Articles on Ecology Biochar: buddying up soils Soil Atlas 2024 In recent years, research interest in biochar has gained significant attention in mainstream discourse. The sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers offers triple benefits: enhanced soil health, improved livelihoods, and climate protection. By Audrey S-Darko Flooded with lies: climate infodemic in Valencia Analysis Following the worst natural disaster in Spain’s recent history, the country has witnessed an outpour of politically charged conspiracy theories that cast doubt on the government and democratic institutions. While such lies are often created and circulated by a small network, they can quickly spread beyond traditional circles and gain widespread attention. What can be done to stop the spread of disinformation in the wake of catastrophic weather events? By Florent Marcellesi Delivering a fair household energy transition: learning and priorities Analysis The green technologies needed to rapidly cut our greenhouse gas emissions are already on the market. What’s more, they are, or very soon will be, cost effective. In other words, from the perspective of the household, it is, overall, cheaper to go green. However, there’s a catch: access to capital is king in the household energy transition. By Alex Chapman 3 Questions on the outcome of the COP Negotiations in Baku to Lena Schilling MEP 3 Questions The COP negotiations in Baku brought together global leaders, activists, and stakeholders amidst a tense geopolitical climate. With the influence of authoritarian leaders, ongoing debates over climate finance, and the presence of civil society under challenging conditions, the outcomes of this year’s talks were far from predictable. MEP Lena Schilling reflects on the key dynamics that shaped the negotiations and offers insights into the path forward for international climate action. By Lena Schilling and Louise Mollenhauer COP29 exacerbates climate injustice Analysis COP29 was expected to deliver a global goal for climate finance that meets the challenges of the future. It failed to do so. Instead, it launched international carbon markets that create new loopholes for fossil fuel emitters. By Linda Schneider Böll EU Newsletter 9/2024 Growing challenges, declining majorities Newsletter What a show these last couple of weeks have been. The return of Donald Trump, the rupture of the German federal government, and then the ridicule of the Commissioner-designate hearings in the European Parliament. Challenges are rising, but stable majorities in Europe are eroding. It is increasingly difficult to build consensus and have a stable centre of political gravity. By Roderick Kefferpütz What to expect in the first 100 days of the von der Leyen II European Commission? Infographic On 18 July 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was elected for a second mandate and presented to the European Parliament her Political Guidelines for the next European Commission. A new European Commission will kick-off its work on 1 December 2024, after its approval by the European Parliament. We take a look at von der Leyen's promises for the first 100 days (and beyond) of the new European Commission. By Joan Lanfranco Carbon farming won’t save the planet Commentary Funding climate protection through carbon certificates for soil may seem beneficial at first. However, a greater focus on soil health and supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices would be far more effective in practice. By Sophie Scherger What is the status of energy poverty in the European Union? Explainer 35 to 72 million people across the EU are facing energy poverty. These issues already have powerful implications today from a public health or productivity point of view. Over the years, the EU has constructed a series of policy instruments to assess better and comprehensively address the phenomenon. By Marine Cornelis Enforcing energy rights to promote energy justice Commentary A just energy transition must, in essence, address the three foundations of energy justice (distributive, recognitional, and procedural) as well as the systematic problems that are present in energy access issues, in consumer rights enforcement, or the fact that some people cannot reap the full benefits of services available to them. By Marine Cornelis Soil Atlas 2024: Healthy soils hand in hand with food security, climate and nature conservation Press release Healthy soils are a basic requirement for producing nutritious food, preserving biodiversity and adapting to climate change. But the condition of the soils is poor, with more than a third of the world's agricultural land being considered degraded. In the European Union, more than 60 percent of soils are now damaged - caused, among other factors, by industrial agriculture and the effects of the climate crisis such as droughts. This is outlined in the Soil Atlas 2024, published today by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and TMG – Think Tank for Sustainability. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and TMG – Think Tank for Sustainability 12 brief lessons about soils Soil Atlas 2024 Soils are vital to our survival. They store greenhouse gases and water and are home to at least a quarter of all living creatures on earth. However, over 60 percent of soils in the EU are damaged and their sealing threatens biodiversity. Soil Atlas 2024: Foreword Soil Atlas 2024 Soil is the foundation of life on Earth. Its beauty and complexity as a living ecosystem are vast, and its functions are integral to our lives. For example, 95 percent of global food production depends on healthy soils, making access to fertile soil essential in the fight against hunger. Soils are also a crucial ally in adapting to climate change, as they help buffer the effects of droughts and floods. By Dr. Imme Scholz and Dr. Jes Weigelt Ecosystem soil: the foundation of life Soil Atlas 2024 Soil – sometimes referred to as the planet's skin – takes hundreds or thousands of years to form, making it a non-renewable resource on a human timescale. It provides the basis for human life, and its health affects the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. By Ronald Vargas Soil degradation: the silent global crisis Soil Atlas 2024 Soil degradation is a major but largely neglected global problem that threatens agricultural productivity, food security, and ecosystem health. Around one-third of soils worldwide are degraded, with over 40 percent located in Africa. By Harun Warui Desertification: Europe is drying out Soil Atlas 2024 While desertification is a problem most commonly associated with Africa or Asia, it is not limited to these regions. Intensive agriculture and the climate crisis have also led to severe soil degradation and desertification in Europe. And not just in southern Europe: even countries with temperate and humid climates, such as Hungary and Bulgaria, are affected. By Victor Castillo and María José Sanz Sánchez Climate adaptation: soil and water, a crucial symbiosis Soil Atlas 2024 As the climate crisis intensifies around the world, severe storms and flooding are becoming more frequent. Healthy soils can help buffer the effects of extreme weather. For that reason, soil protection is more important than ever. Yet, it is still neglected. By Larissa Stiem-Bhatia and Inka Dewitz Corporate power: when culprits benefit Soil Atlas 2024 Overuse of artificial fertiliser is bad for soils and, in the case of nitrogen fertilisers, for the climate as well. Moreover, pesticides deplete the soil of beneficial organisms. Yet these products earn big money for big companies, which influence governments, often blocking policy changes needed to protect people and the environment. By Lena Luig Nitrogen fertiliser: global dependencies Soil Atlas 2024 Synthetic fertilisers harm the climate, but industrial farming relies heavily on them. Additionally, higher fertiliser prices have pushed up prices for food commodities. African countries, where food crises intersect with debt crises, are hit especially hard. By Lena Bassermann and Gideon Tups Phosphorus: extractivist agriculture Soil Atlas 2024 Phosphorus is bioessential, meaning that all living organisms require it. Yet, despite its presence in soils, it is a relatively rare element on Earth and is not always found in a form that plants can absorb. The fertiliser industry produces easily soluble phosphorus but depends on a finite, non-substitutable resource: phosphate rock. By Axel Anlauf Green fertilisers: not a quick fix Soil Atlas 2024 The production of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions upstream. But it does not solve the problems associated with excessive use of synthetic fertilisers, such as diminished soil health, biodiversity loss, on-field greenhouse gas emissions, nitrate pollution, and overdependency on external inputs. By Lisa Tostado Land grabbing: the race for hectares Soil Atlas 2024 Land has been heralded as a crisis-proof investment around the world. However, these deals often make money for the wealthy few, while pushing local people off their land and into poverty. Countries like Germany, Singapore, and the United States are complicit in such land grabs. By Roman Herre Land sales: just another commodity? Soil Atlas 2024 The phenomenon of large companies and investors buying up vast tracts of arable land in the Global South has long been seen as a problem. In Germany, too, this kind of land grabbing is on the rise, with small and medium-sized farms pushed out. A reorientation that prioritises the common good is needed. By Jan Brunner , Gesine Langlotz and Anne Neuber Climate policy: conflicts between demand for land and people's rights Soil Atlas 2024 Soil plays a major role in protecting the environment. It serves as carbon reservoirs, the plots into which trees are planted, and a steward for producing climate-neutral fuels. But land-intensive climate action can give rise to conflicts and erode people’s rights. Even so, there is yet to be a resolution for this mounting global challenge in sight. By David Betge , Frederike Klümper and Dr. Jes Weigelt Soil carbon credits: blessing or curse? Soil Atlas 2024 The world’s soils store more carbon than its forests, and this storage capacity is increasingly discussed as a contributor to climate protection. Tradable carbon credits were designed to incentivise the build-up or retention of carbon in the soil. However, they may in fact undermine efforts to reduce emissions. By Sophie Scherger and Larissa Stiem-Bhatia Human rights: rights versus reality Soil Atlas 2024 Equitable access to land and fertile soil is fundamental to realising human rights, such as the right to food. Although numerous United Nations declarations on land rights have been ratified by national governments, deadly land conflicts persist throughout the world. By Dr. Jes Weigelt and Frederike Klümper Women and land: protecting rights, protecting soils Soil Atlas 2024 Secure land access is essential for long-term soil protection because it enables land users to implement practices that enhance soil health and maintain its productivity over time. However, in many African countries, women’s land rights remain precarious, creating significant barriers to investing in sustainable soil management. By Larissa Stiem-Bhatia , Kader Baba , Serah Kiragu-Wissler and William Onura European Union: Soil protection? Wanted! Soil Atlas 2024 Protection measures for climate, water, and biodiversity have been enshrined in EU law – in some cases, for decades. But a comprehensive legal framework for soil protection is still lacking. Previous attempts to create one have been torpedoed, while most existing policies are toothless. By André Prescher-Spiridon Agroecology: policies that keep soil alive Soil Atlas 2024 Agroecology is a response to an industrial model of agriculture that exploits people and damages soils. In Brazil, agroecology is making significant breakthroughs in social and environmental terms. But one thing is already clear: government policy is needed to promote agroecology and confront the agroindustrial model. By Júlia Dolce and Lucas Gattai True costs: hidden effects Soil Atlas 2024 Land degradation has numerous invisible costs – environmental, health, social, and economic. True Cost Accounting renders these costs visible, offering a clearer picture of the impact of land degradation. By Olivia Riemer , Marlene Ohlau , Jenny Lay-Kumar and Mark Schauer Sustainable soil restoration: reviving India's soils for a better future Soil Atlas 2024 Modern farming techniques were introduced to India during the Green Revolution of the 1960s to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. However, the overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, alongside the cultivation in monocultures, severely damaged soil health. In response, many farmers are moving back to alternative soil management practices. Political support for this transition is growing, but requires more flame to ignite change. By Pratik Ramteke and Ashok Patra Regreening the desert: land and soil restoration in the Sahara and Sahel Soil Atlas 2024 The Sahara Desert is expanding, thereby threatening millions of people’s lives and livelihoods. While many large-scale initiatives have been launched to combat desertification, most lack secure funding. Bottom-up techniques, implemented by local farmers, show how Indigenous knowledge can drive restoration. By Mawa Karambiri Soilless agriculture: revolution or illusion? Soil Atlas 2024 Vertical indoor farming enables crops to grow all year round. It requires less space and promises to reduce water, fertiliser, and pesticide use, thus protecting both climate and soil. But this must be part of a larger transformation of food systems. By Lena Luig and Christian Sonntag 3 Questions on the US election results to Sergey Lagodinsky MEP 3 Questions The victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 US elections will undoubtedly have consequences in transatlantic relations, from foreign and security policy to green transition and competitiveness. We asked 3 questions on the consequences of Trump 2.0 for Europe to German Green MEP Sergey Lagodinsky, who is a member of the EP Delegation for relations with the United States. By Joan Lanfranco and Sergey Lagodinsky The EU and Azerbaijan as energy partners: short-term benefits, uncertain future Analysis Azerbaijan has strengthened its energy ties with the EU since 2022, ramping up gas deliveries and articulating ambitions to export renewable energy and green hydrogen to Europe in the future. However, the EU’s shrinking gas demand and Azerbaijan’s lack of a genuine decarbonization strategy cast uncertainty on the long-term prospects of this partnership. By Yana Zabanova Europe’s energy transition needs deeper integration. The North Sea is where it could start Commentary Cross-continental energy networks are the backbone of Europe’s energy transition. With the accelerated roll-out of solar panels and wind turbines, policymakers and grid operators now feel the back pain from limited energy infrastructure capacities. How can the EU rehab our existing electricity grids and gas pipelines? Two new publications from the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union provide guidance. By Jörg Mühlenhoff How Saudi Arabia’s Neom Giga project became a global showroom of false climate solutions Analysis Alongside other European powers, the UK is helping to supercharge Saudi Arabia’s attempt to hijack the global sustainability agenda. By Lyse Mauvais Böll EU Newsletter 8/2024 - US elections special edition Newsletter As we approach the US presidential election, it's clear that its implications will extend far beyond American borders, resonating profoundly within Europe. This election represents a critical juncture for Europe’s political and economic landscape, especially concerning the future of Ukraine and the broader European security order. By Roderick Kefferpütz Net zero and energy bills: more payback, less push back Commentary To win hearts and minds, and to prevent green backlash, net-zero policies must translate into lower bills and better services for ‘ordinary’ households. An inclusive demand flexibility strategy is vital to this. By Sophie Yule-Bennett and Euan Graham Reindustrialisation, battery factories and Hungary's workforce gamble Background Hungary's ambitious plan to reindustrialise hinges on bringing in hundreds of thousands of migrant workers. However, this strategy faces a significant hurdle: a society already grappling with deep-seated distrust, both among its citizens and towards the influx of foreign labour. By Péter Vigh Hidden hazards: Disinformation and waste in Hungary's battery boom Background Explore the untold environmental and health risks of Hungary's rapidly growing battery industry. Our 2024 Climate Disinformation Fellow Péter Vigh uncovers government data that reveals the widespread presence of hazardous waste, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of an industry vital to the green transition. With battery production set to shape Hungary’s future, why are the dangers being kept in the dark? By Péter Vigh Mining lithium, undermining a democratic future: EU deal takes Serbia further from Europe Analysis The lithium deal brings a new quality to Serbia’s foreign policy zigzagging. At one stroke, Serbia became a strategic partner and the guarantor for the future of the European Green Deal. By Dr. Vedran Dzihic Energy leadership quest takes Saudi Arabia from big oil to big hydrogen Analysis Saudi Arabia's climate policy is ever more oriented towards green mega projects and high-profile investments in hydrogen, but is it a mere rebranding of existing energy policies? Read the piece by our 2024 Climate Disinformation Fellow Lyse Mauvais. By Lyse Mauvais The last stretch: reaping the benefits of the sustainable finance framework Analysis The EU has already taken important actions for private finance to support the transition to a greener economy, and it cannot waste this one chance to finish the work. The sustainable finance legislative framework could help boost the European economy going forward – it is the last stretch before reaping the benefits of the efforts made so far. By Vincent Vandeloise The three building blocks for Europe's mobility transition in the next years Analysis Carbon emissions from transport will still account for 44% of Europe’s total in 2030. The sector's decarbonisation comes with broad challenges, including industrial transformation to scale new technologies, secure local green jobs, and ramp up new supply chains. Transport & Environment's Julia Poliscanova looks at the building blocks of a successful mobility transition for the next European Commission. By Julia Poliscanova The future of the EU trade and sustainability agenda in turbulent times Analysis The outgoing European Commission has upscaled the use of unilateral trade instruments to achieve security, competitiveness and sustainability objectives. In times of environmental crises and rising geopolitical tensions, the incoming European Commission should implement the ambition to embed European trade within planetary boundaries and revive international cooperation around environmental trade goals. By Simon Happersberger and Eleanor Mateo Böll EU Newsletter 7/2024 - Competitiveness or Green Deal? I'll have both! Newsletter We are in the midst of a fundamental global political and economic re-ordering. Revisionist states are challenging the geopolitical order and questioning the territorial status quo in Europe and Asia. Economic competition on the world market is fierce, as evidenced by the struggles of traditional European industrial powerhouses such as Volkswagen and ThyssenKrupp. Cracks in the foundations of European prosperity are emerging. The days when Europe could outsource its security to the Americans, benefit from cheap Russian energy, and easily sell its goods to the world are ending. Europe needs to rethink its foundations. This means investing in decarbonisation, digitalisation, and defence. But this cannot be done on the cheap. By Roderick Kefferpütz 3 Questions on the Draghi report on European competitiveness to Sander Tordoir 3 Questions European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tasked Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank and former Italian Prime Minister, to write a comprehensive report on the state of the European economy. In this long-awaited report, the Italian economist provides a substantive analysis on how a changing geopolitical landscape, an energy shock, demographic change, climate change, and international competition put stress on the European economy and the European