to the German edition

Sustainable outcomes at the COP in Saudi Arabia: The 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 December 2024. A key outcome was the launch of the Riyadh Action Agenda, an initiative to accelerate the restoration of degraded lands and improve drought resilience by mobilising governmental and non-governmental actors. In addition, the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership was launched to coordinate international action against drought and move from reactive crisis management to proactive prevention. The „World Drought Atlas“ was also presented during the conference, which shows that around three quarters of global land areas have become permanently drier in the last 30 years, with Europe being particularly affected. These initiatives emphasise the urgency of international cooperation in the fight against desertification and drought. Germany prioritised securing land rights, promoting indigenous participation and investing in the restoration of degraded land, supported by a new multi-donor fund. The conference emphasised the synergies between climate, nature and soil conservation and highlighted the importance of preventative measures against drought. Sustainable pasture management and youth participation were also addressed for the first time. In addition, a moderate increase in the UNCCD budget was agreed to ensure the work of the secretariat. deutschlandfunk.de, unccd.int (documents), klimareporter.de, dw.com, bmz.de

More renewables than fossil fuels in electricity consumption: The share of renewable energies in electricity consumption in Germany is expected to reach a new record of 54 per cent in 2024, driven by wind and solar energy, which together account for over three quarters of green electricity. Electricity generation from photovoltaic systems grew particularly strongly by 16 per cent to around 74 terawatt hours, while wind energy remained at the previous year’s level at around 141 terawatt hours. Despite this progress, UBA President Dirk Messner emphasises the need for faster expansion of renewable energies in order to achieve the target of 80 percent by 2030, as the demand for electricity will continue to rise due to the electrification of heating and transport. n-tv.de

Around 240,000 deaths caused by particulate matter in the EU

A report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that around 239,000 deaths in the EU each year are caused by excessive particulate matter pollution. In 2022, an additional 70,000 deaths were caused by ozone and 48,000 by nitrogen dioxide, especially in cities. The concentrations of air pollutants are well above the WHO recommendations, resulting in avoidable deaths. At the same time, the report highlights a positive development: between 2005 and 2022, the number of deaths caused by particulate matter fell by 45 per cent. The EU is on course to reduce this figure by 55 per cent by 2030. The estimates are based on epidemiological analyses and are statistical approximations, not exact figures.

deutschlandfunk.de

How Habeck wants to boost the sale of electric mobility: Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck is proposing to make the purchase of electric cars more attractive through a state-funded charging credit of 1000 euros and tax incentives. People on low and middle incomes in particular should benefit from tax breaks or a social leasing model. In addition, professional battery checks for used electric vehicles should be subsidised with 100 euros in order to strengthen the used car market. In view of the industry’s sales problems, Habeck is proposing to make possible fines for fleet emission limits more flexible. However, the implementation of the proposals is made more difficult by the limited room for manoeuvre of the broken coalition of traffic lights. faz.net

Too little knowledge about sustainability data – credit crunch in SMEs: A KfW study shows that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are often not prepared for the growing demands from banks for sustainability data, which are increasingly being requested in loan negotiations. While larger SMEs are already being confronted more frequently with questions about climate and environmental aspects, micro-enterprises have hardly been affected to date – although this could soon change due to regulatory requirements and the growing importance of ESG criteria (environmental, social and governance). Experts warn of uncertainties for SMEs and call for clear, practical standards to make the transparency requirements manageable, especially for companies from sectors with high climate risks. handelsblatt.com

EU shows backbone on car emissions rules: The EU is standing firm on its strict CO2 emissions rules for cars, despite increasing pressure from car manufacturers and political groups such as the European People’s Party (EPP) calling for the rules to be relaxed. EU Climate Action Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra emphasised that the rules are crucial for the transition to sustainable transport and Europe’s leadership in the global automotive industry. While the industry is proposing adjustments such as more flexible calculation periods, the EU is not prepared to make concessions as these could jeopardise climate targets – a challenge that poses fundamental changes for the automotive industry. autogear.pt

