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Germany achieves its climate target: but only thanks to the poor economic situation. The weak economy in recent years has slowed down greenhouse gas emissions more than many had expected. A recent review report by the Expert Council on Climate Change shows that total emissions are likely to remain within the permitted range between 2021 and 2030 – but only because the coronavirus pandemic and economic slowdown are acting as unintended climate buffers. At the same time, the balance sheet remains sobering in important areas: the transport sector has missed its emissions targets for the fourth time in a row, and the building sector also significantly exceeded its limits once again. A growing target gap is already emerging for the European climate targets from 2024, which could result in penalties running into billions. In the long term, the target of climate neutrality by 2045 is at risk of being missed by a significant margin, warns the expert council. stuttgarter-nachrichten.de, nzz.ch, klimareporter.de, spiegel.de
Changing energy policy – Economics Minister Reiche outlines new direction: Following the change of the Federal Ministry of Economics from the Greens to the CDU, the new Minister Katherina Reiche has announced a pragmatic reorientation. More openness to technology, fewer ideological barriers and a focus on security of supply – this is how Germany should remain attractive for energy-intensive companies. Gas-fired power plants, carbon capture and targeted grid expansion are at the centre of her plans. Reiche: Climate protection had perhaps been „overemphasised“ in recent years. „We have to recognise that electricity from renewable sources alone will not achieve a favourable power supply, especially not for energy-intensive companies. We need new gas-fired power plants.“ The tenders for the 20 gigawatts of capacity envisaged in the coalition agreement should start as soon as possible. Energy expert Claudia Kemfert, on the other hand, fears that the new federal government will take steps backwards in terms of climate protection. In particular, the planned abolition of the Heating Act in its current form is „a big mistake“, as is the planned massive expansion of gas-fired power plants, said the expert from the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). tagesspiegel.de, focus.de, fr.de
66 million people displaced in 2024 –internal displacement at record level
In 2024, the number of internally displaced persons worldwide reached a new high: 65.8 million people had to leave their homes, many of them multiple times. Around two thirds fled natural disasters such as hurricanes in the USA, while almost 90 per cent of long-term displaced persons fled violence and conflict. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the occupied Palestinian territories and Sudan are particularly affected. According to the UNHCR, the number of displaced persons worldwide has risen to over 122 million. zdf.de
EU Commission insists on supply chain law – reform instead of abolition: The EU Commission has made it clear that it intends to maintain the Supply Chain Directive. The aim is to simplify the regulation, but not to abolish it. Brussels is thus clearly contradicting Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s demand to abolish the regulation completely. The SPD MEPs in the EU Parliament also emphasised that the basic objectives – combating forced labour, human rights violations and environmental destruction – remain unchanged. At the same time, they were open to possible relief for companies. handelsblatt.com, tagesschau.de, n-tv.de
Germany is losing faith in climate protection – environmental awareness is waning despite growing crises: Climate protection is losing support. A recent study by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) shows that Germans‘ optimism about climate protection is crumbling. While species extinction and plastic waste continue to cause concern, the belief that we can still effectively combat the climate crisis is declining. Only 57 per cent still consider the two-degree target to be very important – a significant decline compared to previous years. At the same time, climate anxiety is growing while hope for solutions is dwindling. fair-economics.de, sueddeutsche.de, uba.de (Original document)
Grid costs: Federal Network Agency wants solar systems to be more involved: The Federal Network Agency is planning a reform of the grid fee system that could also make solar plant operators more liable. In a current discussion paper, the agency proposes that feeders of renewable electricity should also contribute to rising grid costs in future. The aim is to create a fairer billing system by 2028 that complies with European law, distributes costs fairly and promotes grid-friendly behaviour. wiwo.de