social model. We asked Sander Tordoir, Chief Economist at the Centre for European Reform, for his first reactions to the report. By Anton Möller and Sander Tordoir Böll EU Newsletter 6/2024 - Greening the von der Leyen II Commission Newsletter Habemus presidentem: With 401 votes in favour, the European Parliament has reconfirmed Ursula von der Leyen as the president of the European Commission. This vote was not a given. Unable to rely on the support of the super grand coalition of conservatives, social democrats, and liberals alone, von der Leyen went out of her way to secure Green votes in particular. By Roderick Kefferpütz How Scotland can get its energy for renewables back Commentary Scotland has been a pioneer in renewables, says Kirsten Jenkins. But the easy wins are over and the task of decarbonising Scotland’s economy is becoming steadily more difficult, as the row over net zero targets showed. Nonetheless, the potential to build on its record is clear and the obstacles are not insurmountable. By Kirsten Jenkins European elections 2024: A wake-up call Analysis After the European elections, the democratic and pro-European forces in the European Parliament (EP) have been weakened. They must make cooperation much more binding in order to ensure reliable majorities for an effective EU. By Jan Philipp Albrecht , Eva van de Rakt , Roderick Kefferpütz and Marc Berthold Greens in the EU election: down in the West, up in the East, South and North Analysis 2019 was an extraordinary election year for the European Green Party, and it was clear from the beginning of the 2024 campaign that it would be tough to match it again this year. While the Greens lost seats overall, most of the losses were concentrated in Germany and Western Europe, while the bloc was able to pick up new seats in the South and East. By Tobias Gerhard Schminke European Parliament elections: climate policies will suffer Analysis With the European Parliament tilting towards the right after the EP 2024 elections, there is a significant risk that the EU may shift towards a stance less favourable to assertive climate action. By Paul Hockenos Böll EU Newsletter 5/2024 - What comes after the election? Newsletter Today, citizens will start heading to the polls to vote for the next European Parliament. The outcome will in part determine the political correlation of forces in Europe over the next five years. If current projections hold true, we will not only witness a rightward shift within the EP but also more fragmentation. Instead of seven political groups, key officials in the parliament administration expect there to be nine. These tendencies will affect political majorities. By Roderick Kefferpütz 3 Questions on fair participation in Europe’s energy transition to Claire Roumet 3 Questions When the EU accelerates its shift to a clean and efficient energy system, how can citizens benefit better from this transition? Local authorities play a key role in facilitating citizens’ access to renewables and energy savings measures. Jörg Mühlenhoff asked three questions to Claire Roumet who is part of the Overall Coordination Team of Energy Cities, the network of several hundred European municipalities gathering frontrunners and energy transition beginners, city officials and technical experts. By Jörg Mühlenhoff and Claire Roumet Strengthening citizens’ participation in the EU’s energy transition – a toolbox Analysis Europe’s switch to renewable energy supply and efficient energy consumption is gaining momentum, not only as a result of the European Green Deal but also in reaction to the fossil fuel price crisis. EU legislation already creates some opportunities for citizens to access affordable renewable energy more directly, as well as to facilitate energy savings through, for example, building renovation. By Taube Van Melkebeke and Jörg Mühlenhoff How to stabilise the cost of living by sharing energy and food Analysis It is high time for an out-of-silos approach to boost the added value from solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop installations. This analysis suggests a new solidarity model allowing citizens, local retailers and farmers to tap into the benefits of solar electricity. By Guillaume Joly Flood of disinformation – Southern Brazil climate emergency aggravated by disinformation Analysis In May 2024, Brazilians stood by in astonishment as they witnessed yet another example of a climate emergency: the damage caused by the rains in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state, bordering Uruguay and Argentina. The tragedy has also fostered another phenomenon of our times that is very devastating: disinformation. By Manoela Vianna Freedom, security and prosperity don‘t come for free President's column Infrastructure deficiencies are paralysing Germany. But as a result of the Schuldenbremse (debt brake), urgently needed investments – including to boost climate protection – are to be postponed. This is both risky and economically short-sighted. By Jan Philipp Albrecht The blind spots of a common EU industrial policy Analysis Europe can die. This was the warning issued by Macron in his second Sorbonne speech. However, it is not only Europe that can die, but also its industry. So far, Europe is falling behind in the race for future markets such as green and digital technologies and biotechnology, and is instead becoming strategically dependent. The European Union must use the next legislature to build an industrial policy worth its name, even if this means a historic turn. By Jonathan Barth Böll EU Newsletter 4/2024 - Show me the money: Europe's financing challenge Newsletter From Russia’s war in Ukraine to the green and digital transformation, we’re not short on challenges nowadays. What we are lacking is the vast sums of money needed to deal with them. The EU requires an estimated 500 billion euros a year for the green transition, while NATO’s European members need to find another 56 billion euros annually to meet the alliance’s 2% defence spending target. By Roderick Kefferpütz Climate change in Italian politics: polarisation, demonisation and repression Analysis If smart politics and scientific evidence went hand-in-hand, decarbonisation would be understood as a political issue that transcends party lines. Yet in the run-up to the EU elections, a political division over this issue seems to be emerging, both at an EU level and within the member states. By ECCO Europe before the elections: Questions and consequences for the economy Interview Five years after the European Green Deal was launched, Europe's economic strength and security are at stake. What lies ahead for the German and European economy? A conversation with Sandra Parthie and Roderick Kefferpütz. By Phillip Käding , Sandra Parthie and Roderick Kefferpütz Trade unions, collective bargaining and the green transition in the next EU legislative period Commentary The climate emergency is the number one policy priority, requiring a fundamental overhaul of our economic system. During the Val Duchesse Social Partner meeting, the European Commission announced the creation of a Social Dialogue envoy. However, the roles of social dialogue and collective bargaining remain underappreciated, and the European Institutions need to focus on strengthening the role of trade unions in shaping the just transition throughout the next legislature. By Béla Galgóczi How the next European Commission could secure clean and affordable energy for all Analysis At the end of the current legislative term, the disagreement within the bloc of 27 EU Member States on many climate and energy issues can hardly be hidden. However, new momentum is urgently needed to cut EU emissions, keep industries competitive and protect prosperity. With our 100% Renewable Energy Action Plan for the next European Commission, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and Environmental Action Germany (Deutsche Umwelthilfe, DUH) put forth priority actions for the following legislative term. By Jörg Mühlenhoff 100% renewables: the way forward to fix Europe’s energy and climate issues Analysis When confronted with energy price explosions and the climate crisis, the EU cannot waste time and money on castles in the air. Instead of betting on unproven solutions far from market introduction, such as small modular reactors and the broad deployment of all kinds of carbon removal technologies, the EU should build on what works right now. Renewable energy sources have proven to be by far the most relevant and reliable solution. In our new 100% Renewable Action Plan for the next European Commission, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and Environmental Action Germany (Deutsche Umwelthilfe) describe what needs to happen after the 2024 European elections to harvest the benefits of renewables. By Jörg Mühlenhoff Sustaining tomorrow: the imperative for the EU to uphold its 2030 goals for a sustainable food system Analysis The EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy was designed to ‘accelerate the transition to a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system’. It sets a range of targets to be met by 2030, underpinned by a mixture of new or revised laws, and non-legislative initiatives. As the current European Commission nears the end of its mandate, this article proposes how the next European Commission, from 2024–2029, should carry forward the goals of the Farm to Fork Strategy, and actions to meet its targets, especially as the EU is currently stalling many of its aspects in light of recent farmer protests. By Harriet Bradley From climate action to feminist justice Report This article discusses the potential of a feminist approach to climate justice and feminist foreign and development policy. The authors, Gina Cortés Valderrama and Katy Wiese, argue that feminist perspectives are essential in addressing economic rights, energy transition, and climate-related damages and losses. By Miriam Mona Mukalazi Böll EU Newsletter 2/2024 - New EP elections dossier! Newsletter In fewer than 100 days, Europe’s citizens will go to the polls to elect their representatives to the European Parliament. The outgoing parliament faced historic challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to Russia’s war in Ukraine. It rose to the occasion, advancing key legislative proposals and promoting the European Green Deal as a flagship project. By Roderick Kefferpütz "We all must fight for our democracy" Interview The Europe that will go to the polls in June 2024 is very different from that of 2019. Pandemic recovery, the climate and energy crisis, war in the continent, and the rise of the far right are all driving the narratives of the electoral campaign, but also mobilising progressive forces. Roderick Kefferpütz interviews MEP Terry Reintke, Co-President of the Greens/EFA Group and Spitzenkandidatin for the European Greens, on Green solutions for Europe in uncertain and volatile times. By Roderick Kefferpütz and Terry Reintke Böll EU Newsletter 1/2024 - Defending Europe in uncertain times Newsletter The fabric of the European security order is fraying. Putin’s imperialist revisionism threatens Europe. Trump is undermining US security guarantees for Europe. And Orbán’s vetoes are impeding European action. This is nothing new; the writing has been on the wall for a long time. What has changed is the urgency. Putin’s revisionism, Trump’s erraticism, and Orbán’s obstructionism are coming to a head. It’s crunch time. By Roderick Kefferpütz A vision for delivering the European Green Deal in the new EU policy cycle Analysis With the European elections just around the corner and the subsequent appointment of a new European Commission, the next phase of the European transition to climate neutrality is about to begin. This article touches upon some key topics and challenges that lie ahead in the near future to ensure an effective implementation of the European Green Deal (EGD). By Mattia Bonfanti and Irene Chiocchetti Southeast Europe: Plundering the Western Balkans Analysis Corrupt politicians have been systematically plundering public budgets and natural resources in the Western Balkans for years. Increasingly, international actors are also discovering an El Dorado for dubious investments in these countries. By Marion Kraske The bebt brake must not become a brake on the future President's column With the floods in northern Germany, the relaxation of the country’s debt brake is back on the agenda. But instead of always returning to the same debates, what is finally needed is sustainable reform. A new study shows what this could look like and sets out the options for financing climate protection over the short term. By Jan Philipp Albrecht Smart, fair and flexible: lessons from the smart meter rollouts in Great Britain Analysis Smart energy technologies can enable citizens to benefit from cheap renewable energy. They potentially optimise the use of our energy infrastructure, promising lower societal costs. However, one-size-fits-all solutions will not work when it comes to their daily use – with potentially significant risks to vulnerable households already struggling with fuel poverty. An inclusive smart energy transition should target the consumers most in need with more nuanced policies. By Nickhil Sharma Our best wishes for 2024 Greetings 2023 was a particularly challenging year. With the highest number of conflicts since 1945, we saw a world at war. It was the hottest year in recorded history, with “climate records tumbling like dominoes”. Challenges don’t disappear with a new year; we know that 2024 will be demanding. This year’s super election cycle is also testimony to the resilience of democracy and offers an opportunity for like-minded states to come together to solve shared challenges. By Roderick Kefferpütz Forests vs palm oil Report Deforestation — the widespread clearing of forests for various purposes — has become a critical global issue with profound environmental, social, and economic consequences. Driven by factors like agriculture, logging, and urban expansion, this destructive practice exacerbates climate change, threatens biodiversity, and jeopardizes communities worldwide. In this report, we explore the multifaceted reasons why deforestation requires immediate attention and action. By Michael Anthony and Marcus Pfeil ‘Fire on fire’: how migrants got blamed for Greece’s devastating blazes Climate Disinformation Media Fellowship 2023 In August, wildfires in Evros killed a group of people, including children, passing along a well-trodden migration route. Locals and politicians made the victims scapegoats for the disaster. First piece of our 2023 Climate Disinformation Fellowship by Giorgos Christides and Katy Fallon. Photos by Alexandros Avramidis. By Giorgos Christides and Katy Fallon Laundering captured carbon: how CCS produces more oil Analysis Though many authors write that captured CO2 can and is being safely buried deep underground in geologic formations or depleted oil and gas reservoirs, most articles fail to mention that the overwhelmingly single biggest use of all captured CO2 is to directly produce more oil. By L. Michael Buchsbaum State of the Union address: Ursula von der Leyen’s bid for a second term in office Analysis In her address, European Commission President von der Leyen missed the opportunity to develop bold proposals for the future. This contribution analyses her informal bid for a second term in office by looking at her thematic focuses. By Roderick Kefferpütz , Lisa Sandtner , Anton Möller , Zora Siebert , Melanie Bernhofer and Hannah Goerlich Peatland protection pays off - Massive conservation and restoration is needed Press release With more than two billion tonnes of CO2, the draining of peatlands is responsible for about 4% of all human-made emissions globally. This is outlined in the Peatland Atlas 2023 - Facts and figures on wet climate guardians, published today by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, the Michael Succow Stiftung (partners in the Greifswald Mire Centre) and BUND (Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland/Friends of the Earth Germany), with support of the Global Peatlands Initiative. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung , Succow Stiftung , BUND für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland and Global Peatlands Initiative Of mires and myths: not just a crime scene Peatland Atlas 2023 For thousands of years, peatlands have served as the backdrop for horror stories. In gruesome legends and lore, they swallow people and even whole towns, are the home of ghosts, the devil, and many other supernatural spectacles. By Elmar Tannert Transformation: a feasible opportunity - without alternative Peatland Atlas 2023 Rewetting drained peatlands will be a major challenge for societies all over the globe. Achieving success will take innovativeness, political initiative and a paradigm shift in the global economy. By Dr. Uta Berghöfer , Sabrina Hüpperling and Jan Peters Africa: guardians of biodiversity and climate stability Peatland Atlas 2023 Some of the world’s most important and most recently recognized peatlands can be found on the African continent. They are home to unique and rare flora and fauna – and threatened by the oil companies’ greed for money. By Irene Wabiwa Betoko , Samer Elshehawi and Inka Dewitz Southeast Asia: progress for peatlands Peatland Atlas 2023 By Faizal Parish , Serena Lew and Linda Archibald Latin America and the Caribbean: you cannot protect what you do not know Peatland Atlas 2023 From lowland swamps dominated by tall palms to the treeless cushion bogs of the high Andes, Latin America and the Caribbean are home to a huge range of peatlands. But relatively little is known about them – making conservation difficult. By Mónica Maldonado-Fonken and Cristina Malpica-Piñeros Europe: small continent, ancient landscapes Peatland Atlas 2023 Few peatlands in Europe are located within protected areas, and even there, they are not always protected adequately. National agricultural policies provide little or no support for the development of sustainable peatland-management practices. By Dr. Franziska Tanneberger and Asbjørn Moen North America: ice age legacy Peatland Atlas 2023 One-third of the world’s peatlands are in North America. Those landscapes close to urban areas have suffered severe degradation, and urgent repair work is needed to restore them. In the north of the continent, peatlands are increasingly threatened by the oil and mining industries. By Maria Strack , Marissa Davies and Curt Richardson Paludiculture: more from the marsh Peatland Atlas 2023 Reeds are used to make thatch for roofs, and grass fibres are used to make furniture: paludiculture combines peatland conservation with agriculture. Strong political support is needed to give this sustainable way of using rewetted peatlands a chance of success. By Anke Nordt and Susanne Abel Energy: scorched earth Peatland Atlas 2023 People have been using peat for heat since the Bronze Age. They still do so today in countries like Finland, Belarus and Rwanda. This is not sustainable – but there are new, climate-friendly ideas for how peatlands can help generate heat and power. By Monika Hohlbein European Union: defending diversity Peatland Atlas 2023 Europe is rich in peat landscapes, which differ widely according to the region and climate. But one thing that the European Union’s programmes to protect peatlands have in common is that they are not very effective. By André Prescher-Spiridon and Christian Rehmer Supply chains: the consequences of consumption Peatland Atlas 2023 The consumption and production of commodities such as timber are major drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. They also cause peatland degradation on a grand scale. By Lea Appulo and Thomas Westhoff Rewetting: fill it up to the top Peatland Atlas 2023 Drainage pipes and ditches are still being used to drain peatlands. Rewetting is urgently needed to protect both the climate and biodiversity. But how does this work – and what do we have to consider? By Jutta Walter and Mathias Büttner Forestry: peat, wind & fire Peatland Atlas 2023 Three percent of the world’s peatlands have been destroyed for forestry purposes, releasing large quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Drained peat soils are the scene of devastating fires that are used to clear land. By Harri Vasander Livestock: the cows that eat peat Peatland Atlas 2023 Our consumption of livestock products has an effect on the climate – through the emission of greenhouse gases and the conversion of natural landscapes into agricultural land. Even more greenhouse gases escape into the atmosphere when peatlands