CO2-Emissionen im Tourismus steigen rasant: Die CO2-Emissionen im Tourismussektor wachsen laut einer Studie der University of Queensland doppelt so schnell wie in anderen Bereichen. Zwischen 2009 und 2022 stiegen die Emissionen jährlich um 3,5 Prozent – deutlich mehr als der globale Durchschnitt von 1,5 Prozent. Gründe hierfür sind die zunehmende Reiselust und der wachsende Flugverkehr. Drei Länder sind dabei für über die Hälfte der Emissionen verantwortlich: die USA, China und Indien tragen 60 Prozent zur Gesamtbelastung des Sektors bei.  Die Forschenden fordern dringende Maßnahmen, um die Klimaziele des Pariser Abkommens zu erreichen. Dazu zählen die Reduzierung von Langstreckenflügen, der Einsatz klimafreundlicher Kraftstoffe und höhere CO2-Steuern, um den ökologischen Fußabdruck der Reisebranche zu minimieren. deutschlandfunk.de


BOOK TIP OF THE WEEK:

Orte zum Wohlfühlen

Ein Reiseführer zur kreativen Gestaltung zukunftsfähiger Städte und Gemeinden

Places to Feel Good offers a fascinating 96-page perspective on how cities and communities can meet the challenges of our time. Climate change, social polarisation and economic changes are shaping the everyday lives of many people. This book makes it clear that creative approaches and interdisciplinary cooperation are crucial to designing sustainable, liveable spaces. The authors‘ innovative approach is particularly noteworthy: they suggest linking art, science and practice more closely together in order to take into account not only functional, but also sensory-aesthetic and social needs in urban planning. The term „travel guide“ is to be understood metaphorically here – the book invites readers to explore new ways of collaboration and design.With clear, well-structured language and plenty of inspiring food for thought, the book is aimed at urban planners, scientists, artists and anyone interested in the sustainable development of their surroundings. It does not offer ready-made solutions, but rather impulses on how creative approaches can create real places to be.
At a time when city centres are characterised by vacancies, rising rents and social fragmentation, this book provides valuable suggestions for a more human, holistically conceived future. It is a compact yet in-depth guide for anyone who wants to play an active role in shaping our cities. Places to Feel Good is an inspiring, creative and practical companion on the way to more liveable cities. A must-read for all those who think outside the box and are looking for new ideas for sustainable urban development.

oekom.de


In a nutshell:

Investment slump: meets innovation boom in the climate tech sector. fair-economics.de
Four million guillemots – simply disappeared: Eight million guillemots populated the coasts of Alaska, then the sea became unusually warm. Within a few years, the bird population halved. spiegel.de
EU climate change service Copernicus: 2024 likely to be the first year above the 1.5 degree mark. zdf.de
„Eco-fascism“ and hostility to science: how the right is capitalising on the climate issue. tagesspiegel.de
Adapting to climate change: cities are not prepared.klimareporter.de
Chancellor visits car manufacturers: Scholz refers to Brussels for electric car subsidies. wiwo.de
Housing costs: Driving millions of people into poverty. fair-economics.de
„Outrageous“ – deadline for rent law infuriates housing associations: The Federal Ministry of Justice presented a draft for rent regulations on Friday. The deadline for comments expires on Monday. handelsblatt.com

Lithium deposits in Saxony: Mining is returning to Saxony – thanks to electric cars. n-tv.de
Survey on transport policy: Majority against a ban on combustion engines – more in favour of climate fuel than electric premiums. focus.de
Forecast on targets for transport transition: there will be a shortfall of four million electric carsby 2030 . taz.de
„Swabia will be the new Ruhr region„: researcher predicts the demise of the German car industry. welt.de
Drone, underground railway, cargo bike: what is used for deliveries in the city on the „last mile“. tagesspiegel.de

Climate protection contracts: second bidding round also focusses on CCS/CCU and hydrogen. euwid-recycling.de
Industrial alliance promotes the European hydrogen market: This involves the H2Med project, which connects the hydrogen networks of the Iberian Peninsula with north-west Europe. chemietechnik.de
Synthetic fuels: Are e-fuels the future of mobility? adac.de
Are hydrogen imports a mistake? Researchers point to alternatives: Researchers warn that not all production steps in energy-intensive industries can be kept in Germany with the use of hydrogen. handelsblatt.com
More overview: Hydrogen potential atlas provides clarity. fair-economics.de

 


PODCAST OF THE WEEK:

The sense and nonsense of low emission zones

Low emission zones have demonstrably positive effects on air quality and health, as a recent DIW study shows. Children and young adults in particular benefit: Mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders decrease and school performance also improves. Climate economist Prof Claudia Kemfert therefore describes low emission zones as a proven model for success.

