to the German edition
Is the Federal Environment Ministry protecting the oil industry? Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) is under pressure in connection with allegations of fraud relating to so-called upstream emission reduction projects (UER). These UER projects enable oil companies to achieve climate targets in the transport sector by purchasing CO₂ certificates. However, research shows that some of the certified projects do not exist. Despite the accusations, the companies are allowed to continue to offset the certificates until 2025, which has provoked massive criticism. The environmental sector is complaining about losses running into billions, while the Ministry of the Environment is describing the legal situation as complex. Critics such as lawyer Wolfgang Heinze accuse the ministry of shying away from taking back the fraudulent certificates for fear of possible legal proceedings, which undermines trust in climate protection policy. The ministry, on the other hand, emphasises that the trust of market participants in the legitimacy of the certificates is crucial for future investments. Meanwhile, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has refused to issue climate certificates to German companies for eight climate protection projects in China. This decision is based on proven irregularities in the projects and is part of a larger affair surrounding suspected fraud. The denied certificates correspond to a saving of 215,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which the companies originally wanted to have credited to their carbon footprint. A total of 40 out of 69 Chinese projects are suspected of fraud. The fraud worked via a mechanism that allowed oil companies in Germany to achieve legally stipulated climate targets with the help of climate protection projects in China. fr.de, handelsblatt.com , welt.de , umweltbundesamt.de
The big sustainable German electricity market revolution of the traffic light: The German government is planning a hybrid capacity market to secure the electricity supply in times of wind and solar lulls. This is intended to guarantee the electricity supply even without nuclear and coal-fired power. The plan envisages that power plant operators will receive remuneration for keeping electricity capacities available, even if they are only rarely needed. This mainly affects gas-fired power plants that could step in flexibly. The capacity market is partly controlled centrally in order to secure the necessary reserve capacities and partly organised decentrally so that regional providers manage their capacities themselves. Critics criticise the complexity of the system, but experts see the rapid implementation of the model as the greatest challenge in managing the coal phase-out. focus.de
2.6 million tonnes of peat
were extracted in Germany last year. Germany is the second-largest peat producer after Finland, although extraction destroys peatlands and releases CO2. Despite the downward trend, 2.6 million tonnes of peat were still being extracted in Germany in 2023. The government plans to reduce peat extraction, with a phase-out in hobby horticulture by 2026 and in commercial horticulture by 2030. Environmental organisations recommend peat-free alternatives such as compost or substitutes for potting soil to protect peatlands and the climate. klimareporter.de
Tax breaks planned for electric cars: Economics Minister Robert Habeck is planning new tax incentives for electric cars in order to revitalise the slump in sales in Germany. Specifically, two measures are now planned, which Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) agreed on at the beginning of July as part of the coalition government’s growth package. On the one hand, the government wants to extend tax benefits for fully electric company cars to cars worth up to 95,000 euros, according to the draft law approved by the cabinet on Wednesday. tagesschau.de. n-tv.de , focus.de
Farmers should receive more money for climate protection: An EU panel of experts convened by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has presented proposals for the reorganisation of agricultural policy in the EU. The aim is to create financial incentives for climate, environmental and animal protection and to direct aid only to farmers in need. The committee wants to reduce meat consumption and calls for trade policy to take greater account of farmers‘ interests. Peter Strohschneider, chairman of the committee, emphasised that only farmers who really need support should receive financial aid. This marks a break with the current system, in which subsidies are primarily linked to the size of the land farmed. Instead, small farms, young farmers and farms in remote regions are to be prioritised for support. Farmers are also to be compensated for additional measures to protect the climate and environment that go beyond legal requirements. faz.net , taz.de
More Mediterranean climate in Berlin: climate researcher Fritz Reusswig warns of a drastic warming of Berlin. By 2100, the capital could develop a climate like Toulouse or even south of the Pyrenees. The number of hot days above 30°C is expected to increase significantly, which is particularly dangerous for at-risk groups. Despite the possibility of higher rainfall, there is a risk of water shortages in summer due to increased evaporation. This forecast was presented as part of a discussion on the future of Tempelhofer Feld, in which 275 Berliners are to draw up recommendations for its use by 2025. t-online.de
Environmental students have gaps in their knowledge about species extinction: Biodiversity is under threat almost everywhere on earth. But even students of environmental sciences do not always know why this is the case. This is shown by a survey conducted by researchers in Frankfurt. faz.net