are drained to allow livestock-keeping or to grow fodder crops. By Dr. Sabine Wichmann Peat: peatlands' raw materials Peatland Atlas 2023 Peat consists of dead organic matter accumulated over thousands of years. Since centuries, peat soils have been exploited to obtain fuel or raw material for growing media. Peat extraction and use is harmful to the environment. Sustainable alternatives will only prevail if politicians act. By Greta Gaudig and Olivier Hirschler Environmental history: fallacies of improvement Peatland Atlas 2023 Humans have drained peatlands for centuries to provide land for farming and settlement. History may help us recognize the fallacies of supposed improvement, remember the presence of destroyed and often invisible peatlands in our landscapes, and advocate for the protection and restoration of peatlands. By Dr. Katja Bruisch Biodiversity: safe havens for ecosystem in danger Peatland Atlas 2023 Peatlands all over the world sustain a rich range of habitats and species, including a wide range of threatened and endemic ones. Policymakers are called upon to protect these unique landscapes. By Tatiana Minayeva Climate crisis: drained peatland results in heated planet Peatland Atlas 2023 Because they take up greenhouse gases, peatlands cool the climate – but only as long as they are intact. But these peat-covered areas have been – and still are being – drained for agriculture, forestry, peat extraction and human settlement, exacerbating global warming. By Hans Joosten Sustainability goals: live-giving moisture Peatland Atlas 2023 Peatlands and other types of wetlands foster biodiversity and protect humans and nature from drought and flooding. But they are some of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. Current efforts to conserve them have so far proven inadequate. By Inka Dewitz and Dianna Kopansky Peatlands around the world: under threat almost everywhere Peatland Atlas 2023 Peatlands exist in the mountains, in lowlands, along rivers and at the coast. Their vegetation and condition vary from one climate zone to another, but all types of peatland have one thing in common: their continued existence is in danger. By Dr. Alexandra Barthelmes Peatland destruction: help needed Peatland Atlas 2023 Huge areas of peatland around the world have already been destroyed. In the tropics, peat swamp forests are being cut down and the land drained. Fires and climate crisis also pose threats. Attempts to protect the peatlands have so far had little success. By Heike Holdinghausen 12 brief lessons about peatlands Peatland Atlas 2023 Peatlands form in places where the ground is constantly wet. They are rich in species and can store carbon to help protect the climate. What are mires and peatlands? A very special ecosystem Peatland Atlas 2023 Mires are intact peatlands and home to rare plants, rare animals – and enormous amounts of carbon. But draining them for economic reasons puts them and their resident organisms at massive risk. It poses a massive threat to the climate too. By Greta Gaudig and Dr. Franziska Tanneberger Peatland Atlas 2023: Foreword Peatland Atlas 2023 Peatlands are a mixture of elements: they are both water and land at the same time. They form where the soil is wet all year round. Waterlogging prevents dead plant material from decomposing, creating their characteristic organic soils over thousands of years. And peatlands can be found all over the world, from the Arctic to Europe and the tropics, all the way to Tierra del Fuego at the tip of South America. They are impressive ecosystems, rich in rare animal and plant species. Their peat soils store enormous amounts of carbon, so they play a decisive role in climate protection – as long as they stay wet. By Dr. Imme Scholz , Antje von Broock , Jan Peters and Dianna Kopansky We still can safeguard our freedoms Commentary The catastrophic flooding in Italy shows how the climate crisis is already threatening our lives and quality of living here in Europe. We know what we need to do to slow it down. But the longer we wait, the greater the restrictions on our freedom will be in the future. By Jan Philipp Albrecht Roderick Kefferpütz, new Director of Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union Press release Roderick Kefferpütz is the new Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union office in Brussels as of 15 May 2023. He takes over from Eva van de Rakt, who has been Head of the European Union and North America Division at the headquarters of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in Berlin since May 2023. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and Roderick Kefferpütz “Social justice must be strengthened in European legislation” Interview In her interview with Dr. Christine Pütz, Terry Reintke, Co-President of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, offers her opinion on the study “Actually European?! Citizen Expectations towards German EU Policy in the Context of Crisis and Transformation” and makes the case for Germany’s commitment to show its dependability and solidarity. By Dr. Christine Pütz and Terry Reintke Why the European response to the IRA must be more Europe Commentary The EU’s half-baked response to the U.S. investment offensive is putting its competitiveness and our future prosperity at risk. Now is the time for deeper European integration and major adjustments to EU treaty law. By Jan Philipp Albrecht Decarbonisation during and after the war: Where Ukraine is headed Interview Ukraine needs decarbonisation — the state's goal in combatting climate change and fulfilling its respective international commitments. Meanwhile, Russia's war against Ukraine continues, with infrastructure and housing being increasingly ruined, territories being mine-studded, and natural habitats being destroyed daily. That infrastructure would need rebuilding, which means increased emissions from construction sites and the operation of new enterprises. Alyona Vyshnytska interviews Oksana Aliieva, former coordinator of the Climate Change and Energy Policy Programme at the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's Kyiv office, and Anna Ackerman, board member of Ecoaction NGO and policy analyst at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). By Alyona Vyshnytska Why renewable energy is a guarantee of security for Ukraine during and after the war Interview As of the end of December 2022, Russia's massive attacks in Ukraine had damaged or destroyed about 50% of the power system, including substations and high-voltage power lines. Every day, Russia continues to shell Ukrainian infrastructure, causing new damage. At the same time, Ukraine is already formulating a post-war recovery plan, including in the area of secure renewable energy. How to plan for recovery in the acute stage of war and will Ukraine be able to switch to 100% renewable energy sources after the end of hostilities? What can Ukraine and the European Union do to help? Read about this in an interview with Natalia Lytvyn, project coordinator of the NGO Ecoclub and the Energy Transition Coalition, and Kostiantyn Krynytskyi, head of the energy department at EcoAction. By Alyona Vyshnytska Developing a green vision of the Single Market Foreword Throughout the last three decades, the Single Market project has been discussed controversially: for some, it is the idea of a united Europe working together, whereas for others it is an elite-driven process that leaves many behind. However, for the green movement it was part of the promise to ensure the economic and social inclusion of Europeans, and a critical building block to an ever-closer European Union. Discussing the future of the Single Market therefore also means discussing the future of European integration as a whole. By Eva van de Rakt and Anton Möller It is time to update our Green vision on a circular market that delivers for citizens Essay Within the framework of the EU Green Deal, the Single Market is slowly turning into a tool to fight the climate crisis. In recent years, more and more legislation with regard to a circular economy has become law, enabling the green transition. But we have to do more. We have to fundamentally rethink our narrative of the Single Market, its role in the world and its way of delivering for the people. By Anna Cavazzini A Single Market 2.0 for the future: more social, more environmental and with a place for open strategic autonomy Essay The long cycle that began with the creation of the internal market, whose first phase brought opportunities for the social dimension but which ultimately led to global integration, resulting in a long period of anti-social policies, has come to an end. We are now entering into a new period, in which the rules of the internal market are changing in response to the need for environmental sustainability and strategic autonomy. The question now is what place the social dimension will occupy in this new architecture. By Philippe Pochet Let's undo the damage caused by the Single Market Essay There is little reason to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Single Market. We urgently need industrial policies that are truly European. This is essential, particularly in the fields of digital technology and ecological transition, which raises questions of means, in particular. We also need to change the competition policy to encourage consolidation of European companies, instead of fighting it. By William Desmonts A consumer perspective for the Single Market 2.0 Essay The Single Market has been a pillar of the EU since its conception. However, the focus so far has been on how to make it easier for companies to operate across the EU and the European Economic Area. Much more attention needs to be paid to the social and environmental dimensions of the Single Market, and this certainly includes consumers, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of its policies. By Agustín Reyna Thirty years of the Single Market: corporate complaints and deregulation pressure endanger the ecological transition Essay While it makes sense to celebrate 30 years of a border-free EU market for goods and services, there is also an urgent need for a critical assessment. This should start with discussing the limits of the Single Market, namely which areas of our societies should be covered by Single Market rules and which should not. By Olivier Hoedeman Towards a Single Market that works for the environment through ambitious product policy and standards Essay The EU Single Market needs profound reform. We must place reuse, refill and repair at its heart, and enable a digital transition that is green and just for everyone. One concrete step leading the transformation should be ambitious EU ecodesign requirements for products and services, supported by inclusive harmonised European standards, and properly enforced by national authorities. By Rita Tedesco and Ioana Popescu The Single Market as a global beacon: a view from the past – and across the Channel Essay When we look across the world, we see that social and environmental standards are far higher in the EU than in any other national or regional economy. It didn’t have to go that way, but our political power, skill and determination has turned the Single Market into a force for good. We should celebrate that achievement before moving on to consider the next 30 years. By Molly Scott Cato Pandemic, war and climate: transport in times of crises Analysis This analysis seeks to unravel the intricate web of factors influencing mobility in the wake of three transformative events - Covid-19, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and the climate crisis. These events have had a profound impact on the way we move, and it is essential to understand the evolving patterns of travel, the resilience of transportation systems, the role of technology, and the policy responses that have emerged to address these challenges. By Philipp Cerny Africans ready to take the bull by the horn to COP27 Commentary Africa will host international climate talks on 6-18 November 2022 and the African Union has been busy trying to get the rest of the world’s attention on the continent's expectations in the lead up to COP27. Of course, COP27 expectations are matched only by their disappointments. However, Africans are not leaving the fate of its people to chance. By Michael Davies-Venn Europe must slash pesticide use to protect people’s and planet’s health Press release New ‘Pesticide Atlas’ by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Friends of the Earth Europe and PAN Europe reveals toxic global impact of hazardous chemicals used in agriculture. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung , Friends of the Earth Europe and Pesticide Action Network Europe Pesticide-free regions: good examples Pesticide Atlas 2022 All over the world, projects are proving that an ecological future is possible: More and more cities, states, and regions are trying to slash pesticide use; or even ban chemical agents completely from their fields and land. By Ulrike Bickel EU policies: objectives are not enough Pesticide Atlas 2022 Even though the EU’s pesticide legislation is the most sophisticated, it has failed to achieve a reduction in use. The EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy seeks to change that. Many questions remain. By Clara Bourgin and André Prescher-Spiridon Digital transformation: who really benefits from digitalization Pesticide Atlas 2022 Agricultural robotics, drones, and algorithm-driven technologies for a new way of farming are becoming big business. They are supposed to help farms cut pesticide use, but there are serious doubts whether this will work. By Heike Holdinghausen Brazil: more cultivation, more pesticides, more exports Pesticide Atlas 2022 As one of the world’s largest importers of agrochemicals and exporters of agriculture goods, Brazil sets record for pesticide consumption. A significant part of the pesticides used there is produced in the European Union – and highly hazardous. By Larissa Mies Bombardi Youth survey: change wanted Pesticide Atlas 2022 Young people in Germany are worried about pesticide use in agriculture and call on politicians to take action. They demand more emphasis on ecological management of fields and plead for stronger support for farmers. By Dr. Anke Zühlsdorf , Dr. Dominic Lemken and Prof. Dr. Achim Spiller Gender: at the forefront of the exposure Pesticide Atlas 2022 Women working in agriculture often have lower levels of income and lack decision-making power. There is urgent need for gender equality to achieve food security and protection from pesticide exposure. By Ilang-Ilang Quijano Glyphosate: a manufactured controversy Pesticide Atlas 2022 Bayer and other companies are fighting for the re-approval of glyphosate in the EU. To do so, they must prove that their pesticide active substance is not carcinogenic. But the studies presented are old – and point to the opposite. By Helmut Butscher-Schaden Imports and exports: banned but sold anyway Pesticide Atlas 2022 Many pesticides are banned in the European Union. It is illegal to use them in EU Member States, yet it is allowed to produce and export them to third countries – where they pose great risks to people and their environment. By Dr. Silke Bollmohr and Susan Haffmans Smallholder farmers: new markets, less regulation Pesticide Atlas 2022 In Africa, fewer pesticides are used than in other regions of the world. Nevertheless the 33 million smallholders are increasingly becoming the focus of pesticide companies. There they also sell what has been banned in the European Union. By Layla Liebetrau Genetic engineering: modified crops, more pesticides Pesticide Atlas 2022 Genetically modified crops were supposed to reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture, reduce workloads, and increase crop yields. These promises could not be kept. By Martha Mertens Hardly hazardous pesticides: a global human rights concern Pesticide Atlas 2022 Substances that are proven to present a particularly high level of acute or chronic risk to health or the environment are commonly referred to as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). Far too rarely are these substances withdrawn from circulation – especially in the Global South they cause great harm. By Dr. Silke Bollmohr and Susan Haffmans Insect decline: an ecological armaggedon Pesticide Atlas 2022 Insects provide pollination services to flowering plants, control pests and ensure abundant harvests. For a long time their populations have declined dramatically – causing disaster for humans and nature. Pesticides are considered a major reason for the decline. By Dave Goulson Long-range transport: gone with the wind Pesticide Atlas 2022 Pesticides rarely stay in the place where they have been applied. Wind can move dust, particles, and droplets to residential areas close to agricultural land – or carry it to places many kilometres away. Approval processes are largely ignoring this problem. By Johanna Bär , Johannes Heimrath and Anna Satzger Water: go with the flow Pesticide Atlas 2022 Studies regularly reveal how pesticides contaminate rivers, lakes, coastal waters and groundwater. The pollutants often originate in agriculture and enter surface water via infiltration, surface runoff and drift. By Dr. Silke Bollmohr Beneficial insects: nature's little helper Pesticide Atlas 2022 Insects such as ladybugs or predatory wasps act as natural enemies against pests and as effective plant protectors. They are good for the environment and help cutting costs – but their habitats are under threat from pesticide use. By Henrike von der Decken and Moritz Nabel Biodiversity: extinction in full swing Pesticide Atlas 2022 Experts have been warning for years that biodiversity is at stake. Pesticides have been identified as one of the causes for why the abundance of animals and plant species is deteriorating so quickly and disastrously. By Katrin Wenz Residues: toxic side dish Pesticide Atlas 2022 Pesticide use leads to residues in food to which many people are exposed – especially in the Global South. But as an import, contaminated food can also end up on European plates. By Dr. Silke Bollmohr and Susan Haffmans Soils: impact on the invisible ecosystem Pesticide Atlas 2022 Insufficient attention is being paid to pesticides accumulating in the soil, where they exert direct and indirect adverse effects on soil life – sometimes for decades. By Johann Zaller Health: severe consequences Pesticide Atlas 2022 385 million people fall ill every year from pesticide poisoning. The United Nations intend to improve the worldwide handling of pesticides to prevent harm, but there is little effective legal regulation. By Wolfgang Bödeker Approval procedures: underestimated risks Pesticide Atlas 2022 Before they are put on the market, pesticides go through an approval process in which their impacts on human health and the environment are tested. But their indirect effects on food chains and biodiversity receive little attention, neither do the effects of pesticide mixtures that are hard to predict. By Carsten Brühl and Johann Zaller Pesticide use in the EU: noxious status quo for people and planet Pesticide Atlas 2022 The European Union is one of the world’s biggest markets for pesticides. Policies to reduce their use have not been very successful so far. The lack of standardized data makes monitoring and comparing countries difficult. By Lisa Tostado Corporations: big profits with toxic trade Pesticide Atlas 2022 The global pesticide market is growing – and there are only a few corporations that are dividing it up among themselves. They are increasingly investing in countries in the Global South, where pesticides are less strictly regulated. By Carla Hoinkes Pesticides and agriculture: dangerous substances Pesticide Atlas 2022 Parts of global crop production are lost to pests and plant pathogens each year. Pesticides have been designed to prevent these yield losses – but they also give rise to new problems. By Lisa Tostado 12 brief lessons about pesticides in agriculture Pesticide Atlas 2022 More and more highly toxic pesticides are being used in agriculture worldwide, although the consequences for our ecosystem are serious. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union , Friends of the Earth Europe , Pesticide Action Network Europe and BUND für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland Pesticide Atlas 2022: Foreword Pesticide Atlas 2022 The EU is the largest pesticide export market in the world, now investing more and more in countries of the Global South, where EU companies are allowed to export pesticides banned on their own due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment. A longstanding demand of international civil society calls for laws that effectively ban these toxic exports. By Jan Philipp Albrecht , Dr. Imme Scholz , Jagoda Munić , Dr. Martin Dermine and Olaf Bandt Will dirty nationalism become the new normal? Analysis The situation in the energy sector has led to national strategies that often conflict with the policies of neighbours and allies, and at the same time to a significant move away from clean energy sources. In other words, we have a "dirty nationalism", writes Martin Keim. By Martin Keim Challenges for cross-border railways in Europe European Mobility Atlas 2021 The technical problems with international rail in Europe are quite well understood. But are there ways to improve the situation while not challenging the fundamental status quo? Ways where, at the border, some basic changes could improve matters for international railway travellers? By Jon Worth Climate pragmatism or Faustian bargain? What the new US climate law does—and where it fails Analysis The Inflation Reduction Act is seen as an expression of climate pragmatism by some and a Faustian bargain with the fossil fuel industry by others. What exactly is it? By Liane Schalatek Governing the future of aerospace, the maritime industry and tourism European Mobility Atlas 2021 After the German federal elections in September 2021, the Greens joined a government coalition with the Social Democrats and the Liberals. MdBs Dr. Anna Christmann and Claudia Müller are respectively the new Federal Government Coordinators of German Aerospace Policy, and for the Maritime Industry and for Tourism. Philipp Cerny and Martin Keim conducted a joint interview to find out more about their priorities and thoughts. By Philipp Cerny and Martin Keim “The keyword must be greater European capacity for action” Interview Anna Lührmann, Minister of State for Europe and Climate at the German Federal government, talks to Christine Pütz about the results of the "Actually European?! 2022" study and what the citizens expect from Germany’s European policy at this “turning point in history”. By Dr. Anna Lührmann and Dr. Christine Pütz The Czech Presidency of the EU Council: Europe as a task Analysis On 1 July 2022, the Czech Republic took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months. Our office Directors in Brussels and Prague, Eva van de Rakt and Adéla Jurečková, analyse the priorities of and challenges facing the Czech EU Council Presidency. By Eva van de Rakt and Adéla Jurečková Windfall profits in energy markets: acute symptoms of structural problems Analysis Energy prices in Europe have soared to new highs since the autumn of 2021, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine amplifying the trend and bringing energy supply to the forefront of conversations regarding the mitigation of impacts of the war on Europe. This study, based on data from Germany and Spain, shows that whilst electricity prices rose, so did the profits of energy companies. These developments were exacerbated by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine but are also symptomatic for wider issues within the European electricity market. Windfall profit taxation can help to soften the blow of high energy prices, but we also need longer term restructuring of the market mechanisms, argues Suzana Carp. By Suzana Carp EU risks prolonging dependence on fossil gas rather than decisively moving towards alternatives Press release A new report by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and Environmental Action Germany (DUH) finds that current EU energy supply policies run the risk of prolonging dependence on fossil gas rather than decisively moving towards alternatives, particularly in the heating sector. Russian fossil fuels embargo: “Dictatorships fall when there is enough pressure” Interview Climate activists around the world are calling for an embargo on fossil fuels from Russia, because its profits are funding Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Climate policy expert Svitlana Romanko launched an ambitious campaign right after Russia's invasion began on 24 February 2022. By Alyona Vyshnytska Glimmerland: human rights in the mica supply chain Article A satellite image-based investigation by Vertical52 reveals the extent of child labor in illegal mines in India that produce mica, a critical mineral for the tech industry. The research illustrates the need for stricter rules for companies like the ones the EU proposes in its draft directive on corporate sustainability due diligence. The investigation also shows that comprehensive solutions have to go beyond import bans and corporate liability. By Sabine Muscat and Lisa Tostado Making mobility accessible to all European Mobility Atlas 2021 Every passenger aims to get from point A to B as quickly, easily and affordably as possible. For persons with reduced mobility, one cannot talk of fair and equal access. European mobility can only be sustainable if public transport is accessible for everybody. Otherwise, users will always revert to the solution of motorised private transport. Consequently, the freedom of mobility is strongly related to the question of accessibility to the different means of transport for everybody. By Stephanie Aeffner and Philipp Cerny Sanctioning Russian fossil may be costly, but it is feasible Commentary In the midst of a cruel war and an unfolding climate crisis, Europe has to answer a crucial question: how do we cut our energy ties with Russia, while at the same time accelerating our transition towards energy efficiency and a renewable energy system? Commentary by Green MEP Bas Eickhout. By Bas Eickhout How to break Czechia's dependence on Russian gas Analysis What longer-term, environmentally sustainable measures can the Czech Republic introduce to break its dependence on Russian gas while ensuring that no one is left behind? By Jiří Koželouh and Karel Polanecký The case for a Social Guarantee: Universal access to life’s essentials Paper The Social Guarantee refocuses progressive politics on human relations, on how we care for each other, and on the importance of investing in the social infrastructure on which the rest of the economy depends. It draws on current thinking about the foundational economy, the care economy, and sustainable economic prosperity It offers a coherent, ethical, and well-evidenced basis from which to address such issues as investment, regulation, and carbon mitigation. By Anna Coote Why Fostering Socio-economic Convergence in the EU Is Necessary for Successful Climate Change Mitigation Paper This paper has argued that an active industrial policy that is context appropriate, coherent, and adaptable can be utilised to address this challenge. Nevertheless, one must acknowledge that the necessary green transition on the EU level comes with transition costs, challenges, and opportunities that affect distinct people, firms, and countries very differently, and hence bears the threat of rising inequalities, both within and among countries. Central to the success of a green transition is, therefore, the EU’s adequate reaction to this fact. This reaction can then enable and facilitate a green transformation that really leaves no one behind. By Claudius Gräbner-Radkowitsch and Jakob Hafele Just Who Gets Paid-Off in a “Just” Transition? Some difficult lessons from BlackRock and French populists Paper This paper links two things that are often dealt with separately when discussing what we mean by the word “just” in the notion of a “just transition”. On the one hand, activists and reformers see this as an opportunity to empower marginalised populations and redistribute wealth-generating assets using the state in the form of green industrial policy. On the other hand lies private finance, especially in the form of asset managers, who own huge swathes of global companies. These competing notions of “just” are used as a way to discuss how to have a transition that leverages the investments of the private sector without once again simply giving capital everything it wants at the expense of everyone else. By Daniel Driscoll and Mark Blyth The Macroeconomics of a Green Transformation: The Role of Green Investment Paper A green transformation of the economy will require a major commitment to green investment to reduce and respond to environmental degradation. The main objective of this paper is to explore the macroeconomic implications of green investment in the transformation to a green economy. By Peter A. Victor Beyond Carbon Pricing: Six sustainability transition policy principles for net zero Paper Sustainability transition perspectives are receiving increasing attention in policy and practice. This paper discusses how they can be used to address the net-zero energy transition, which is an extraordinary challenge given its complexity and urgency. It highlights six key principles to guide “transitions based” decarbonisation policies: system transformation, effectiveness, sensitivity to context, adapting policies to transition phases, policy evaluation and learning, and politics. By Jochen Markard Climate Policy from a Keynesian Point of View Paper People may arrive in one or the other of these camps for many reasons. Advocates of the investment-centred approach tend to link climate policy to broader concerns over economic justice. Developments like the Gilets Jaunes protests in France, and more recent responses to rising energy prices in the wake of the war in Ukraine, have raised doubts about the viability of aggressive carbon pricing, making an investment-centred approach more attractive. More subtle, but equally important, are the different underlying economic visions behind the two approaches to climate policy. This paper brings these submerged differences to the surface. By J. W. Mason The Role of Financial Markets in a Green Transformation Paper What is the role of financial markets in a green transformation? There are two key aspects to this question. First, what should be the balance between private and public funding of the transformation? Second, what are the dangers that our modern financial market structure poses to a successful green transformation? By Carolyn Sissoko Green Central Banking Paper The green turn in central banking has generated considerable controversy. Some voices have questioned central banks’ growing engagement with climate issues, arguing that unaccountable technocrats do not have the tools or the political legitimacy to intervene in (or possibly highjack) the low-carbon transition. Others question the continued emphasis on voluntary decarbonisation, even among green champions in the central bank community. This paper intervenes in and nuances this “too little vs too much” debate. By Daniela Gabor Changing Europe’s Fiscal Rules: Unleashing public investment for a socially just Green Deal Paper This paper critically examines whether the European fiscal framework will be sufficient to stabilise the macro economy in the aftermath of the multiple crises, let alone achieve the goals of a green transition that leads to full capacity utilisation of the economy. The reader will come to understand that private finance alone is neither sufficient nor desirable to achieve the goals of a socially just green transition. By Frank van Lerven Winning the Marathon and the Sprint: Achieving long-term economic policy objectives in an era of short-term responses Paper This article wants to provide food for thought on what a long-term economic policy could look like. In the context of the climate crisis, increasing inequality, the loss of biodiversity and financial instability, the challenge is to craft a strategic approach that can set the course for long-term success. By Jonathan Barth , Jakob Hafele and Adam Tooze Making the great turnaround work: Preface Preface This publication series aims at contributing to the emergence of a transformative economic thinking, integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions, after the wreckage of neoliberal economic thought that clearly has reached its date of expiry. It is the product of a collaboration of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, the ZOE Institute for future-fit economies, and Finanzwende Recherche. By Jörg Haas Sustainable Prosperity in an Uncertain Future: A shared agenda between green growth and degrowth Paper This paper attempts to overcome the polarisation between inclusive green growth and degrowth. The authors suggest that the idea of “post-growth” can serve as a unifying concept and define the pillars of a progressive economic policy agenda that can help Germany, the European Union, and the United States achieve their net-zero ambitions while ensuring prosperity and reducing inequality. By Jonathan Barth and Michael Jacobs The climate crisis and the war in Ukraine's common denominator: fossil fuels dependence Commentary The consequences of the war in Ukraine are palpable even in Bratislava, over a thousand kilometres from the border. Ukrainian is heard more often on the streets, cars with Ukrainian number plates are appearing on the roads, the windows of shops and apartments are festooned with Ukrainian flags, and the city is alive with marches and initiatives in support of Ukraine. The only thing that has remained unaffected is the flow of oil and gas from Russia to Slovakia, and our payments for it. By Dorota Osvaldová Away from Russian gas: Germany and Europe must swap their dependencies on fossil fuels for green energy partnerships Analysis As Germany moves away from Russian energy imports, new dependencies on fossil energies must be avoided. The potential alternative from energy-saving, renewables and European cooperation offers excellent opportunities in the short, medium and long terms. But this will require new, green energy partnerships built on a new foundation of values. By Sascha Müller-Kraenner and Constantin Zerger CAP Strategic Plans: Observation Letters under scrutiny Analysis On 31 March 2022, the 19 EU Member States that submitted their CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs) by the 1 January 2022 deadline received their awaited Observation Letters. In this article we discuss the implications of the European Commission backtracking on a transparent process and explore the content of Observation Letters that have been partially released. By Mathieu Willard Statement on the ban of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in Russia Press release By banning the work of German political foundations, the Russian leadership is purposefully trying to block an essential, independent channel of communication between our societies. We deeply regret this further escalation by the Russian authorities. We will maintain contact with all those who are working courageously, creatively, steadfastly and with conviction for a different, peaceful and democratic Russia. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung The EU must do more to stop funding the Russian war in Ukraine! Interview With the EU’s ongoing purchase of Russian energy resources, the regime that is responsible for the current barbaric war in Ukraine is guaranteed a constant cash flow. Proponents of an embargo want to maximise the economic and financial pressure on Putin and withdraw financing from the Russian war machine. By Robert Sperfeld Ending Russia's war of aggression with economic and energy policy options Commentary The primary goal must be to stop the war of aggression on Ukraine launched by Russia on 24 February 2022. The sanctions of EU and NATO countries are currently in contrast to the dependence on Russian raw material and energy supplies. Hundreds of millions of euros flow from Germany to Russia every day, counteracting the effect of the sanctions. This should now be an incentive to reassess the costs of more radical fossil fuel exit scenarios in the shortest possible time under crisis conditions. By Walter Kaufmann Rethinking EU energy policy and energy efficiency: a Greek perspective Analysis The Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022 brought home what most of us knew already but had assigned secondary importance to: renewable energy properly deployed is not only good for the environment and human health, it is also good for people’s pockets and their freedom. By Elias Gianniris and Georgios Kostakos Energy efficiency is the best choice for Europe’s energy sovereignty! Commentary The inability to adequately sanction the criminal invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Putin painfully demonstrates Europe’s massive dependencies from fossil fuel imports. Phasing out fossil fuels is no longer “just” about fighting the climate crisis, but also a precondition for Europe’s energy sovereignty and price stability. By Jutta Paulus The end of energy resource imports from Russia? Commentary On February 24, Russia started the war in Ukraine. Nothing will be the same again. Russia's brutal attack made the ongoing conflict around energy resources all the more obvious. This article analyses what options Poland has to break its energy dependence on Russia. By Dr. Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera and Dr. Aleksandra Gawlikowska-Fyk A Russian oil embargo: objectives and possible impacts Analysis The introduction of an oil embargo could significantly increase economic pressure on Russia. While the effect of an embargo on Russian military capabilities over the coming months would be minimal, it is unclear at present how long the war will last and whether it will spread beyond Ukraine. In the worst case, the West is currently financing a future war against itself. By Dr. Janis Kluge Green transition in the global framework Analysis The concept of “just transition” has so far arrived in Eastern and Southeastern Europe only as a fragment of nice environmental jargon. There is a lack of protagonists strong enough to create conditions for a more powerful social and political impact. In order to act within ecological limits and remain below a warming of 1.5° Celsius, we must also consume less. Until now, consumption, like growth, has been equated with well-being and prosperity. By Vedran Horvat Bosnia and Herzegovina: dismantling monopolies in the green transition Analysis Bosnia-Herzegovina wants to phase out fossil fuels by 2050. For the country, which is largely dependent on coal, this is a serious turning point. However, the word "transition", which is often used for this process, is rather hated by the population, because it is not associated with equality and justice, but rather with an enriching political elite. By Majda Ibraković Wallonia’s CAP Strategic Plan: better late than never? Analysis This article intends to shed some light on the bumpy road that led to Wallonia’s not yet finalised CAP Strategic Plan. Focussing first on understanding the delays, we’ll then expose how an originally inclusive debate has lowered itself to the level of their neighbour’s. Finally, we’ll take a look at the decision taken on coupled payments for livestock, what it implies in terms of economic sustainability and try to understand if this decision can be balanced by eco-schemes intervention. By Mathieu Willard and Matteo Metta The mobility of families: a key factor in the transition towards emissions-free cities and transport European Mobility Atlas 2021 Small steps are necessary to implement big changes. More specifically, the steps of society’s youngest members. If the way families move shifts towards a more sustainable (and less car-centred) mode, a considerable reduction of emissions of the traffic sector can be achieved. By Hendrikje Lučić It’s time for climate competition with China Comment Brussels and Beijing are entering a new phase in their climate relations. Gone are the days when the EU and China were only climate partners. Now Brussels would be well-served to compete and spur China on when it comes to climate protection. By Roderick Kefferpütz How European security is changing Commentary Migration policy, economic and trade policy, health policy, technology policy, and climate policy are increasingly being thought of in terms of “security”. By Alice Billon-Galland , Rita Floyd and Hans Kundnani False solutions prevail over real ambition at COP26 Analysis COP26 in Glasgow started with a plethora of declarations. But in the end it failed to deliver on the real and immediate action needed to avoid climate catastrophe, and to address the demand for justice and equity for those most impacted by climate harms. By Erika Lennon , Sébastien Duyck and Nikki Reisch CAP beyond the EU | Precision agriculture: for whom precisely? Analysis The development and diffusion of precision agriculture might speed up