Health and environment – Ministry focusses on networked solutions: The new Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety wants to reduce the health burden caused by environmental influences. Department head Antje von Broock announced at the WeAct Con in Berlin that more interdepartmental work is to be carried out. The focus will be on reducing chemicals and noise, improving data networking and raising awareness in hospitals. The insulation and modernisation of hospitals is also to be promoted in order to sustainably protect both the environment and people’s health. aerzteblatt.de
BOOK TIP OF THE WEEK:
Ein Update für unsere Demokratie
Politische Innovationen für mehr Mitbestimmung, Beteiligung und Transparenz
Courage to change in turbulent times. Democracy is not a rigid structure, but a living organism that must constantly adapt to new challenges. In „An Update for Our Democracy“, editor Jascha Rohr brings together contributions from academics, activists and committed citizens who present innovative approaches for more participation and transparency. From citizens‘ councils and third chambers to local decision-making bodies – the book provides concrete proposals on how political participation can be strengthened beyond traditional elections. It is not just about criticising the status quo, but also about practicable models for a sustainable democracy that seeks proximity to the people. A thought-provoking blueprint for all those who understand democracy as a dynamic process – and a passionate appeal to put politics back into the hands of citizens. oekom.de
Kurz und Knapp:
Results of the 104th Conference of Environment Ministers: Overcoming challenges in nature conservation and climate adaptation together. saarland.de
Getting to work with ambition: Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) presents his policy guidelines – and does not shy away from strong words. das-parlament.de
Droughts as the new normal: The silent death of street trees in Berlin and elsewhere. fair-economics.de
Drought map: This is how dry it is in Germany right now. zdf.de
Climate data : Lack of research from the USA has consequences for the climate. deutschlandfunknova.de
US minister plans warning against glyphosate – shares slump: Bayer actually wants to get the legal risks posed by glyphosate in the USA under control by the end of 2026. Now the DAX-listed company is facing a new setback. handelsblatt.com
Biochar: The food industry now wants to save the climate with this CO2 storage system. utopia.de
Collecting rubbish for discounts: Copenhagen rewards tourists for travelling sustainably. n-tv.de
Food and clothing: What do the various fair trade seals stand for? ga.de
Companies : Responsible sustainable action is becoming increasingly difficult. focus.de
AI at the expense of climate protection: Energy requirements of data centres are increasing rapidly. fair-economics.de
Musk benefits from EU funds in the hundreds of millions: The tech billionaire is highly controversial in the EU. Now a parliamentary enquiry reveals explosive figures. manager-magazin.de
1.24 million hectares cleared: Deforestation in Brazil down by a third. spiegel.de
Energieversorgung: Belgium cancels nuclear phase-out. zeit.de
Shell: New climate lawsuits loom. boerse-express.com
New transport minister: Schnieder wants to improve the transport network – and meet climate targets. logistra.de
Need to catch up: German cities perform poorly when it comes to mobility for children. sazbike.de
Energy transition on the seas: Green methanol: Climate solution for ships? zdf.de
Electromobility: New association charGER e.V. wants to drive forward the expansion of charging infrastructure. oekonews.at
Large towing atlas: This is where parking offenders are most often caught. t-online.de
In search of hidden hydrogen in the earth: „White hydrogen“ is produced by geological processes deep in the earth’s crust – without any CO₂ emissions. The gas, which has been overlooked for decades, is now being sought worldwide. ingenieur.de
Potential for green hydrogen in Germany: New atlas shows suitable locations for power-to-hydrogen plants. ise.fraunhofer.de
Hydrogen is not going green. taz.de
Hydrogen expert Jorgo Chatzimarkakis: Ruhr region in transition – how deindustrialisation can become a climate opportunity. focus.de
Position: A lazy compromise on the EU climate target for 2040 jeopardises the hydrogen ramp-up. tagesspiegel.de
PODCAST OF THE WEEK:
#1 Planetary Health – From individual to planetary health
How is our health linked to the state of the planet?
What responsibility does our knowledge of the climate crisis and environmental degradation entail?
What role can people in the health professions play in tackling the global climate crisis?