Nevertheless, some cities such as Erfurt are abolishing their low emission zones because air quality has improved. Kemfert criticises this step and warns of future problems. Stricter limit values could force the reintroduction of the zones and provoke resistance. It would therefore make more sense to maintain the environmental zones permanently in order to avoid a yo-yo effect.

In the podcast, Kemfert also answers a listener question about watermills. She explains that economic and nature conservation hurdles make their operation difficult, but argues in favour of continuing to examine the potential of such plants. mdr.de


COMMENT OF THE WEEK:

Arguments in favour of the debt brake are based on a misconception

Business journalist Stephan Kaufmann criticises the view of humanity on which the debt brake is based as unrealistic. According to economic theory, the debt brake is necessary to prevent politicians from gaining votes through excessive promises and financing these through debt. It is assumed that voters act selfishly and maximise benefits and politicians think in the short term, as they shift the consequences of debt into the future.

However, Kaufmann shows that this model does not work in practice. Many politicians are currently focussing on doing without instead of making generous promises, such as CDU leader Friedrich Merz, whose party is leading in the polls despite pessimistic forecasts. Voter behaviour also contradicts the theory: older people, who would be less affected by future debt, often reject higher debt. In addition, many people vote for parties such as the AfD that run counter to their material interests. This „AfD paradox“ illustrates that voters do not make purely material decisions, but are influenced by other factors such as identity or ideology.

Kaufmann concludes that the debt brake’s false image of humanity removes its basis and that a reform or abolition should be urgently discussed. deutschlandfunkkultur.de


LAST WEEK IN THE BUNDESTAG:

How the government wants to improve the collection of old electrical appliances: The German government wants to improve the collection and disposal of old electrical appliances. Its draft of a second law to amend the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (20/14146) aims to increase collection volumes and improve the fire risks posed by incorrectly disposed of or damaged lithium batteries. Municipal recycling centres, which according to the German government currently collect around 80 percent of old appliances from private households, are to be given more specific sorting guidelines so that the batteries permanently installed in many old appliances are less likely to be damaged during removal and collection. In future, consumers will also be able to return used electrical appliances to retailers more frequently. The German government’s draft stipulates that collection points in shops must be uniformly labelled to make them easier to find. The symbol of the separate waste bin on the shelf – displayed in the shop or placed on the website when ordering online – is intended to inform consumers directly when purchasing an electrical appliance that it must be disposed of „separately from unsorted municipal waste“ after use, as the draft states. To ensure that disposable e-cigarettes end up less in residual waste or in the environment in future, it is planned to simplify their disposal; in future, consumers should be able to return them to all points of sale where they are sold, including kiosks and petrol stations, writes the German government. According to the draft, taking them back should not be linked to the purchase of an e-cigarette.

Unresolved funding issues in battery research: Battery research in Germany has so far been financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) primarily from the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF). This is according to an answer (20/13965) from the Federal Government to a minor question (20/13491) from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. According to current plans, however, no further funds from the KTF will be available for new grants in battery research from 2025. When asked by the CDU/CSU about the potential impact on jobs in the field of battery research, the German government stated that it had no information on this. Nevertheless, the Federal Government reaffirms its intention to continue to promote battery research as a „key technology“ in the future. The long-term goal is to establish competitive battery production in Germany and reduce dependence on foreign technologies. Germany should become „a centre for research, production and recycling of battery cells“, according to the answer. The German Armed Forces, among others, are currently dependent on non-European battery suppliers, especially for lithium batteries. In its response, the German government also emphasises the importance of international cooperation in battery research. For example, the BMBF is funding projects with the USA, Japan, France and Israel. However, these collaborations are scheduled to end in 2027 at the latest. However, the Federal Government plans to continue and expand successful partnerships in the future, taking into account the available budget funds. A possible co-operation with Canada is currently under review, the answer continues. Since 2009, the BMBF has invested a total of over one billion euros in battery research projects. This includes the „Battery Cell Research Centre“ in Münster, which was funded with around 70 million euros last year.