since fresh money could become available through eco-schemes under the new CAP Strategic Plans. How does the EU support precision agriculture and what does it mean from a global south perspective? This article looks at the case of Rwanda and suggests technological developers and policy makers to proceed with caution to avoid widening inequality between smallholders and commercial farms, privacy breaches or undesired data dependency on tech giants like Google. By Hans Wetzels COP26 diary #4: A Global North greenwash festival? - Thoughts on communication around COP26 from a first-time attendee COP26 diary COPs are a time of a plethora of announcements, pledges and initiatives by countries, businesses and financial institutes. It is hard to keep up and even harder to distinguish between newsworthy reason for hope and old wine in new bottles. Lisa Tostado reports on the climate “communication nightmare” of welcoming progress while emphasizing the persistent astronomical gap to what would be Paris Agreement-compatible. By Lisa Tostado Jutta Paulus on COP26: “For leading by example, we must achieve our European Green Deal goals” Interview Lisa Tostado interviewed Green MEP Jutta Paulus her about her expectations and initial assessment concerning this year’s COP26, as well as the on role of the EU and particularly Germany in international climate negotiations. By Lisa Tostado COP26 diary #3: The most inclusive COP ever? - Thoughts on representation at COP from a first-time attendee COP26 diary COP26 was supposed to be the “most inclusive COP ever”. Lisa Tostado reports on why the promised cannot be considered fulfilled and where inclusion and representation remain an issue to be addressed urgently. By Lisa Tostado The tragic consequences of EU funding on the environment in Hungary Commentary To avoid further environmental damages due to the use of EU money, the European Commission should suspend funding to the Hungarian government. By András Lukács COP26 diary #2: The heartbreak is hard to bear - Thoughts on climate justice at COP from a first-time attendee COP26 diary Inequalities are striking in the climate crisis. Lisa Tostado unpacks them and reports on the action on payment of climate debt at the COP26 in Glasgow. By Lisa Tostado Geopolitical stakes of COP26 in Glasgow Commentary Global climate policy is the subject of multiple announcements put to the test over the course of these two weeks of COP26. Between the countries that have established carbon neutrality targets for 2050 (the United States and the European Union) and those looking to 2060 or further instead (Russia, China, India), the major challenge lies not in the deadlines, but in the translation of these dramatic promises into concrete actions. By Nidhal Attia COP26 diary #1: Carefully orchestrated procrastination? Thoughts on the beginning of COP from a first-time attendee COP26 diary Lisa Tostado unpacks some basics in the first report during her attendance at this year’s COP26 in Glasgow. By Lisa Tostado Discourse matters: the net-zero agenda and Africa’s priorities Commentary Where in the global dialogue is the aspiration for adaptation, equitable climate finance and inclusivity? What practical actions will the global community take to address these cardinal objectives? For African countries - which have contributed least to climate change but remain most vulnerable to its impacts - these objectives are as important as net-zero ambitions. By Lily Odarno Learning from the UK’s exposure to the global gas crisis Commentary The causes of the current global gas crisis are now well understood. Europe finds itself the convergence zone of two supply challenges, related to a shortfall of pipeline supplies and simultaneously an inability to attract deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Consequently, going into winter storage levels are low, and prices are extremely high. But the UK has been singled out as being more vulnerable than most, why is this so and what lessons can be learnt from the current situation? By Michael Bradshaw EU non-compliance with the Paris Agreement Analysis The European Union has long sought to play a leadership role in the international climate change negotiations. For the time being, however, it is non-compliant with a procedural obligation under the Paris Agreement: to notify the UNFCCC secretariat of the individual emission levels allocated to each Member State. By Christoph Schwarte 10 things you need to know about hydrogen Listicle The EU and Germany aim to be climate neutral by 2050 and 2045, respectively. The commitment to climate neutrality means that zero-emission alternatives will replace emissions-intensive processes and products. One energy alternative is climate-friendly hydrogen. However, hydrogen is not an all-purpose miracle that solves everything at once. By Stefanie Groll From the roads to the rails: European freight transport and green logistics European Mobility Atlas 2021 For about two decades, the logistics industry has become more serious about sustainability. Although a validated definition of “green logistics” does not yet exist, the reduction of CO2 emissions can be regarded as an important part of the concept. In freight transport, heavy goods vehicles on roads are by far the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, while rail is the smallest. Nevertheless, the shift from road to rail – a central target of EU transport policies – struggles to get off the ground. By Werner Balsen Saving biodiversity Background With the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the global community wants to make a new attempt to halt the rapid and dramatic loss of ecosystems, species and genetic diversity, or biodiversity. By Lili Fuhr , Kristin Funke , Dr. Christine Chemnitz , Linda Schneider and Lisa Tostado Italian CAP plan in progress: too little, too late? Analysis On 11-12 October 2021, EU agriculture ministers are invited to share their views on design and approval of the CAP Strategic Plan, with emphasis on transparency and inclusion. With no sense of irony, this meeting will be held behind closed doors. Meanwhile Italy still limps along with its ‘tavolo del partenariato” (consultation forum). While a wide range of stakeholders are putting proposals on the table, the agri-industrial lobby is “cooking” in the kitchen. By Matteo Metta Not a moving target: the responsibility to respect human rights in the transport and logistics sector European Mobility Atlas 2021 Transport makes a significant contribution to global employment and provides economic opportunities for millions across the world, acting as a key enabler for trade, manufacturing and mobility. In Europe alone, the transport industry directly employs around 10 million people. However, the human costs of transport – both present and future – cannot be ignored. By Francesca Manta and Alice Pease Quality schemes – Who benefits? Central America, coffee and the EU Analysis This analysis explores whether and how mutually recognised quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs are creating enhanced trade benefits for third countries’ producer groups in the frame of the Common Market Organisation and Association Agreements of the European Union. A case-study on coffee protected by designations of origin in Central America. By Melina A. Campos Building blocks for a sustainable and resilient food system: the post-Covid opportunity for the European Union Commentary The build-up to the UN Food systems Summit 2021 has underlined why systems thinking is essential and action is required now, both concerning the ending of hunger and tackling the web of issues that contribute to sustainability. By Nora Hiller , Faustine Bas-Defossez and David Baldock CO2 performance standards and alternative fuels infrastructure proposals: the right direction, but lacking short-term ambition Analysis The European Commission's Fit-for-55 package proposal to go to 100% zero emission car sales from 2035 shows a serious commitment for reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, and will put European industry in the driving seat to dominate the new global electric vehicle (EV) market. While this move could democratise the purchase of EVs, policy-makers need to take a small extra step to ensure early build up of EVs to drive cost reductions and fully guarantee that chargers are available in the right locations. By Alex Keynes About soul and sovereignty: our reaction to Ursula von der Leyen’s 2021 State of the Union address Commentary In her 2021 State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appealed to Europe’s soul, which, she said, has been tested to the core in times of multiple crises. The team of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union did its own soul-searching, pointing at the good, the not-so-good and the missing in von der Leyen’s speech. By Eva van de Rakt , Lisa Tostado , Martin Keim , Anna Schwarz , Zora Siebert and Joan Lanfranco Politicians underestimate methane as a climate killer Analysis While the EU's Fit-for-55 Package includes many important files, the European Commission postponed legislation on methane a particularly potent greenhouse gas to December 2021. This article summarises the issues at stake and argues that without stringent regulation on this gas, the Fit-for-55 Package will fail to reach climate goals. By Lisa Tostado The proposal for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism fails the ambition and equity tests Analysis The proposal for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is likely the most contentious element of the Fit for 55 package, with significant ramifications not only internally in the EU but beyond its borders. It is a long-discussed idea whose time has finally come as part of European Commission President von der Leyen’s European Green Deal grand bargain. By Tim Gore The revision of the Energy Taxation Directive could underpin a fair and green tax reform in Europe Analysis Tax systems across the EU are currently neither fair nor green. The burden of taxation has been steadily shifting in recent decades from corporate profits and personal wealth to labour income, especially of lower-income earners, helping to drive growing inequality across the EU. And with men disproportionately represented among the EU’s wealthiest citizens, the system helps underpin gender inequality too. By Tim Gore Meat Atlas 2021: Introduction Meat Atlas 2021 One of the key demands of Fridays for Future, the youth climate movement, is “Listen to science!” In the age of Covid-19, governments frequently consult scientists and adapt policies to their advice. Scientists have also been stressing for over a decade that a climate- and biodiversity-friendly diet contains less than half the amount of meat consumed in industrialized countries today. By Barbara Unmüßig , Olaf Bandt and Jagoda Munić 12 brief lessons about meat and the world Meat Atlas 2021 Main takeaways from the Meat Atlas 2021. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and Friends of the Earth Europe Meat consumption: everyday food and luxury good Meat Atlas 2021 The global demand for meat continues to rise due to economic and population growth, but at a slower pace than 10 years ago. Poultry accounts for an increasingly large share of consumption. Large differences remain in consumption per capita between countries and among population groups. By Lisa Tostado World trade: in lorries and ships Meat Atlas 2021 Trade in meat and live animals is relatively new and growing fast. Disease outbreaks, sanitary restrictions and trade policies can lead to big swings in trade flow. The big four players are China – which dominates import markets – as well as the USA, Brazil and the EU, which provide most exports. By Dr. Christine Chemnitz Mercosur: trading away the environment Meat Atlas 2021 The Association Agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries raises concerns with regards to meat and feed, as well as the rainforest and the climate. But the EU is worried about cheap imports, and resistance is growing. Whether the deal will actually come into force is questionable. By Bettina Müller and Lia Polotzek Production: problem foods and their producers Meat Atlas 2021 The world’s meat production has grown rapidly, fed by rising demand and made possible by technological advances in livestock farming. But this has had serious consequences for animal welfare and small-scale producers. By Dr. Christine Chemnitz Abattoirs: chopping but not changing Meat Atlas 2021 Covid outbreaks in abattoirs and processing plants are just the latest in a long list of problems in the meat industry. Low wages, hard work, and precarious employment are the price that workers pay to supply us with cheap meat. The industry is attempting to dodge its responsibility to provide decent conditions for its staff. By Dr. Peter Birke Meat waste: a lot less than the whole fog Meat Atlas 2021 The meat industry used to be famous for using “everything about the hog except the squeal”. But a large proportion of the livestock raised for food do not end up as food. Many die, or are killed, before they reach the slaughterhouse, and even more meat is wasted between the factory and the plate. By Dr. Jonas Luckmann Land conflicts: cutting down forests, carving up pastures Meat Atlas 2021 In South America, natural vegetation is being turned into pastureland and monocultures to support an unsustainable form of livestock production. In Africa and Asia, on the other hand, a sustainable form of livestock raising is losing ground to industrialized agriculture. Traditional local communities are the losers. By Thomas Fatheuer Companies: dominating the market from farm to display case Meat Atlas 2021 Global meat companies play a major role in determining how meat and feed are produced, transported and traded. Food is big business: the 100 largest food and beverage firms around the world include 10 main meat producers and processors. By Shefali Sharma Finance: big bucks for big firms Meat Atlas 2021 Big Meat attracts big money. Both private and public investors pour money into meat and dairy corporations, further boosting their market power and fuelling yet more consolidation in an already concentrated industry. The environmental and social damage caused by the industry is largely overlooked. By Mia Watanabe Feed: soy, forest, and savanna Meat Atlas 2021 More than a third of all crops worldwide end up in the stomachs of livestock. That includes one billion tonnes a year of soybeans and maize alone. The feed and livestock industries want to increase that even further. By Silvie Lang Climate: a lighter hoofprint Meat Atlas 2021 Livestock’s share of global greenhouse gas emissions is understated. The climate footprint of the animals and the feed they need is significant. There are ways to change that. By Shefali Sharma Pesticides: banned by Brussels, allowed in the Amazon Meat Atlas 2021 Pesticide applications are on the rise across the globe. Some of the most dangerous substances have been banned in the European Union, but are still being used on a large scale in other parts of the world. Many are intended for the cultivation of soybean and maize, which are destined mainly for use as livestock feed. By Carla Hoinkes Water: thirsty animals, thirsty crops Meat Atlas 2021 All animal products have a water footprint: the amount of water needed to produce them. It is not just the total amount that is important, but the types of water that are needed. There is enough “green” water. But the volumes of “blue” and “grey” water should be kept low. By Heike Holdinghausen Fertilizers: too much of a good thing Meat Atlas 2021 Nitrogen pollution from livestock manure is an increasing problem in many parts of the world. Countries in the European Union have lots of ideas on how to reduce such contamination of their environments. One approach is through closer monitoring of industrial livestock producers and restricting the amount of manure slurry that crop farmers are allowed to apply. By Dr. Thorsten Reinsch Rewetting: give peat a chance Meat Atlas 2021 Across the globe, peatlands are being drained for farming and raising livestock. But dried-out peat emits huge amounts of greenhouse gases. Agricultural policy should initiate the transformation to the climate-friendly use of these areas. By Dr. Sabine Wichmann Antibiotics: useless medicines Meat Atlas 2021 Antibiotics help to treat many diseases. The big problem: in both humans and animals, pathogens can develop antibiotic resistance – a fatal danger. And in industrial livestock production, these drugs are still not being used carefully enough. By Reinhild Benning Pandemics: dangerous contacts Meat Atlas 2021 Livestock production and meat consumption stimulate outbreaks of diseases that can be transmitted from wild animals to humans. Such zoonoses can have catastrophic consequences – as Covid-19 has shown. By Inka Dewitz and Dr. Christine Chemnitz Pastoralism: bounty from a barren land Meat Atlas 2021 Mobile herders move with their herds or flocks in the remotest of pastures. This form of animal production, known as pastoralism, is economically important and climate-friendly, but it is under severe threat. By Ilse Köhler-Rollefson Pastoralism in India: rangeland, not wasteland Meat Atlas 2021 India is the world’s largest exporter of buffalo, sheep and goat meat. Remarkably, the majority of this output is produced in traditional agropastoral systems. By Ilse Köhler-Rollefson and Kamal Kishore Active state: the political economy of transforming the meat system Meat Atlas 2021 Representative surveys in various countries have found a surprising amount of public support for reduced consumption of meat. Policymakers must find the right package and sequence of measures to stimulate the transition to a more sustainable future. By Dr. Lukas Paul Fesenfeld The European Union: common livestock policy Meat Atlas 2021 Intensive livestock production creates environmental and animal welfare problems. Reforms currently being considered to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy do not go nearly far enough to resolve these. But improvements can be made even within the current system. By Prof. Dr. Harald Grethe Label: three stars for a better life Meat Atlas 2021 Buy meat from a supermarket, and you can probably choose between organic and non-organic. But with the non-organic products, you have no way of telling whether the animal was treated well, or was stuck in a pen with little room to move. Calls are growing for meat labels that show the conditions under which the animals are raised. By Katrin Wenz EU strategies: a good start, but could try harder Meat Atlas 2021 As part of its Green Deal, the European Commission has proposed a “Farm to Fork Strategy”. This is the EU’s most coherent attempt yet to respond to the fundamental challenges plaguing the food system. But much will depend on converting highgrand-sounding words into actual policies. By Stanka Becheva and Lisa Tostado Lab meat: cellstock vs livestock Meat Atlas 2021 Lab-grown meat is a disruptive innovation that could help resolve sustainability and health issues related to livestock, as well as reducing the numbers of animals farmed. But the sustainability gains do not yet match expectations. By Francesco Ajena and Philip Howard Insects as food: snacking on silkworms, lunching on locusts Meat Atlas 2021 Adding insects to our menus could help overcome the world’s food-supply problems. But the industrial production of insects is controversial: would it be useful or dangerous? By Hanni Rützler Meat substitutes: a new sector emerges Meat Atlas 2021 Vegan and vegetarian alternatives to meat are gaining popularity fast – making them tastier for big firms, too. Competition is likely to flare up around in-vitro meat: start-ups developing lab-grown products are sprouting everywhere. By Stephanie Wunder Activism: pressure from below Meat Atlas 2021 Civil society is a sometimes underestimated stakeholder in the food system. Supporting sustainable production and criticizing industrialized agriculture, it influences public opinion and habits and demands better policies and international solidarity. And it can hold governments and companies accountable for their actions, while offering solutions. By Stanka Becheva Survey on youth: changing habits Meat Atlas 2021 Young people in Germany – the “Fridays for Future generation” – eat less meat than their elders. Their attitudes and habits are likely to steer food consumption and policy in the coming decades. Results of a representative survey. By Prof. Dr. Achim Spiller , Dr. Anke Zühlsdorf , Dr. Kristin Jürkenbeck and Dr. Maureen Schulze Meat Atlas 2021 - Dissemination package