In this new episode, we discuss these and other questions with physicist and science journalist Prof Dr Harald Lesch and physician and planetary health expert Dr Eva-Maria Schwienhorst-Stich. Together, we take a look at planetary boundaries, tipping elements and the responsibility we bear as a society. podcast.de
COMMENT OF THE WEEK:
Friedrich Merz ignores the climate at his own peril
by Theresa Martus
In her commentary, Theresa Martus criticises the new black-red federal government for its dutiful and largely unambitious approach to climate protection. Although the CDU/CSU and SPD have officially committed to the goal of climate neutrality by 2045, there are no concrete plans or clear measures as to how this goal is actually to be achieved. Martus notes that the progress made so far in climate protection is due less to political action than to economic crises that have temporarily reduced emissions. However, these crisis effects are not a sustainable strategy for the future.
It is particularly problematic that the government has to fulfil not only national but also European climate obligations. If these targets are missed, there is a threat of considerable financial burdens due to the purchase of additional emission allowances. Martus also warns of rising heating and transport costs for citizens when the second European emissions trading scheme takes effect from 2027 and fossil fuels become significantly more expensive. Without timely measures, this not only threatens higher state expenditure, but also social hardship for many households.
Martus emphasises that every tonne of CO₂ that continues to be emitted unchecked further exacerbates the climate crisis and causes significantly higher costs in the long term. In view of the fact that Europe is the fastest warming continent, she is calling on the German government to put climate protection back at the top of the political agenda. morgenpost.de
VIDEO OF THE WEEK:
The super-rich and the climate crisis | ARTE Background
Click here for the video
LAST WEEK IN THE BUNDESTAG:
Establishment of 24 standing committees: The coalition parties CDU/CSU and SPD have tabled a joint motion (21/150) to establish 24 standing committees in the current 21st parliamentary term of the Bundestag. The Bundestag will vote on the motion on Thursday after a 15-minute debate. The following committees are to be set up: Committee for the Scrutiny of Elections, Immunity and the Rules of Procedure (14 members), Committee on Petitions (26), Committee on Foreign Affairs (42), Committee on Home Affairs (42), Committee on Sport and Voluntary Service (14), Committee on Legal Affairs and Consumer Protection (38), Committee on Finance (42), Committee on Budgets (42), Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy (42), Committee on Food, Agriculture and Regional Identity (30), Committee on Labour and Social Affairs (42), Committee on Defence (38), Committee on Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (38), Committee on Health (38), Transport Committee (30), Committee on the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (38), Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid (14), Committee on Research, Technology, Space and Technology Assessment (30), Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development (18), Committee on Tourism (14), Committee on European Union Affairs (34), Committee on Culture and the Media (18), Committee on Digital and State Modernisation (30), Committee on Housing, Urban Development, Construction and Local Authorities (30).
Die Linke asks about lithium agreement: The lithium agreement with Serbia is the subject of a minor interpellation (21/114) by the parliamentary group Die Linke. Among other things, the MPs want to know from the German government how the „Agreement on the Strategic Partnership on Sustainable Raw Materials, Battery Value Chains and Electric Vehicles“ signed in July 2024 came about and what the current status of implementation is. Among other things, the German government should provide information on what official contacts have been made with representatives of the Serbian government, the automotive industry and the Serbian private sector and which are planned.
TAKEN LITERALLY:
„There are various elements that come together. On the one hand, we have an economic crisis, so emissions have fallen somewhat and economic growth is also expected to be lower in the future. On the other hand, there are also improvements in the modelling. Some framework data has been updated, which is why we have come to a different assessment this year than last year. There are major sectoral differences: the energy sector is making a very large contribution to meeting the budget – for example, through the strong expansion of renewable energies and the decline in coal.“
Brigitte Knopf, physicist and climate scientist, deputy chair of the German government’s Expert Council for Climate Issues, warns of significant shortfalls in climate protection targets in the buildings and transport sectors. These sectors have not met their emissions targets in recent years and are unlikely to do so by 2030, which jeopardises not only national but also European commitments.
