichilema has declared a state of emergency and introduced water harvesting measures as the country tries to diversify by growing more drought-resistant crops such as cassava and sorghum. Nzovu emphasised that Zambia’s situation is a harbinger of increasing disasters in the region due to climate change and called for urgent international climate finance assistance. theguardian.com
Things are getting tighter in Uganda: Uganda is not only an attractive country for refugees. However, as land becomes scarcer, hospitality is in danger of collapsing. taz.de
MORE KNOWLEDGE:
What our sense of smell has to do with the climate: Climate change, land use and pollution are altering the natural scents that promote our well-being, an international study shows. These changes could have a negative impact on our health, as natural scents help regulate emotions and combat depression. The researchers call for the value of these natural scents to be given more weight in political decisions. t3n.de
How concrete should go green: Concrete is a dominant building material because of its versatility and durability, but it causes six to nine per cent of global CO₂ emissions. The production of cement, the main component of concrete, requires enormous amounts of energy and releases a lot of CO₂. To become climate-neutral, the cement industry is focusing on innovative binders, CO₂ capture and storage and reducing the proportion of clinker, but a combination of different approaches will be necessary to significantly reduce emissions. sueddeutsche.de
How Germany could capture CO2: A research team has evaluated different CO2 removal methods for Germany, looking at both biological and technological approaches. Biological measures such as afforestation and rewetting of peatlands are easy to implement but offer limited potential for CO2 reduction, while chemical and bioenergetic methods are more efficient but more difficult and expensive. Overall, the study shows that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that different methods vary in effectiveness depending on the region and context. spektrum.de
CALENDAR:
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 online
Further 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 peoples
Bonn Climate Conference – June 2024
When: 3-13 June 2024
Where: Bonn, Germany
Further information: WebsiteThe 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 host 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:
For less metal scrap: Japan’s wooden satellite
A solution to the space debris problem at last: Japanese researchers have built a satellite made of wood that will burn up completely on re-entry into the atmosphere – no metal particles, no pollution. The satellite, affectionately known as „Lignosat“, is just ten centimetres tall and will be launched into space by a SpaceX rocket. Because normal satellites simply leave too much metal debris behind, Japan is now focussing on magnolia wood, which is designed to withstand even the harshest conditions in space. Who would have thought that the future of space travel lies in woodworking? n-tv.de
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