Meat Atlas 2021 Dissemination package and social media visuals for the Meat Atlas 2021. European Green Deal: Integrate gender and intersectional approach into green budgeting and taxation Report chapter Green budgets refer to tools that aim to achieve environmental and climate objectives by analysing the environmental impacts of budgetary and fiscal policy choices. Budgeting can therefore be a tool to mainstream gender equality and environmental objectives at the same time. While taxation can also enhance gender equality and incentivise a green transition, this chapter focuses on the budget side due to the revenue structure of the European Union (EU), in the context of the European Green Deal, the EU Budget 2021-2027 and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. By Lisa Tostado and Katy Wiese “All aboard!” E-Ferry Ellen and the future of electric shipping Interview Electrifying European transport is a clear-cut way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In Denmark, the pioneering electric car ferry “Ellen” connects the port of Fynshav and the island of Ærø. European Mobility Atlas 2021 Chief Executive Editor Philipp Cerny interviewed Halfdan Abrahamsen from the Municipality of Ærø’s Energy and Environment Office. By Philipp Cerny The European Green Deal's fitness test – Will the EU’s Fit-for-55 package ensure reaching the climate goal? Analysis On 14 July 2021, the European Commission will present its proposals for implementing the EU Climate Law - the so-called “Fit-for-55” package. This will be the starting signal for one of the most important EU debates of the next years: how can the EU reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and how can it become climate neutral by 2050? By Lisa Tostado and Martin Keim 10 questions about night trains that you always wanted, but never dared, to ask Q&A Night trains are on the rise again. This year, 2021, marks the European Year of Rail and the resurrection of important new night train connections, combined with fresh railway market entrants. Read on to learn more about this promising means of transportation. By Philipp Cerny CAP Strategic Plans: Germany Taking Steps in the Right Direction? Analysis In March 2021, the German Agriculture Ministers’ Conference and the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture agreed on important cornerstones for the country’s CAP Strategic Plan. While the resolutions have opened the door for a more ambitious CAP in Germany, it remains to be seen whether the federal and state governments will seize this opportunity when they decide on details still to be negotiated. By Prof. Sebastian Lakner 35 years after Chernobyl: “The experience of uncontrollability must be part of our debate” Interview 35 years on from the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, our director Eva van de Rakt was in conversation with the Austrian Federal Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, Leonore Gewessler, and former Member of the European Parliament Rebecca Harms on the role, risks and dangers of nuclear power in Europe. By Eva van de Rakt The 7 reasons why nuclear energy is not the answer to solve climate change Analysis New nuclear power costs about 5 times more than onshore wind power per kWh. Nuclear takes 5 to 17 years longer between planning and operation and produces on average 23 times the emissions per unit electricity generated. In addition, it creates risk and cost associated with weapons proliferation, meltdown, mining lung cancer, and waste risks. Clean, renewables avoid all such risks. By Mark Z. Jacobson Russian nuclear power for the whole world – except Russia? Background In Russia, atomic energy is completely state-owned and paid for out of taxpayers’ money. The state corporation “Rosatom” comprises civilian and military nuclear technology companies. It is the world’s largest producer of nuclear power plants (NPPs) and its activities extend more to projects in other countries than in Russia itself. Thanks to large capacities for uranium enrichment, which remained in Russian hands after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Rosatom currently controls 17% of world production of nuclear fuels. By Vladimir Slivyak Mycle Schneider: "Every euro invested in nuclear power makes the climate crisis worse" Interview Can nuclear energy help us meet climate goals? Mycle Schneider, editor of the annual World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR), which assesses the status and trends of the global nuclear power industry, says no. Interview courtesy of DW. By Gero Rueter Nuclear Power in the European Union Analysis The issue of nuclear power has been with the European Union since the very beginning of the nuclear age. Where are operating nuclear power plants in the world? Who is building new reactors? What happened in the European region after Chernobyl and the fall of the Berlin Wall? By Mycle Schneider The Czech Nuclear Republic Commentary While many European countries are phasing out nuclear energy, either for political or economic reasons, Czechia is hoping to go in the opposite direction. Nuclear reactors are proclaimed – and also perceived by much of society – to be a clean and safe source of energy. How did this come about? By Edvard Sequens and Žaneta Gregorová Ukraine’s nuclear impasse Analysis What is the problem within the construction of units 3 and 4 of Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine? To understand the situation around this it is necessary to have clear picture of Ukrainian nuclear sector in general. By Oleksandra Zaika Nuclear weather in France: no clouds in sight Commentary Thirty-five years ago, a few days after the Chernobyl disaster, authorities throughout Europe alerted the population to the radioactive cloud. All of them? No. In France, where more than thirty nuclear reactors were already in operation, the authorities waited several weeks before acknowledging that the cloud had passed over the country. By Jules Hebert Hungary’s Paks 2 nuclear plant project: Russia’s controversial test laboratory Commentary The Chernobyl disaster is the origin and the starting point for many green and anti-nuclear activists of my generation in Hungary. What are the dilemmas and how does the public see nuclear energy in Hungary on the 35th anniversary of Chernobyl and the 10th of the Fukushima disaster? By Benedek Jávor The new nuclear power plant in Belarus and reminders of Chernobyl Analysis For the first 29 years of the country’s independence, nuclear power was not used in Belarus. It was not until 7 November 2020, the anniversary of the October Revolution, that the first nuclear power plant was inaugurated in Ostrovets, close to the border with Lithuania. By Hanna Valynets Fukushima: The Nuclear Crisis Is Ongoing, Yet It’s Not Hopeless Commentary In former evacuation zones of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, although the government of Japan pronounced it safe to resume normal life, some returnees found such a life elusive. To make life possible on their once-abandoned land, they decided to tackle radiation in their own ways. By Dr. Tam Man-kei The role of nuclear energy in the EU’s Sustainable Taxonomy Regulation Analysis The EU’s Sustainable Taxonomy Regulation - the list of green activities contributing to the green transition - is currently being discussed. The political debate is now focusing on two types of energy that were at first excluded: nuclear energy and fossil gas. How might these discussions undermine the taxonomy that is potentially a central tool to enhance investments in the green transition and why should they be banished from this instrument? By Zélie Victor Nuclear Power Trend in Southeast Asia and Its Contested Discourses on Climate Change Analysis Currently, there is no nuclear power station that operating commercial electricity in Southeast Asian countries. However, pro-nuclear comes up with many reasons aiming to materialize the nuclear power which ranging from growing of domestic power demand to boost economic activities, reducing the electricity cost – in the case of the Philippines, to producing no Green House Gases emission, in particularly CO2. By Tipakson Manpati Chernobyl Commentary I visited Chernobyl for the first time two and a half years after nuclear disaster. Over the decades, during which time I returned to the Exclusion Zone at least every ten years, I have come to understand that a nuclear disaster has no ‘afterwards’. The consequences of the biggest nuclear incident to date are still affecting many people of the former Soviet Union, having destroyed their future. By Rebecca Harms Chernobyl 35 years on –the “Polish puzzle” Commentary It was 28th April 1986, early morning in Poland. The radiation monitoring station in Mikołajki, Mazury area (north-eastern region of Poland) showed that the radioactivity in the air was 550,000 times higher than the day before. The radioactive cloud from Chernobyl had travelled to Poland. The story of the catastrophe began here. By Beata Cymerman Walking in London: people, space and governance European Mobility Atlas 2021 Walking is vital for liveable cities and a basic right for any city dweller. However, it has long been under-represented in practice and research, something London is planning to overcome. England’s capital intends to build on its prior success in improving walkability, through the elements of shaping individual behaviour, space inequalities and governance. By Alexandra Gomes What to expect from carbon pricing – and what not Commentary Putting a price on CO2 emissions is necessary for climate protection, and applying the polluter-pays principle is an important step toward climate justice. As long as follow-up costs are not taken into account, climate protection will not have sufficient weight in investment decisions. By Stefanie Groll Women on the Move: Sustainable Mobility and Gender European Mobility Atlas 2021 Mobility is not gender neutral. This not only pertains to individual mobility, but also to the transport and planning sectors themselves, which are heavily dominated by men. Social stereotypes and role distribution within a predominantly male workforce, as well as care work mostly carried out by females, do the rest to create an environment that is aligned with male needs. By Katja Diehl and Philipp Cerny The Myth of Good Plastic Essay Plastic is a material that used to be a symbol of progress and modernity. Now it represents an industry that subordinates everything to profit, even if the world is ruined in the process. By Barbara Unmüßig Green hydrogen from Morocco – no magic bullet for Europe’s climate neutrality Analysis There are great hopes pinned to the Moroccan energy transition – not just in the North African kingdom itself, but also in Europe and Germany. By Bauke Baumann European Mobility Atlas 2021 - Preface European Mobility Atlas 2021 Europe is the continent where multiple forms of transportation have been invented or brought to technological maturity. The free movement of persons has made Europe grow together and led to an ever-stronger sense of cohesion. Cross-border mobility is a prerequisite for a united EU and the experience of inter-connectedness on all levels. By Dr. Ellen Ueberschär and Eva van de Rakt 12 Brief Lessons on Mobility in Europe European Mobility Atlas 2021 The European Mobility Atlas 2021 analyses the key facts and figures about transport and mobility in Europe, contributing to the efforts towards sustainable and just mobility in the European Union. The main takeaways from the Atlas are summarised in these 12 brief lessons. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union History: A Struggle for Directions European Mobility Atlas 2021 It took until the late 1980s to make transport part of EU policy. Since then, steps have been taken towards a more ambitious transport policy. Reluctance in EU Member States to enforce the rules keeps being the biggest obstacle. By Paul Beeckmans Employment: Fear of Falling by the Wayside European Mobility Atlas 2021 Liberalisation and social harmonisation have barely gone hand in hand in the transport sector. Some EU rules exist, but without proper enforcement, the current employment situation is often unsatisfactory. By Natalia Walczak Aviation: Flying Green - A Nice Dream European Mobility Atlas 2021 Suddenly, the skies were blue. The Covid-19 lockdown grounded the majority of flights, and analysts say that it could take years for aviation to get back to normal. By Magdalena Heuwieser The Automotive Sector: The Key Transformation of an Industry European Mobility Atlas 2021 For more than 100 years, the automotive industry has relied on cars with internal combustion engines. Today, transformation is irrevocable. The Covid-19 pandemic makes it a truly Herculean task. By Roderick Kefferpütz Rail: The Challenges of a Single European Railway Area European Mobility Atlas 2021 European transport infrastructure reflects the complexity of Europe’s cross-border management tasks and its historic path dependency. Railway infrastructure is a prominent example of this. By Philipp Cerny Cross-Border Mobility: Closing the Gaps European Mobility Atlas 2021 A well-connected cross-border railway system is the backbone of European transnational mobility. Yet many cross-border points still look like a patchwork reflecting myriad different national systems. By Constantin Lehnert Shipping: Setting Sail - Challenges for Sea Transport European Mobility Atlas 2021 Maritime transport is the most important, most efficient, but also dirtiest way of shipping goods. Not covered by the Paris Agreement, the industry is trying to set guidelines for a more environment-friendly maritime transport. By Nikolaos Sifakis and Prof. Theocharis Tsoutsos Tourism: Travelling Sustainably or With the Crowd European Mobility Atlas 2021 Tourism is a major economic sector in Europe. But its negative impacts on the environment and local communities raise concerns. Sustainable travel is growing, yet Covid-19 could change everything. By Ed Lancaster Bicycle Industry: Growing at Speed European Mobility Atlas 2021 Unlike many industries, the manufacture of bicycles keeps on growing. This is mainly driven by the sale of e-bikes. The ever-increasing demand for them seems to be helping the industry to recover rapidly from the impact of Covid-19. By Anna-Lena Scherer Cargo Bikes: Sustainable and Resilient Transport European Mobility Atlas 2021 Cargo bikes play a big role in avoiding motorised transport of goods. Many European cities operate successful cargo bike subsidy schemes. Commercial use, private ownership, sharing— all forms of cargo bike use are on the rise. By Prof. Dr. Sophia Becker and Arne Behrensen Cycling Copenhagen: The Making of a Bike-Friendly City European Mobility Atlas 2021 Providing people with the options to safely walk, bike or use public transportation is paramount not only in creating a green and sustainable city, but also a liveable, people-friendly city. By Marianne Weinreich Road Safety: Wanted - Strategies to Protect the Weakest European Mobility Atlas 2021 Cyclists and pedestrians run a high risk of being killed in road traffic. At national and EU levels, a variety of initiatives aims to protect them better. However, more is needed to ensure effective pedestrian and cyclist safety. By Ellen Townsend and Dudley Curtis
Biochar: buddying up soils Soil Atlas 2024 In recent years, research interest in biochar has gained significant attention in mainstream discourse. The sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers offers triple benefits: enhanced soil health, improved livelihoods, and climate protection. By Audrey S-Darko
Flooded with lies: climate infodemic in Valencia Analysis Following the worst natural disaster in Spain’s recent history, the country has witnessed an outpour of politically charged conspiracy theories that cast doubt on the government and democratic institutions. While such lies are often created and circulated by a small network, they can quickly spread beyond traditional circles and gain widespread attention. What can be done to stop the spread of disinformation in the wake of catastrophic weather events? By Florent Marcellesi
Delivering a fair household energy transition: learning and priorities Analysis The green technologies needed to rapidly cut our greenhouse gas emissions are already on the market. What’s more, they are, or very soon will be, cost effective. In other words, from the perspective of the household, it is, overall, cheaper to go green. However, there’s a catch: access to capital is king in the household energy transition. By Alex Chapman
3 Questions on the outcome of the COP Negotiations in Baku to Lena Schilling MEP 3 Questions The COP negotiations in Baku brought together global leaders, activists, and stakeholders amidst a tense geopolitical climate. With the influence of authoritarian leaders, ongoing debates over climate finance, and the presence of civil society under challenging conditions, the outcomes of this year’s talks were far from predictable. MEP Lena Schilling reflects on the key dynamics that shaped the negotiations and offers insights into the path forward for international climate action. By Lena Schilling and Louise Mollenhauer
COP29 exacerbates climate injustice Analysis COP29 was expected to deliver a global goal for climate finance that meets the challenges of the future. It failed to do so. Instead, it launched international carbon markets that create new loopholes for fossil fuel emitters. By Linda Schneider
Böll EU Newsletter 9/2024 Growing challenges, declining majorities Newsletter What a show these last couple of weeks have been. The return of Donald Trump, the rupture of the German federal government, and then the ridicule of the Commissioner-designate hearings in the European Parliament. Challenges are rising, but stable majorities in Europe are eroding. It is increasingly difficult to build consensus and have a stable centre of political gravity. By Roderick Kefferpütz
What to expect in the first 100 days of the von der Leyen II European Commission? Infographic On 18 July 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was elected for a second mandate and presented to the European Parliament her Political Guidelines for the next European Commission. A new European Commission will kick-off its work on 1 December 2024, after its approval by the European Parliament. We take a look at von der Leyen's promises for the first 100 days (and beyond) of the new European Commission. By Joan Lanfranco
Carbon farming won’t save the planet Commentary Funding climate protection through carbon certificates for soil may seem beneficial at first. However, a greater focus on soil health and supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices would be far more effective in practice. By Sophie Scherger
What is the status of energy poverty in the European Union? Explainer 35 to 72 million people across the EU are facing energy poverty. These issues already have powerful implications today from a public health or productivity point of view. Over the years, the EU has constructed a series of policy instruments to assess better and comprehensively address the phenomenon. By Marine Cornelis
Enforcing energy rights to promote energy justice Commentary A just energy transition must, in essence, address the three foundations of energy justice (distributive, recognitional, and procedural) as well as the systematic problems that are present in energy access issues, in consumer rights enforcement, or the fact that some people cannot reap the full benefits of services available to them. By Marine Cornelis
Soil Atlas 2024: Healthy soils hand in hand with food security, climate and nature conservation Press release Healthy soils are a basic requirement for producing nutritious food, preserving biodiversity and adapting to climate change. But the condition of the soils is poor, with more than a third of the world's agricultural land being considered degraded. In the European Union, more than 60 percent of soils are now damaged - caused, among other factors, by industrial agriculture and the effects of the climate crisis such as droughts. This is outlined in the Soil Atlas 2024, published today by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and TMG – Think Tank for Sustainability. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and TMG – Think Tank for Sustainability
12 brief lessons about soils Soil Atlas 2024 Soils are vital to our survival. They store greenhouse gases and water and are home to at least a quarter of all living creatures on earth. However, over 60 percent of soils in the EU are damaged and their sealing threatens biodiversity.