BOOK TIP OF THE WEEK:
Slow Food Guide 2025/26
The best restaurants and inns in Germany
For all gourmets and lovers of authentic cuisine, the „Slow Food Genussführer 2025/26“ is an indispensable companion. This 600-page compendium, published by Slow Food Germany, presents over 440 carefully selected restaurants and inns that are committed to the philosophy of „slow food“ and is characterised by its focus on establishments that not only offer culinary excellence, but also value sustainable and environmentally conscious cooking. Particularly noteworthy are the labels for certified organic establishments, brewery inns and restaurants with outstanding vegetarian offerings.In addition to the restaurant recommendations, the book offers a wealth of background information, from regional specialities to a small product guide. Readers will also find hiking, cycling and excursion tips in the vicinity of the restaurants featured, making this gourmet guide a must for anyone who values honest, tasty food without additives and with a regional focus. It will be published on 2 September 2024 and is the perfect companion for culinary journeys of discovery through Germany. oekom.de
In an nutshell:
Climate Action Tracker: Too few wind turbines, fatal transport turnaround: Germany’s bitter climate balance sheet. focus.de
Germany’s green lung: Images of destruction by fire on the Brocken. spiegel.de
Plastic waste: Global South hardest hit. orf.at
New EU Commission: Czech MEPs rebel against Spain’s climate commission candidate. euractiv.de
North Sea and Baltic Sea: Warmer than average again. spektrum.de
Cuxhaven: EU approves expansion of the harbour for the wind industry. ndr.de
Nuclear power in France: A new nuclear power plant of the EPR type has gone into operation in France. So far, however, it has only been running for a short time. taz.de
Netherlands: Radical change in environmental policy. sueddeutsche.de
Southern Europe at the limit: Where holidays are likely to become more difficult in future. nationalgeographic.de
Summer 2024: Hottest summer worldwide since measurements began. sueddeutsche.de
Doctors: Climate and heat education should be remunerated. aerzteblatt.de
No peanuts! How lentils, beans and peas can protect our climate. deutschlandfunkkultur.de
Non-governmental organisations are taking action against the EU taxonomy: They are suing the European Commission for its assessment of fossil fuels in ships and aeroplanes as green. dnr.de
9 Euro ticket: It has achieved next to nothing for climate protection. dlf.de
Cruise ship association: 19 ships sail mainly with LNG. sueddeutsche.de
Sweden wants to strengthen airlines: Air traffic tax to be abolished. taz.de
Electromobility: Musk questions Volkswagen’s investment in Rivian. golem.de
Hydrogen on wind turbines: German invention achieves major breakthrough. focus.de
Jürgen Peterseim, PWC: „Find industries with high added value for hydrogen“. springerprofessional.de
H2 mobility: BMW brings fuel cell car into series production from 2028. handelsblatt.com
Storing hydrogen safely: Swiss researchers focus on iron. ingenieur.de
Importing green hydrogen: European countries are not sufficiently prepared for the demand for green hydrogen. Most of it will have to be imported, but it is unclear from which countries. stadt-und-werk.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:
How Sahra Wagenknecht is changing climate policy
After the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia, it is clear that governing without the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance will hardly be possible. This means that the BSW will also have a say in climate policy. But what does the new party want?
In the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) achieved surprisingly high double-digit results and could even become part of the government in both states. But what are the new movement’s positions on climate policy? According to climate economist Claudia Kemfert, although there are approaches to climate protection, many of the positions should be viewed critically – particularly in relation to Russia. It remains to be seen how the BSW will co-operate with the CDU, which is likely to lead the government.
The Greens, on the other hand, suffered heavy losses and were even thrown out of the state parliament in Thuringia. Claudia Kemfert sees this as a sign that interest in climate protection has waned among parts of the population. Populist forces have been strengthened and issues such as climate protection only played a subordinate role in the election campaign. „The election results are disastrous for climate protection,“ emphasises Kemfert. She argues in favour of continuing to raise awareness of the importance of climate protection, without scaremongering, but with a positive vision for the future. mdr.de
COMMENT OF THE WEEK:
Peace is only possible post-fossil
In his article, Felix Ekardt discusses the consequences of the recent state elections in Saxony and Thuringia for climate and energy policy. He warns against the rise of parties such as the AfD and BSW, which rely on fossil fuels and cheap energy from Russia. This stance not only jeopardises climate protection goals, but also indirectly promotes Russia’s expansionist policy. Ekardt argues that a regression to fossil fuels would be economically risky and would lead to price increases in the long term. In contrast, renewable energies and the heating transition would offer more jobs and added value. The author also warns against populist movements that ignore scientific findings and emphasises the need for a consistent energy transition despite growing political resistance.