Animal husbandry labelling law to be extended: The Animal Husbandry Labelling Act is to be extended. A draft bill (20/14034) from the SPD and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen parliamentary groups envisages extending the labelling of other pork products to out-of-home catering, in restaurants, canteens, canteens and snack bars. The Animal Husbandry Labelling Act, also known as the Animal Welfare Label, was passed in summer 2023. As a first step, retailers in the food retail sector, online retailers and butchers were obliged to label fresh, unprocessed pork accordingly when it is sold. The meat is categorised into five types of husbandry: „barn“, „barn and space“, „fresh air barn“, „free range“ and „organic“, with a logo indicating to consumers how the animals were reared. The current draft provides for an expansion of food labelling. The standardised obligation to label other „foods derived from pigs“ is to be extended to out-of-home catering. This would mean that it would not only apply in food retail, but also in restaurants, canteens, cafeterias and snack bars. „In order to take into account the circumstances of out-of-home catering, the labelling regulations will be adapted accordingly and the possibility of digital labelling will be granted,“ the draft states. In addition, the existing procedure for participation in labelling for foreign operators will be adapted and two further procedures for foreign operators will be added. According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office, around 61,465 restaurants with service, 2,567 restaurants without service and 35,486 snack bars would be affected by the change in the law. In addition, the changes to the Animal Welfare Labelling Act would also affect 13,800 canteens, 19,224 canteens at all-day schools, 460 canteens at universities, 1,893 hospitals and 11,358 care facilities. The law is due to come into force in the course of 2025 and will be limited in time; an evaluation is planned five years after it comes into force. This is to examine „whether and to what extent the intended effect of product transparency has been achieved in order to enable end consumers to make informed purchasing decisions“, the MEPs write.

 

TAKEN LITERALLY:

„If the 700 million poorest people had an income above the poverty line,CO2 emissions could increase by up to 26 per cent. We calculated this in a joint study. This will only work if the richer countries reduce their global carbon footprint.“

Professor Ilona Otto, sociologist, climate researcher and head of the „Social Complexity and System Transformation“ research group as well as deputy director of the Wegener Centre for Climate and Global Change at the University of Graz, sees potential in climate-friendly technologies such as electric cars, but emphasises their challenges, such as high energy requirements and problematic batteries. She advocates a more sustainable lifestyle with less consumption, shared use of resources, public transport and a conscious diet. She believes that measures such as taxes and CO2 certificates make sense, but warns against social injustice, as these place less of a burden on the wealthy. Bans such as the ban on combustion engines from 2035 are necessary, but should be accompanied by transitional periods. Companies and institutions should also develop their own rules for climate-friendly behaviour. Otto criticises the automotive industry for oversleeping e-mobility, but sees opportunities for Germany, for example through investment in renewable energies and modern infrastructure such as night trains. She also calls for restrictions on CO2-intensive luxury goods such as private jets, as this could promote social peace. In terms of international responsibility, Otto recommends making companies that have profited from fossil fuels pay instead of financing climate aid at the expense of education and health in their own countries. A balanced mix of personal responsibility, political measures and global justice is crucial. Read the full interview at Rheinische Post

 

AFRICA:

Ghana: Old new beacon of hope. Ghana’s opposition wins the elections. Former and future President John Mahama must now get the economic crisis under control. ipg-journal.de
Development cooperation with Zambia: Between 2014 and 2023, there were a total of 179 bilateral development cooperation measures and projects between the Republic of Zambia and the Federal Republic of Germany. This is according to the Federal Government’s answer (20/14006) to a minor interpellation.
Development cooperation with Senegal: In the period from 2013 to 2023, there were a total of 173 bilateral development cooperation measures and projects between the Republic of Senegal and the Federal Republic of Germany. This is according to the German government’s answer (20/14008) to a minor interpellation.
Two new friends of Russia clash: Is a „water war“looming in Africa? fr.de
Motorsport in Africa: Rwanda bids for Formula 1 race. spiegel.de
Burkina Faso: Government dissolved, military junta fires prime minister. zdf.de
Morocco: Record numbers of tourists. reuters.com