Soil Atlas 2024: Foreword Soil Atlas 2024 Soil is the foundation of life on Earth. Its beauty and complexity as a living ecosystem are vast, and its functions are integral to our lives. For example, 95 percent of global food production depends on healthy soils, making access to fertile soil essential in the fight against hunger. Soils are also a crucial ally in adapting to climate change, as they help buffer the effects of droughts and floods. By Dr. Imme Scholz and Dr. Jes Weigelt
Ecosystem soil: the foundation of life Soil Atlas 2024 Soil – sometimes referred to as the planet's skin – takes hundreds or thousands of years to form, making it a non-renewable resource on a human timescale. It provides the basis for human life, and its health affects the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. By Ronald Vargas
Soil degradation: the silent global crisis Soil Atlas 2024 Soil degradation is a major but largely neglected global problem that threatens agricultural productivity, food security, and ecosystem health. Around one-third of soils worldwide are degraded, with over 40 percent located in Africa. By Harun Warui
Desertification: Europe is drying out Soil Atlas 2024 While desertification is a problem most commonly associated with Africa or Asia, it is not limited to these regions. Intensive agriculture and the climate crisis have also led to severe soil degradation and desertification in Europe. And not just in southern Europe: even countries with temperate and humid climates, such as Hungary and Bulgaria, are affected. By Victor Castillo and María José Sanz Sánchez
Climate adaptation: soil and water, a crucial symbiosis Soil Atlas 2024 As the climate crisis intensifies around the world, severe storms and flooding are becoming more frequent. Healthy soils can help buffer the effects of extreme weather. For that reason, soil protection is more important than ever. Yet, it is still neglected. By Larissa Stiem-Bhatia and Inka Dewitz
Corporate power: when culprits benefit Soil Atlas 2024 Overuse of artificial fertiliser is bad for soils and, in the case of nitrogen fertilisers, for the climate as well. Moreover, pesticides deplete the soil of beneficial organisms. Yet these products earn big money for big companies, which influence governments, often blocking policy changes needed to protect people and the environment. By Lena Luig
Nitrogen fertiliser: global dependencies Soil Atlas 2024 Synthetic fertilisers harm the climate, but industrial farming relies heavily on them. Additionally, higher fertiliser prices have pushed up prices for food commodities. African countries, where food crises intersect with debt crises, are hit especially hard. By Lena Bassermann and Gideon Tups
Phosphorus: extractivist agriculture Soil Atlas 2024 Phosphorus is bioessential, meaning that all living organisms require it. Yet, despite its presence in soils, it is a relatively rare element on Earth and is not always found in a form that plants can absorb. The fertiliser industry produces easily soluble phosphorus but depends on a finite, non-substitutable resource: phosphate rock. By Axel Anlauf
Green fertilisers: not a quick fix Soil Atlas 2024 The production of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions upstream. But it does not solve the problems associated with excessive use of synthetic fertilisers, such as diminished soil health, biodiversity loss, on-field greenhouse gas emissions, nitrate pollution, and overdependency on external inputs. By Lisa Tostado
Land grabbing: the race for hectares Soil Atlas 2024 Land has been heralded as a crisis-proof investment around the world. However, these deals often make money for the wealthy few, while pushing local people off their land and into poverty. Countries like Germany, Singapore, and the United States are complicit in such land grabs. By Roman Herre
Land sales: just another commodity? Soil Atlas 2024 The phenomenon of large companies and investors buying up vast tracts of arable land in the Global South has long been seen as a problem. In Germany, too, this kind of land grabbing is on the rise, with small and medium-sized farms pushed out. A reorientation that prioritises the common good is needed. By Jan Brunner , Gesine Langlotz and Anne Neuber
Climate policy: conflicts between demand for land and people's rights Soil Atlas 2024 Soil plays a major role in protecting the environment. It serves as carbon reservoirs, the plots into which trees are planted, and a steward for producing climate-neutral fuels. But land-intensive climate action can give rise to conflicts and erode people’s rights. Even so, there is yet to be a resolution for this mounting global challenge in sight. By David Betge , Frederike Klümper and Dr. Jes Weigelt
Soil carbon credits: blessing or curse? Soil Atlas 2024 The world’s soils store more carbon than its forests, and this storage capacity is increasingly discussed as a contributor to climate protection. Tradable carbon credits were designed to incentivise the build-up or retention of carbon in the soil. However, they may in fact undermine efforts to reduce emissions. By Sophie Scherger and Larissa Stiem-Bhatia
Human rights: rights versus reality Soil Atlas 2024 Equitable access to land and fertile soil is fundamental to realising human rights, such as the right to food. Although numerous United Nations declarations on land rights have been ratified by national governments, deadly land conflicts persist throughout the world. By Dr. Jes Weigelt and Frederike Klümper
Women and land: protecting rights, protecting soils Soil Atlas 2024 Secure land access is essential for long-term soil protection because it enables land users to implement practices that enhance soil health and maintain its productivity over time. However, in many African countries, women’s land rights remain precarious, creating significant barriers to investing in sustainable soil management. By Larissa Stiem-Bhatia , Kader Baba , Serah Kiragu-Wissler and William Onura
European Union: Soil protection? Wanted! Soil Atlas 2024 Protection measures for climate, water, and biodiversity have been enshrined in EU law – in some cases, for decades. But a comprehensive legal framework for soil protection is still lacking. Previous attempts to create one have been torpedoed, while most existing policies are toothless. By André Prescher-Spiridon
Agroecology: policies that keep soil alive Soil Atlas 2024 Agroecology is a response to an industrial model of agriculture that exploits people and damages soils. In Brazil, agroecology is making significant breakthroughs in social and environmental terms. But one thing is already clear: government policy is needed to promote agroecology and confront the agroindustrial model. By Júlia Dolce and Lucas Gattai
True costs: hidden effects Soil Atlas 2024 Land degradation has numerous invisible costs – environmental, health, social, and economic. True Cost Accounting renders these costs visible, offering a clearer picture of the impact of land degradation. By Olivia Riemer , Marlene Ohlau , Jenny Lay-Kumar and Mark Schauer
Sustainable soil restoration: reviving India's soils for a better future Soil Atlas 2024 Modern farming techniques were introduced to India during the Green Revolution of the 1960s to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. However, the overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, alongside the cultivation in monocultures, severely damaged soil health. In response, many farmers are moving back to alternative soil management practices. Political support for this transition is growing, but requires more flame to ignite change. By Pratik Ramteke and Ashok Patra
Regreening the desert: land and soil restoration in the Sahara and Sahel Soil Atlas 2024 The Sahara Desert is expanding, thereby threatening millions of people’s lives and livelihoods. While many large-scale initiatives have been launched to combat desertification, most lack secure funding. Bottom-up techniques, implemented by local farmers, show how Indigenous knowledge can drive restoration. By Mawa Karambiri
Soilless agriculture: revolution or illusion? Soil Atlas 2024 Vertical indoor farming enables crops to grow all year round. It requires less space and promises to reduce water, fertiliser, and pesticide use, thus protecting both climate and soil. But this must be part of a larger transformation of food systems. By Lena Luig and Christian Sonntag
3 Questions on the US election results to Sergey Lagodinsky MEP 3 Questions The victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 US elections will undoubtedly have consequences in transatlantic relations, from foreign and security policy to green transition and competitiveness. We asked 3 questions on the consequences of Trump 2.0 for Europe to German Green MEP Sergey Lagodinsky, who is a member of the EP Delegation for relations with the United States. By Joan Lanfranco and Sergey Lagodinsky
The EU and Azerbaijan as energy partners: short-term benefits, uncertain future Analysis Azerbaijan has strengthened its energy ties with the EU since 2022, ramping up gas deliveries and articulating ambitions to export renewable energy and green hydrogen to Europe in the future. However, the EU’s shrinking gas demand and Azerbaijan’s lack of a genuine decarbonization strategy cast uncertainty on the long-term prospects of this partnership. By Yana Zabanova
Europe’s energy transition needs deeper integration. The North Sea is where it could start Commentary Cross-continental energy networks are the backbone of Europe’s energy transition. With the accelerated roll-out of solar panels and wind turbines, policymakers and grid operators now feel the back pain from limited energy infrastructure capacities. How can the EU rehab our existing electricity grids and gas pipelines? Two new publications from the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union provide guidance. By Jörg Mühlenhoff
How Saudi Arabia’s Neom Giga project became a global showroom of false climate solutions Analysis Alongside other European powers, the UK is helping to supercharge Saudi Arabia’s attempt to hijack the global sustainability agenda. By Lyse Mauvais
Böll EU Newsletter 8/2024 - US elections special edition Newsletter As we approach the US presidential election, it's clear that its implications will extend far beyond American borders, resonating profoundly within Europe. This election represents a critical juncture for Europe’s political and economic landscape, especially concerning the future of Ukraine and the broader European security order. By Roderick Kefferpütz
Net zero and energy bills: more payback, less push back Commentary To win hearts and minds, and to prevent green backlash, net-zero policies must translate into lower bills and better services for ‘ordinary’ households. An inclusive demand flexibility strategy is vital to this. By Sophie Yule-Bennett and Euan Graham
Reindustrialisation, battery factories and Hungary's workforce gamble Background Hungary's ambitious plan to reindustrialise hinges on bringing in hundreds of thousands of migrant workers. However, this strategy faces a significant hurdle: a society already grappling with deep-seated distrust, both among its citizens and towards the influx of foreign labour. By Péter Vigh
Hidden hazards: Disinformation and waste in Hungary's battery boom Background Explore the untold environmental and health risks of Hungary's rapidly growing battery industry. Our 2024 Climate Disinformation Fellow Péter Vigh uncovers government data that reveals the widespread presence of hazardous waste, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of an industry vital to the green transition. With battery production set to shape Hungary’s future, why are the dangers being kept in the dark? By Péter Vigh
Mining lithium, undermining a democratic future: EU deal takes Serbia further from Europe Analysis The lithium deal brings a new quality to Serbia’s foreign policy zigzagging. At one stroke, Serbia became a strategic partner and the guarantor for the future of the European Green Deal. By Dr. Vedran Dzihic
Energy leadership quest takes Saudi Arabia from big oil to big hydrogen Analysis Saudi Arabia's climate policy is ever more oriented towards green mega projects and high-profile investments in hydrogen, but is it a mere rebranding of existing energy policies? Read the piece by our 2024 Climate Disinformation Fellow Lyse Mauvais. By Lyse Mauvais
The last stretch: reaping the benefits of the sustainable finance framework Analysis The EU has already taken important actions for private finance to support the transition to a greener economy, and it cannot waste this one chance to finish the work. The sustainable finance legislative framework could help boost the European economy going forward – it is the last stretch before reaping the benefits of the efforts made so far. By Vincent Vandeloise
The three building blocks for Europe's mobility transition in the next years Analysis Carbon emissions from transport will still account for 44% of Europe’s total in 2030. The sector's decarbonisation comes with broad challenges, including industrial transformation to scale new technologies, secure local green jobs, and ramp up new supply chains. Transport & Environment's Julia Poliscanova looks at the building blocks of a successful mobility transition for the next European Commission. By Julia Poliscanova
The future of the EU trade and sustainability agenda in turbulent times Analysis The outgoing European Commission has upscaled the use of unilateral trade instruments to achieve security, competitiveness and sustainability objectives. In times of environmental crises and rising geopolitical tensions, the incoming European Commission should implement the ambition to embed European trade within planetary boundaries and revive international cooperation around environmental trade goals. By Simon Happersberger and Eleanor Mateo
Böll EU Newsletter 7/2024 - Competitiveness or Green Deal? I'll have both! Newsletter We are in the midst of a fundamental global political and economic re-ordering. Revisionist states are challenging the geopolitical order and questioning the territorial status quo in Europe and Asia. Economic competition on the world market is fierce, as evidenced by the struggles of traditional European industrial powerhouses such as Volkswagen and ThyssenKrupp. Cracks in the foundations of European prosperity are emerging. The days when Europe could outsource its security to the Americans, benefit from cheap Russian energy, and easily sell its goods to the world are ending. Europe needs to rethink its foundations. This means investing in decarbonisation, digitalisation, and defence. But this cannot be done on the cheap. By Roderick Kefferpütz
3 Questions on the Draghi report on European competitiveness to Sander Tordoir 3 Questions European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tasked Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank and former Italian Prime Minister, to write a comprehensive report on the state of the European economy. In this long-awaited report, the Italian economist provides a substantive analysis on how a changing geopolitical landscape, an energy shock, demographic change, climate change, and international competition put stress on the European economy and the European social model. We asked Sander Tordoir, Chief Economist at the Centre for European Reform, for his first reactions to the report. By Anton Möller and Sander Tordoir
Böll EU Newsletter 6/2024 - Greening the von der Leyen II Commission Newsletter Habemus presidentem: With 401 votes in favour, the European Parliament has reconfirmed Ursula von der Leyen as the president of the European Commission. This vote was not a given. Unable to rely on the support of the super grand coalition of conservatives, social democrats, and liberals alone, von der Leyen went out of her way to secure Green votes in particular. By Roderick Kefferpütz
How Scotland can get its energy for renewables back Commentary Scotland has been a pioneer in renewables, says Kirsten Jenkins. But the easy wins are over and the task of decarbonising Scotland’s economy is becoming steadily more difficult, as the row over net zero targets showed. Nonetheless, the potential to build on its record is clear and the obstacles are not insurmountable. By Kirsten Jenkins
European elections 2024: A wake-up call Analysis After the European elections, the democratic and pro-European forces in the European Parliament (EP) have been weakened. They must make cooperation much more binding in order to ensure reliable majorities for an effective EU. By Jan Philipp Albrecht , Eva van de Rakt , Roderick Kefferpütz and Marc Berthold
Greens in the EU election: down in the West, up in the East, South and North Analysis 2019 was an extraordinary election year for the European Green Party, and it was clear from the beginning of the 2024 campaign that it would be tough to match it again this year. While the Greens lost seats overall, most of the losses were concentrated in Germany and Western Europe, while the bloc was able to pick up new seats in the South and East. By Tobias Gerhard Schminke
European Parliament elections: climate policies will suffer Analysis With the European Parliament tilting towards the right after the EP 2024 elections, there is a significant risk that the EU may shift towards a stance less favourable to assertive climate action. By Paul Hockenos
Böll EU Newsletter 5/2024 - What comes after the election? Newsletter Today, citizens will start heading to the polls to vote for the next European Parliament. The outcome will in part determine the political correlation of forces in Europe over the next five years. If current projections hold true, we will not only witness a rightward shift within the EP but also more fragmentation. Instead of seven political groups, key officials in the parliament administration expect there to be nine. These tendencies will affect political majorities. By Roderick Kefferpütz
3 Questions on fair participation in Europe’s energy transition to Claire Roumet 3 Questions When the EU accelerates its shift to a clean and efficient energy system, how can citizens benefit better from this transition? Local authorities play a key role in facilitating citizens’ access to renewables and energy savings measures. Jörg Mühlenhoff asked three questions to Claire Roumet who is part of the Overall Coordination Team of Energy Cities, the network of several hundred European municipalities gathering frontrunners and energy transition beginners, city officials and technical experts. By Jörg Mühlenhoff and Claire Roumet
Strengthening citizens’ participation in the EU’s energy transition – a toolbox Analysis Europe’s switch to renewable energy supply and efficient energy consumption is gaining momentum, not only as a result of the European Green Deal but also in reaction to the fossil fuel price crisis. EU legislation already creates some opportunities for citizens to access affordable renewable energy more directly, as well as to facilitate energy savings through, for example, building renovation. By Taube Van Melkebeke and Jörg Mühlenhoff
How to stabilise the cost of living by sharing energy and food Analysis It is high time for an out-of-silos approach to boost the added value from solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop installations. This analysis suggests a new solidarity model allowing citizens, local retailers and farmers to tap into the benefits of solar electricity. By Guillaume Joly
Flood of disinformation – Southern Brazil climate emergency aggravated by disinformation Analysis In May 2024, Brazilians stood by in astonishment as they witnessed yet another example of a climate emergency: the damage caused by the rains in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state, bordering Uruguay and Argentina. The tragedy has also fostered another phenomenon of our times that is very devastating: disinformation. By Manoela Vianna
Freedom, security and prosperity don‘t come for free President's column Infrastructure deficiencies are paralysing Germany. But as a result of the Schuldenbremse (debt brake), urgently needed investments – including to boost climate protection – are to be postponed. This is both risky and economically short-sighted. By Jan Philipp Albrecht
The blind spots of a common EU industrial policy Analysis Europe can die. This was the warning issued by Macron in his second Sorbonne speech. However, it is not only Europe that can die, but also its industry. So far, Europe is falling behind in the race for future markets such as green and digital technologies and biotechnology, and is instead becoming strategically dependent. The European Union must use the next legislature to build an industrial policy worth its name, even if this means a historic turn. By Jonathan Barth
Böll EU Newsletter 4/2024 - Show me the money: Europe's financing challenge Newsletter From Russia’s war in Ukraine to the green and digital transformation, we’re not short on challenges nowadays. What we are lacking is the vast sums of money needed to deal with them. The EU requires an estimated 500 billion euros a year for the green transition, while NATO’s European members need to find another 56 billion euros annually to meet the alliance’s 2% defence spending target. By Roderick Kefferpütz
Climate change in Italian politics: polarisation, demonisation and repression Analysis If smart politics and scientific evidence went hand-in-hand, decarbonisation would be understood as a political issue that transcends party lines. Yet in the run-up to the EU elections, a political division over this issue seems to be emerging, both at an EU level and within the member states. By ECCO
Europe before the elections: Questions and consequences for the economy Interview Five years after the European Green Deal was launched, Europe's economic strength and security are at stake. What lies ahead for the German and European economy? A conversation with Sandra Parthie and Roderick Kefferpütz. By Phillip Käding , Sandra Parthie and Roderick Kefferpütz