The whole text is available at zeit.de
LAST WEEK IN THE BUNDESTAG:
Climate Protection Report 2024 presented: Germany’s greenhouse gas emissions continued to fall in 2023. In its current estimate for 2023, the Federal Environment Agency states a significant decrease of around 10 percent compared to the previous year 2022, meaning that greenhouse gas emissions fell by 76 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents from 750 to around 674 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents compared to the previous year. This is according to a briefing (20/12760) by the Federal Government on the Climate Action Report 2024. In accordance with Section 10 of the Federal Climate Protection Act (KSG), the Federal Government submits an annual climate protection report to the Bundestag. The report presents the development of greenhouse gas emissions overall and in the various sectors as well as the implementation status of the various climate protection programmes and the climate protection measures contained therein. It also contains an assessment of the expected greenhouse gas reduction effects and the achievement of climate targets in accordance with Section 3 KSG. In addition to climate reporting in the central economic sectors, the implementation of cross-sectoral measures is also reported on
Germany could miss its EU climate targets: Germany could miss its targets under the EU’s Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) between 2021 and 2030. This is according to a briefing (20/12450) by the Federal Government on the report on the exceedance of the targets of the European Climate Change Regulation and statement on possible impacts under Article 8 of the European Climate Change Regulation, as determined by the Expert Council on Climate Change (ECCC). The ERK emphasises that the effect of newly adopted measures will only take effect with a time lag. Against this backdrop, it recommends that the Federal Government and the German Bundestag do not wait for a new failure to meet the targets, but instead examine the prompt implementation of additional measures that are also suitable for ensuring compliance with the requirements of the ESR. According to the ERK, the focus should be on the buildings and transport sectors, which have the largest exceedances. The European Commission has not yet formally determined that Germany has not made sufficient progress in fulfilling its obligations under Article 4 of the ESR, according to the information.
Land consumption to fall to „net zero“ by 2050: The German government has presented a transformation report on sustainable construction and the transport transition, which sets ambitious targets for the future. The core objective is to reduce land use for construction and transport projects to „net zero“ by 2050, with an interim target of less than 30 hectares per day by 2030. The report emphasises the importance of repurposing, internal development and multiple use of land in construction, while at the same time creating and maintaining affordable housing. Innovative approaches such as new forms of housing in old buildings and the reutilisation of vacant properties are proposed. Greenhouse gas emissions in the life cycle of buildings should be introduced as a benchmark in regulatory law. For the mobility sector, integrated planning and better networking of different modes of transport are being sought. All of these measures are aimed at reducing resource consumption, maintaining climate protection performance and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. bundestag.de
TAKEN LITERALLY:
„…I have been dealing with the topic of climate for many years. Almost every time new climate data comes out, we get scared. Then we deal with it for two days. And then the insidious topic of climate change disappears from our minds again.“
Sven Plöger, meteorologist, says this is partly due to the fact that there is no specific threat – after all, not everyone gets hit by storms every day, even if they are on the increase. Another reason is that we are reluctant to compromise on our way of life. We should get a little away from our „faster, further, higher, more“ behaviour. But if we endeavoured to be more sustainable, many of the compromises would not be so drastic. And pointing to the Chinese when it comes to climate protection is not enough. In the global ranking of CO2 emissions, Germany is in seventh place – 188 countries are better than us. We were living in a wishful thinking world and were also making our policies in this way. But the reality is moving further and further away from this and that is where the danger lies. wdr.de
AFRICA:
China’s Africa strategy – more business than development aid: As Africa’s most important trading partner, China presents itself as the leader of the „Global South“. While the country has realised massive infrastructure projects over the past 25 years, its investment strategy has recently changed. Lending has been significantly reduced, from 27 billion euros in 2016 to 4.2 billion euros in 2023. China is now concentrating on smaller, lower-risk projects and is looking for international partners for financing. In addition, the focus is shifting from coal and oil projects to green energy. Overall, China’s involvement in Africa is increasingly seen as a business rather than pure development aid, with the country further consolidating its position as an important economic partner for the continent. tagesschau.de , dw.com, spiegel.de
Africa’s climate in crisis: record heat, droughts and floods characterise 2023. fair-economics.de
The peace virus: a role model for Gaza? A quarter of a century ago, the DR Congo showed how ceasefires for polio vaccination campaigns can promote peace processes. taz.de
Lesotho: Mining industry under pressure. lestimes.com
Morocco wins with its Western Sahara strategy: Alongside Spain, another European country, France, is now supporting Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara. This has consequences for the Sahrawis living there, neighbouring Algeria and the region as a whole. dw.com
MORE KNOWLEDGE:
What particulate matter does: Particulate matter is one of the biggest environmental risks, causing over 4.5 million premature deaths worldwide every year, according to a report by the World Meteorological Organisation. These tiny, invisible particles come mainly from traffic, industry and agriculture and can penetrate deep into the body, causing serious health problems, especially heart and lung disease. The WHO has set strict limits for particulate matter, which are exceeded in many cities. To reduce pollution, we should drive less, rely on renewable energies and use modern heating systems. Climate change is exacerbating the problem with more frequent forest fires.