MORE KNOWLEDGE:

Why waste is not sustainable: The EU-funded Waste4Soil project explores innovative ways to convert waste from the food and agricultural industries into sustainable, bio-based soil conditioners such as ammonium sulphate, replacing chemical fertilisers and reducing food waste. In Living Labs in seven European countries, researchers are developing local solutions, including the recycling of pig manure, olive pomace and fish waste, to improve soil and reduce environmental impact. These approaches support the goals of the European Green Deal, such as restoring degraded soil by 2050 and reducing food waste by 2030. fair-economics.de

New project on the transition to circular business models: A new DBU-funded project shows how traditional companies can successfully convert their business models to a circular economy in order to combine climate protection and resource conservation. With 13 companies from sectors such as textiles, logistics and metal, the project partners, led by the University of Kassel and the Association of Climate Protection Companies, are developing customised solutions to transform linear models into circular ones. In addition to practical recommendations for action, a digital tool is being developed to support companies in their transformation. The project also sheds light on challenges, such as the contradiction between long-lasting products and increasing demand, and offers innovative approaches such as digital product passports and cross-industry collaborations. The aim is to make sustainable, recyclable products more competitive and to promote the development of circular lead markets. haufe.de

How companies can avoid greenwashing accusations: Consumer confidence in companies‘ sustainability efforts has taken a hit. According to Julia Müller from Capgemini Invent, more than half of people now accuse companies of greenwashing – a significant increase within a year. This is often caused by insufficiently substantiated terms such as „climate neutral“ or „green“, which are more marketing than substance. But silence about sustainability strategies („green hustling“) is also damaging: it increases mistrust and prevents companies from gaining a competitive advantage from their efforts. The solution lies in authentic and transparent communication: honest statements, backed up by data rather than slogans, create trust. Technologies such as blockchain can also increase transparency in the supply chain and provide consumers with concrete evidence of sustainability. Silence or superficial green claims are not an option – transparency is the key. handelsblatt.com

 

CALENDAR:

2025 Preview:

UN Climate Change Conference COP 30

Date: Expected November 2025

Location: Belém, Brazil

Description: The 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 30) will take place in Belém, in the Brazilian state of Pará. This marks the first time that a COP will be held in the Amazon region, which emphasises the importance of the rainforest for global climate protection.

Fifth Global Climate and SDG Synergy Conference

Date: 5-6 September 2025

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Description: This conference aims to strengthen the synergies between the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It serves as preparation for the UN Climate Change Conference 2025 and is intended to contribute to the effective implementation of both agreements.

THE LAST:

Every year again – Christmas tree drama: plastic vs. Nordmann – who wins the climate balance?

The same question every year: real tree or plastic? According to expert Niels Jungbluth, the regional forest tree is usually the most environmentally friendly choice – short distances, no fertiliser, no pesticides. The plastic tree, on the other hand? Only acceptable if it lasts at least ten years (or even twenty, depending on the study). The flavour has to be stable!

And what about rental trees in pots? Sounds great, but storage is a big hit on the carbon footprint. Alternatives? Metal trees for eternity, cardboard trees with DIY charm or a wooden frame that you can pimp every year with green cuttings.

Small spoiler: None of the trees save the climate, as the CO2 storage ends after composting at the latest. Much worse for the climate are the presents and the meat-heavy feast underneath. So: look less at the tree and pay more attention to the footprint of the presents – or simply make a minimalist cardboard tree. 🎄 mdr.de

to the german edition

The editors of FAIReconomics wish all readers of this newsletter happy holidays and a happy new year 2025!

The next newsletter will be published on 13 January 2025

All images, unless otherwise stated: pixabay.com

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