Although no immediate programme of measures is prescribed, the German government must present a new climate protection programme by March 2026. This should also take into account long-term targets for 2040 and the land use sector, which is currently being transformed from a CO2 sink into a source of emissions.
The second European emissions trading scheme from 2027 could be an important instrument, but experts criticise the fact that the current coalition agreement remains too unclear in many areas and could even have emission-increasing effects in some cases, such as the planned increase in the commuter allowance. Quick and decisive action is needed to avoid long-term path dependencies and missed climate targets. The whole interview at tagesschau.de
AFRICA:
Climate change is slowing down development: extreme weather has affected millions of people in Africa. tagesspiegel.de
Realistic and pragmatic: Germany will have to play an unusual leadership role in Africa. In the Horn of Africa, cooperation with China and Turkey is a good idea. ipg-journal.de
Bishops accuse EU of exploitation: European and African bishops accuse the EU of abusing Africa as a „dumping ground“ for its own ecological goals. vaticannews.va
Ethiopia: Signs $1.7bn worth of mineral and energy contracts, mainly with Chinese companies. reuters.com
Burkina Faso: Why junta leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré has won hearts around the world. bbc.com
Kenya: Former Vice President Gachagua unveils new Democracy for Citizens Party. allafrica.com
US corruption investigators in Zambia’s pharmacies: The US is withdrawing its support for Zambia’s healthcare system. Allegedly because of a corruption scandal uncovered by diplomats. It happened years ago, but was apparently never dealt with. derstandard.at
Tanzania: Chadema official arrested on the way to a political conference in Brussels. theeastafrican.co.ke
Cameroon: Mourning after the death of art biennial organiser Koyo Kouoh. wdr.de
Cooperation: USA shifts Africa strategy to „trade instead of aid“. marketscreener.com
MORE KNOWLEDGE:
China’s climate strategy – progress, challenges and economic interests: China is not only the largest CO₂ emitter in the world, but also the largest investor in green technologies. Accounting for almost half of global investment in clean tech, the country has made impressive progress in the expansion of renewable energies, battery technologies and electromobility in recent years. In the first quarter of 2025, China recorded a non-cyclical decline in its emissions for the first time – a possible indication that the long-awaited emissions summit has been reached. However, the path to climate neutrality by 2060 remains a challenge. Coal-fired power plants continue to play a central role in the energy supply, and energy-intensive industries such as steel and cement are still in the early stages of decarbonisation. At the same time, China’s climate policy is strongly economically motivated – the country recognised early on that green technologies are not only climate-relevant, but also strategically important for its own economic development. mdr.de
Invasive species in Germany – distribution and ecological consequences: Recent studies have shown that almost 2000 invasive animal and plant species have become established in Germany. These alien species, including well-known examples such as the raccoon, Nile goose and Asian hornet, can have a significant impact on native ecosystems and the economy. Land-based habitats are particularly affected, harbouring around 80 percent of invasive species. Despite their widespread presence, the ecological and economic consequences for almost 98 per cent of these species are still insufficiently researched – a significant knowledge gap that urgently needs to be closed. n-tv.de
Metrology – the invisible backbone of modern technology: Whether it’s hydrogen in pipelines, the security of digital communication or the recycling of batteries – precise measurements are the key to many technologies of the future. In this issue, we take a look at the often overlooked but crucial role of metrology in our modern world. How do you reliably measure the flow of hydrogen? How do you protect messages from quantum computers? And how do you decide whether a used battery deserves a second life? Leading metrologists from Europe, who are working together on the measurement standards of the future, provide answers to these questions. fair-economics.de
CALENDAR:
21 May: Fashion Law – 2nd German Fashion Law Day in Berlin
Legal issues relating to sustainability transformation play an important role for the textile industry. The exact programme for the event will be announced shortly.
To the website
20 – 22 May: Greentech Festival and Greentech Conference in Berlin
The Greentech Festival is one of the largest sustainability conferences in Germany. The Greentech Conference, where stakeholders from politics and business discuss sustainable business solutions, takes place as part of the trade fair. In 2025, the conference will be divided into the areas of Mobility & Transport, Energy & Infrastructure and Industry & Materials.