rnd.de
Climate change jeopardises global wood supply: As vineyards in the UK continue to expand due to hot summers, this success reveals a worrying trend: climate change is shifting the regions suitable for growing crops northwards. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that in the long term this could significantly limit the space available for growing trees – a crucial resource for paper, furniture and construction – and the increasing demand for arable land could put wood production under severe pressure, according to the researchers. So far, this problem has been largely overlooked, but it will become increasingly acute as the demand for both resources continues to grow. fair-economics.de
How satellite data can help in the fight against the climate catastrophe: The EU Commission’s Copernicus programme provides extensive climate data through satellites such as Sentinel-2C, which is crucial in the fight against climate change. This freely accessible data enables precise measurements of glacier melt, sea level rise and surface temperatures, contributing to a fact-based picture of the Earth’s past, present and future. The long-term storage and provision of this data by the Copernicus Climate Service not only supports climate research, but also specific projects in various European countries. futurezone.at
CALENDAR:
Parliamentary Advisory Council on Sustainable Development – 71st meeting
Time: Wednesday, 11 September 2024, 8.20 a.m.
Place: Berlin, Paul-Löbe-Haus, meeting room E 700
The meeting is open to the public.The Parliamentary Advisory Council on Sustainable Development (PBnE) will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, 11 September 2024, starting at 8.20 am. The agenda includes a discussion and resolution on the PBnE’s position paper on the dialogue version of the „German Sustainable Development Strategy – Further Development 2024“ and other matters.
The meeting will be broadcast live on parliamentary television and online at www.bundestag.de.
Kenya as a partner at the Federal President’s Citizens‘ Festival
Time: 13 and 14 September 2024 in the park of Bellevue Palace in Berlin.
Under the motto „Pamoja – Stronger Together“, this event will honour the close and diverse relations between Kenya and Germany as well as the civil society engagement of both countries. A special highlight will be the participation of Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, who will be accompanied by several ministers. The citizens‘ festival will offer numerous insights into Kenya’s dynamic start-up scene, demonstrations of traditional arts and culinary specialities. wallstreet-online.de , bundespraesident.de
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 peoplesExpert discussion „Mandatory transfer of edible food“
Time: Monday, 23 September 2024, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Berlin, Paul-Löbe-Haus, meeting room E 200The meeting is open to the public.
Federal government strategies for global health
Time: Monday, 23 September 2024, 5 p.m. to 6.45 p.m.
Place: Berlin, Paul-Löbe-Haus, meeting room E 600The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast on www.bundestag.de
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, AzerbaijanAIReconomics NewsletterFurther 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:
Capri-Sun fights for the right to suck plastic:
The drinks giant Capri-Sun is collecting signatures in favour of the reintroduction of plastic straws. „Our customers finally want to be able to sip tastelessly again,“ says CEO Roland Weening, explaining the revolutionary initiative. With the slogan „Make Straws Great Again“, the company hopes to mobilise one million supporters and persuade the EU Commission to make a U-turn in its environmental policy. Environmentalists are outraged: „Next they will probably demand the return of single-use plastic bags and polystyrene packaging,“ warns a spokeswoman. But Capri-Sun remains steadfast: „Anyone who loves aluminium drink packs will also appreciate plastic straws.“ The petition is running under the hashtag #PlastikStrohHeldentum. The first supporters enthusiastically report nostalgic feelings at the thought of crackling plastic packaging. The future of drinking has never been so retro. zeit.de
to the German edition
All images, unless otherwise stated: pixabay.com
You are receiving this newsletter because you are interested in environmental and sustainable issues.
[…] Zurück Vor […]
So well done
Excellent effort