22 – 23 May: Circular Republic Festival in Munich
Several thousand participants attended the first Circular Republic Festival in Munich. The second edition of the circular economy event will take place on 22 and 23 May 2025. It describes itself as „Europe’s leading event for innovations in the circular economy“. Companies, start-ups and visionaries are invited to discuss topics such as resource scarcity, climate change and supply chain resilience. | GREEN.WORKS is a media partner.
To the website26 – 28 May: Re:publica in Berlin
The Re:publica digital conference discusses the influence of digitalisation on the economy and society. In 2025, the festival will be held under the motto „Generation XYZ“. It is also about finding sustainable solutions for the economy of tomorrow.
To the website2 – 3 June: Hamburg Sustainability Conference
The motto of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference is „Together We Co-Create Sustainable Development“. The conference in Hamburg will focus on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The aim of the event is to bring together leaders from politics, business, science and civil society from all over the world to explore opportunities and practical ways to achieve the 17 sustainability goals.
To the website2 – 3 June: ZNU Future Conference in Ludwigsburg
The event discusses solutions and ways to achieve greater climate protection and sustainability in companies. It is one of the established and renowned events on the sustainability scene and is organised by the Centre for Sustainable Leadership at Witten/Herdecke University.
To the website3 – 4 June: Scope 3 Innovation Forum in Amsterdam
The Scope 3 Innovation Forum focuses on the challenge of Scope 3 emissions. The conference in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, will discuss opportunities and innovations that can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the value chain.
To the website10 – 12 June: European Sustainable Energy Week 2025 in Brussels and online
The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is the largest annual event on renewable energy and efficient energy use in Europe. It is organised by the European Commission and takes place in the Belgian capital.
To the website16 – 18 June: European Climate Change Adaptation Conference 2025 in Rimini
The ECCAC is centred around the topic of climate adaptation. Experts will come together in Rimini, Italy, to discuss smarter, faster and more systematic climate adaptation in Europe.
To the website25 – 26 June: Sustainability Summit in Hamburg
The Sustainability Summit in Hamburg is a trade fair and conference for sustainability in business, which will take place for the second time in 2025. The summit is aimed at companies and start-ups. In the exhibition area, participants will present their IT solutions for sustainability and ESG.
To the website1 – 2 July: LZ Summit Packaging & Sustainability in Frankfurt
The conference is aimed at managers and those responsible for sustainability management and strategy and focuses on optimising sustainable corporate management in the consumer goods industry.
To the website21 – 22 July: Sustainability Standards Conference 2025 in Frankfurt
The German Accounting Standards Committee (GASC), the IFRS Foundation, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main and the Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE are jointly organising the Sustainability Standards Conference. The conference focuses on the implementation and further development of IFRS sustainability standards
To the website2. – 3. September: Carbon Capture Global Summit in London
The Carbon Capture Global Summit 2025 aims to advance the capture and storage of CO2. The conference in London brings together industry representatives, policy makers, investors, financiers and buyers.
To the website9 – 10 September: BME Sustainable Procurement Summit 2025 in Darmstadt
The BME Sustainability Summit is a conference organised by the German Association of Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics, which focuses on the topic of sustainable procurement.
To the website17 – 18 September: Impact Festival in Frankfurt
The Impact Festival is a meeting place for greentech start-ups and SMEs, corporate sustainability managers and investors. In 2025, the conference will take place for the fifth time – and for the second time at the Messe Frankfurt exhibition centre.
To the website21 – 28 September: Climate Week NYC in New York
Climate Week is an annual event that takes place in New York and offers over 900 events and activities in the city. Every year, decision-makers from business, politics and civil society travel to the conference to debate transformation and climate change.
To the website24 September: TW Sustainability Summit in Hamburg
The Sustainability Summit of the textile industry (TW) is an industry meeting point for all those who have set out to achieve greater sustainability in the fashion industry – from big players to first movers.25 – 26 September: German Climate Management Conference in Hamburg
The conference will focus on the topic of climate stress, which will be viewed primarily from the perspective of municipalities and local authorities.
To the website25 – 26 September: ESG Reporting and Management 2025 in Düsseldorf
The conference, organised by Handelsblatt, focuses on the topics of sustainability reporting and ESG management. In person and digitally.
To the website
3. – 4 November: Dena Energy Transition Congress in BerlinAt the Energy Transition Congress organised by the German Energy Agency (Dena), more than 1,200 high-calibre participants from business, politics and science will meet to discuss climate protection and the integrated energy transition. The Dena Energy Efficiency Award will also be presented to companies with innovative concepts as part of the congress.
To the website10 – 21 November: World Climate Conference (COP30) in Belém (Brazil)
Against the backdrop of increased weather extremes and natural disasters, the parties to the Paris Climate Agreement 2025 will meet in the Brazilian city of Belém to discuss the next steps towards achieving the global climate targets.
More information13 – 14 November: EcoCompute in Berlin
After taking place in Munich last year, EcoCompute will be held in Berlin in 2025. It is dedicated to digital sustainability in hardware and software and, according to the organisers, aims to provide a platform for experts to discuss current trends, research and practices in the field of green technology.
To the website17 – 21 November: Euro Finance Week with Green Finance Forum in Frankfurt
As part of the Euro Finance Week organised by the dfv Media Group, the Green Finance Forum will once again take place in 2025, focusing on ESG and green investments. It will take place on the second day of the conference (18 November) and will bring together high-calibre speakers.
To the website02 – 05 December: Global Carbon Markets Conference in Barcelona
The Global Carbon Markets Conference 2024 organised by financial specialist S&P will focus on the development of the global carbon markets. Market participants will gain insights and background information on what they need to prepare for the future.
To the website04 – 05 December: 18th German Sustainability Day and 18th German Sustainability Award in Düsseldorf
The German Sustainability Day is a firm fixture in the annual event calendar. The German Sustainability Award is also presented as part of the conference. Every year, companies are honoured in various categories in the most comprehensive national sustainability competition. The „Next Economy Award“ is also presented to particularly innovative start-ups.
To the website
Expected in September: UBA and BMUV Blue Compass award ceremony in Berlin
Every year, the Federal Environment Agency and the Federal Ministry for the Environment award the „Blue Compass“ prize to five companies, municipalities, research and educational institutions and associations that can present innovative, effective and sustainable solutions for dealing with the effects of climate change.
Expected in November: Circulaze Summit 2025 in Munich
The Circulaze Summit is once again expected to take place in Munich in late autumn 2025. The conference is centred around the topic of the circular economy and is aimed at circular economy start-ups as well as companies active in this field and their managers.
To the websiteProbably November: 10th annual conference of the Climate Economy Foundation in Berlin
The annual conference of the Climate Economy Foundation is expected to take place again in November. The event, which will probably host its tenth edition in 2025, is aimed at experts from politics, business and science.
To the website
THE LAST:
Men are the SUVs of humanity
It’s official: on average, men cause 26 per cent more CO₂ than women. Why is that? Because they can. Red meat, longer car journeys and a penchant for grandstanding – these are the main reasons why men are more likely to press the lead pedal than the brakes when it comes to climate protection.
The new study by the Grantham Research Institute shows that it’s not just down to powerful cars or XXL steaks, but also to „traditional gender norms“. Men and climate-damaging behaviour – a real dream team. When it comes to air travel, however, there is no difference. Apparently, the Business Class bonus miles pile remains equally attractive for all genders. There would be a simple solution: less steak, more bike. But that probably sounds too much like giving up for many men – and that’s not particularly „manly“ after all. So we can only hope that at some point, even the last PS fan will ask themselves the question: „Wouldn’t a veggie burger also make a statement?“ focus.de
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