Trade unions, collective bargaining and the green transition in the next EU legislative period Commentary The climate emergency is the number one policy priority, requiring a fundamental overhaul of our economic system. During the Val Duchesse Social Partner meeting, the European Commission announced the creation of a Social Dialogue envoy. However, the roles of social dialogue and collective bargaining remain underappreciated, and the European Institutions need to focus on strengthening the role of trade unions in shaping the just transition throughout the next legislature. By Béla Galgóczi
How the next European Commission could secure clean and affordable energy for all Analysis At the end of the current legislative term, the disagreement within the bloc of 27 EU Member States on many climate and energy issues can hardly be hidden. However, new momentum is urgently needed to cut EU emissions, keep industries competitive and protect prosperity. With our 100% Renewable Energy Action Plan for the next European Commission, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and Environmental Action Germany (Deutsche Umwelthilfe, DUH) put forth priority actions for the following legislative term. By Jörg Mühlenhoff
100% renewables: the way forward to fix Europe’s energy and climate issues Analysis When confronted with energy price explosions and the climate crisis, the EU cannot waste time and money on castles in the air. Instead of betting on unproven solutions far from market introduction, such as small modular reactors and the broad deployment of all kinds of carbon removal technologies, the EU should build on what works right now. Renewable energy sources have proven to be by far the most relevant and reliable solution. In our new 100% Renewable Action Plan for the next European Commission, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and Environmental Action Germany (Deutsche Umwelthilfe) describe what needs to happen after the 2024 European elections to harvest the benefits of renewables. By Jörg Mühlenhoff
Sustaining tomorrow: the imperative for the EU to uphold its 2030 goals for a sustainable food system Analysis The EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy was designed to ‘accelerate the transition to a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system’. It sets a range of targets to be met by 2030, underpinned by a mixture of new or revised laws, and non-legislative initiatives. As the current European Commission nears the end of its mandate, this article proposes how the next European Commission, from 2024–2029, should carry forward the goals of the Farm to Fork Strategy, and actions to meet its targets, especially as the EU is currently stalling many of its aspects in light of recent farmer protests. By Harriet Bradley
From climate action to feminist justice Report This article discusses the potential of a feminist approach to climate justice and feminist foreign and development policy. The authors, Gina Cortés Valderrama and Katy Wiese, argue that feminist perspectives are essential in addressing economic rights, energy transition, and climate-related damages and losses. By Miriam Mona Mukalazi
Böll EU Newsletter 2/2024 - New EP elections dossier! Newsletter In fewer than 100 days, Europe’s citizens will go to the polls to elect their representatives to the European Parliament. The outgoing parliament faced historic challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to Russia’s war in Ukraine. It rose to the occasion, advancing key legislative proposals and promoting the European Green Deal as a flagship project. By Roderick Kefferpütz
"We all must fight for our democracy" Interview The Europe that will go to the polls in June 2024 is very different from that of 2019. Pandemic recovery, the climate and energy crisis, war in the continent, and the rise of the far right are all driving the narratives of the electoral campaign, but also mobilising progressive forces. Roderick Kefferpütz interviews MEP Terry Reintke, Co-President of the Greens/EFA Group and Spitzenkandidatin for the European Greens, on Green solutions for Europe in uncertain and volatile times. By Roderick Kefferpütz and Terry Reintke
Böll EU Newsletter 1/2024 - Defending Europe in uncertain times Newsletter The fabric of the European security order is fraying. Putin’s imperialist revisionism threatens Europe. Trump is undermining US security guarantees for Europe. And Orbán’s vetoes are impeding European action. This is nothing new; the writing has been on the wall for a long time. What has changed is the urgency. Putin’s revisionism, Trump’s erraticism, and Orbán’s obstructionism are coming to a head. It’s crunch time. By Roderick Kefferpütz
A vision for delivering the European Green Deal in the new EU policy cycle Analysis With the European elections just around the corner and the subsequent appointment of a new European Commission, the next phase of the European transition to climate neutrality is about to begin. This article touches upon some key topics and challenges that lie ahead in the near future to ensure an effective implementation of the European Green Deal (EGD). By Mattia Bonfanti and Irene Chiocchetti
Southeast Europe: Plundering the Western Balkans Analysis Corrupt politicians have been systematically plundering public budgets and natural resources in the Western Balkans for years. Increasingly, international actors are also discovering an El Dorado for dubious investments in these countries. By Marion Kraske
The bebt brake must not become a brake on the future President's column With the floods in northern Germany, the relaxation of the country’s debt brake is back on the agenda. But instead of always returning to the same debates, what is finally needed is sustainable reform. A new study shows what this could look like and sets out the options for financing climate protection over the short term. By Jan Philipp Albrecht
Smart, fair and flexible: lessons from the smart meter rollouts in Great Britain Analysis Smart energy technologies can enable citizens to benefit from cheap renewable energy. They potentially optimise the use of our energy infrastructure, promising lower societal costs. However, one-size-fits-all solutions will not work when it comes to their daily use – with potentially significant risks to vulnerable households already struggling with fuel poverty. An inclusive smart energy transition should target the consumers most in need with more nuanced policies. By Nickhil Sharma
Our best wishes for 2024 Greetings 2023 was a particularly challenging year. With the highest number of conflicts since 1945, we saw a world at war. It was the hottest year in recorded history, with “climate records tumbling like dominoes”. Challenges don’t disappear with a new year; we know that 2024 will be demanding. This year’s super election cycle is also testimony to the resilience of democracy and offers an opportunity for like-minded states to come together to solve shared challenges. By Roderick Kefferpütz
Forests vs palm oil Report Deforestation — the widespread clearing of forests for various purposes — has become a critical global issue with profound environmental, social, and economic consequences. Driven by factors like agriculture, logging, and urban expansion, this destructive practice exacerbates climate change, threatens biodiversity, and jeopardizes communities worldwide. In this report, we explore the multifaceted reasons why deforestation requires immediate attention and action. By Michael Anthony and Marcus Pfeil
‘Fire on fire’: how migrants got blamed for Greece’s devastating blazes Climate Disinformation Media Fellowship 2023 In August, wildfires in Evros killed a group of people, including children, passing along a well-trodden migration route. Locals and politicians made the victims scapegoats for the disaster. First piece of our 2023 Climate Disinformation Fellowship by Giorgos Christides and Katy Fallon. Photos by Alexandros Avramidis. By Giorgos Christides and Katy Fallon
Laundering captured carbon: how CCS produces more oil Analysis Though many authors write that captured CO2 can and is being safely buried deep underground in geologic formations or depleted oil and gas reservoirs, most articles fail to mention that the overwhelmingly single biggest use of all captured CO2 is to directly produce more oil. By L. Michael Buchsbaum
State of the Union address: Ursula von der Leyen’s bid for a second term in office Analysis In her address, European Commission President von der Leyen missed the opportunity to develop bold proposals for the future. This contribution analyses her informal bid for a second term in office by looking at her thematic focuses. By Roderick Kefferpütz , Lisa Sandtner , Anton Möller , Zora Siebert , Melanie Bernhofer and Hannah Goerlich
Peatland protection pays off - Massive conservation and restoration is needed Press release With more than two billion tonnes of CO2, the draining of peatlands is responsible for about 4% of all human-made emissions globally. This is outlined in the Peatland Atlas 2023 - Facts and figures on wet climate guardians, published today by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, the Michael Succow Stiftung (partners in the Greifswald Mire Centre) and BUND (Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland/Friends of the Earth Germany), with support of the Global Peatlands Initiative. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung , Succow Stiftung , BUND für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland and Global Peatlands Initiative
Of mires and myths: not just a crime scene Peatland Atlas 2023 For thousands of years, peatlands have served as the backdrop for horror stories. In gruesome legends and lore, they swallow people and even whole towns, are the home of ghosts, the devil, and many other supernatural spectacles. By Elmar Tannert
Transformation: a feasible opportunity - without alternative Peatland Atlas 2023 Rewetting drained peatlands will be a major challenge for societies all over the globe. Achieving success will take innovativeness, political initiative and a paradigm shift in the global economy. By Dr. Uta Berghöfer , Sabrina Hüpperling and Jan Peters
Africa: guardians of biodiversity and climate stability Peatland Atlas 2023 Some of the world’s most important and most recently recognized peatlands can be found on the African continent. They are home to unique and rare flora and fauna – and threatened by the oil companies’ greed for money. By Irene Wabiwa Betoko , Samer Elshehawi and Inka Dewitz
Southeast Asia: progress for peatlands Peatland Atlas 2023 By Faizal Parish , Serena Lew and Linda Archibald
Latin America and the Caribbean: you cannot protect what you do not know Peatland Atlas 2023 From lowland swamps dominated by tall palms to the treeless cushion bogs of the high Andes, Latin America and the Caribbean are home to a huge range of peatlands. But relatively little is known about them – making conservation difficult. By Mónica Maldonado-Fonken and Cristina Malpica-Piñeros
Europe: small continent, ancient landscapes Peatland Atlas 2023 Few peatlands in Europe are located within protected areas, and even there, they are not always protected adequately. National agricultural policies provide little or no support for the development of sustainable peatland-management practices. By Dr. Franziska Tanneberger and Asbjørn Moen
North America: ice age legacy Peatland Atlas 2023 One-third of the world’s peatlands are in North America. Those landscapes close to urban areas have suffered severe degradation, and urgent repair work is needed to restore them. In the north of the continent, peatlands are increasingly threatened by the oil and mining industries. By Maria Strack , Marissa Davies and Curt Richardson
Paludiculture: more from the marsh Peatland Atlas 2023 Reeds are used to make thatch for roofs, and grass fibres are used to make furniture: paludiculture combines peatland conservation with agriculture. Strong political support is needed to give this sustainable way of using rewetted peatlands a chance of success. By Anke Nordt and Susanne Abel
Energy: scorched earth Peatland Atlas 2023 People have been using peat for heat since the Bronze Age. They still do so today in countries like Finland, Belarus and Rwanda. This is not sustainable – but there are new, climate-friendly ideas for how peatlands can help generate heat and power. By Monika Hohlbein
European Union: defending diversity Peatland Atlas 2023 Europe is rich in peat landscapes, which differ widely according to the region and climate. But one thing that the European Union’s programmes to protect peatlands have in common is that they are not very effective. By André Prescher-Spiridon and Christian Rehmer
Supply chains: the consequences of consumption Peatland Atlas 2023 The consumption and production of commodities such as timber are major drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. They also cause peatland degradation on a grand scale. By Lea Appulo and Thomas Westhoff
Rewetting: fill it up to the top Peatland Atlas 2023 Drainage pipes and ditches are still being used to drain peatlands. Rewetting is urgently needed to protect both the climate and biodiversity. But how does this work – and what do we have to consider? By Jutta Walter and Mathias Büttner
Forestry: peat, wind & fire Peatland Atlas 2023 Three percent of the world’s peatlands have been destroyed for forestry purposes, releasing large quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Drained peat soils are the scene of devastating fires that are used to clear land. By Harri Vasander
Livestock: the cows that eat peat Peatland Atlas 2023 Our consumption of livestock products has an effect on the climate – through the emission of greenhouse gases and the conversion of natural landscapes into agricultural land. Even more greenhouse gases escape into the atmosphere when peatlands are drained to allow livestock-keeping or to grow fodder crops. By Dr. Sabine Wichmann
Peat: peatlands' raw materials Peatland Atlas 2023 Peat consists of dead organic matter accumulated over thousands of years. Since centuries, peat soils have been exploited to obtain fuel or raw material for growing media. Peat extraction and use is harmful to the environment. Sustainable alternatives will only prevail if politicians act. By Greta Gaudig and Olivier Hirschler
Environmental history: fallacies of improvement Peatland Atlas 2023 Humans have drained peatlands for centuries to provide land for farming and settlement. History may help us recognize the fallacies of supposed improvement, remember the presence of destroyed and often invisible peatlands in our landscapes, and advocate for the protection and restoration of peatlands. By Dr. Katja Bruisch
Biodiversity: safe havens for ecosystem in danger Peatland Atlas 2023 Peatlands all over the world sustain a rich range of habitats and species, including a wide range of threatened and endemic ones. Policymakers are called upon to protect these unique landscapes. By Tatiana Minayeva
Climate crisis: drained peatland results in heated planet Peatland Atlas 2023 Because they take up greenhouse gases, peatlands cool the climate – but only as long as they are intact. But these peat-covered areas have been – and still are being – drained for agriculture, forestry, peat extraction and human settlement, exacerbating global warming. By Hans Joosten
Sustainability goals: live-giving moisture Peatland Atlas 2023 Peatlands and other types of wetlands foster biodiversity and protect humans and nature from drought and flooding. But they are some of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. Current efforts to conserve them have so far proven inadequate. By Inka Dewitz and Dianna Kopansky
Peatlands around the world: under threat almost everywhere Peatland Atlas 2023 Peatlands exist in the mountains, in lowlands, along rivers and at the coast. Their vegetation and condition vary from one climate zone to another, but all types of peatland have one thing in common: their continued existence is in danger. By Dr. Alexandra Barthelmes
Peatland destruction: help needed Peatland Atlas 2023 Huge areas of peatland around the world have already been destroyed. In the tropics, peat swamp forests are being cut down and the land drained. Fires and climate crisis also pose threats. Attempts to protect the peatlands have so far had little success. By Heike Holdinghausen
12 brief lessons about peatlands Peatland Atlas 2023 Peatlands form in places where the ground is constantly wet. They are rich in species and can store carbon to help protect the climate.
What are mires and peatlands? A very special ecosystem Peatland Atlas 2023 Mires are intact peatlands and home to rare plants, rare animals – and enormous amounts of carbon. But draining them for economic reasons puts them and their resident organisms at massive risk. It poses a massive threat to the climate too. By Greta Gaudig and Dr. Franziska Tanneberger
Peatland Atlas 2023: Foreword Peatland Atlas 2023 Peatlands are a mixture of elements: they are both water and land at the same time. They form where the soil is wet all year round. Waterlogging prevents dead plant material from decomposing, creating their characteristic organic soils over thousands of years. And peatlands can be found all over the world, from the Arctic to Europe and the tropics, all the way to Tierra del Fuego at the tip of South America. They are impressive ecosystems, rich in rare animal and plant species. Their peat soils store enormous amounts of carbon, so they play a decisive role in climate protection – as long as they stay wet. By Dr. Imme Scholz , Antje von Broock , Jan Peters and Dianna Kopansky
We still can safeguard our freedoms Commentary The catastrophic flooding in Italy shows how the climate crisis is already threatening our lives and quality of living here in Europe. We know what we need to do to slow it down. But the longer we wait, the greater the restrictions on our freedom will be in the future. By Jan Philipp Albrecht
Roderick Kefferpütz, new Director of Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union Press release Roderick Kefferpütz is the new Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union office in Brussels as of 15 May 2023. He takes over from Eva van de Rakt, who has been Head of the European Union and North America Division at the headquarters of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in Berlin since May 2023. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and Roderick Kefferpütz
“Social justice must be strengthened in European legislation” Interview In her interview with Dr. Christine Pütz, Terry Reintke, Co-President of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, offers her opinion on the study “Actually European?! Citizen Expectations towards German EU Policy in the Context of Crisis and Transformation” and makes the case for Germany’s commitment to show its dependability and solidarity. By Dr. Christine Pütz and Terry Reintke
Why the European response to the IRA must be more Europe Commentary The EU’s half-baked response to the U.S. investment offensive is putting its competitiveness and our future prosperity at risk. Now is the time for deeper European integration and major adjustments to EU treaty law. By Jan Philipp Albrecht
Decarbonisation during and after the war: Where Ukraine is headed Interview Ukraine needs decarbonisation — the state's goal in combatting climate change and fulfilling its respective international commitments. Meanwhile, Russia's war against Ukraine continues, with infrastructure and housing being increasingly ruined, territories being mine-studded, and natural habitats being destroyed daily. That infrastructure would need rebuilding, which means increased emissions from construction sites and the operation of new enterprises. Alyona Vyshnytska interviews Oksana Aliieva, former coordinator of the Climate Change and Energy Policy Programme at the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's Kyiv office, and Anna Ackerman, board member of Ecoaction NGO and policy analyst at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). By Alyona Vyshnytska
Why renewable energy is a guarantee of security for Ukraine during and after the war Interview As of the end of December 2022, Russia's massive attacks in Ukraine had damaged or destroyed about 50% of the power system, including substations and high-voltage power lines. Every day, Russia continues to shell Ukrainian infrastructure, causing new damage. At the same time, Ukraine is already formulating a post-war recovery plan, including in the area of secure renewable energy. How to plan for recovery in the acute stage of war and will Ukraine be able to switch to 100% renewable energy sources after the end of hostilities? What can Ukraine and the European Union do to help? Read about this in an interview with Natalia Lytvyn, project coordinator of the NGO Ecoclub and the Energy Transition Coalition, and Kostiantyn Krynytskyi, head of the energy department at EcoAction. By Alyona Vyshnytska
Developing a green vision of the Single Market Foreword Throughout the last three decades, the Single Market project has been discussed controversially: for some, it is the idea of a united Europe working together, whereas for others it is an elite-driven process that leaves many behind. However, for the green movement it was part of the promise to ensure the economic and social inclusion of Europeans, and a critical building block to an ever-closer European Union. Discussing the future of the Single Market therefore also means discussing the future of European integration as a whole. By Eva van de Rakt and Anton Möller
It is time to update our Green vision on a circular market that delivers for citizens Essay Within the framework of the EU Green Deal, the Single Market is slowly turning into a tool to fight the climate crisis. In recent years, more and more legislation with regard to a circular economy has become law, enabling the green transition. But we have to do more. We have to fundamentally rethink our narrative of the Single Market, its role in the world and its way of delivering for the people. By Anna Cavazzini
A Single Market 2.0 for the future: more social, more environmental and with a place for open strategic autonomy Essay The long cycle that began with the creation of the internal market, whose first phase brought opportunities for the social dimension but which ultimately led to global integration, resulting in a long period of anti-social policies, has come to an end. We are now entering into a new period, in which the rules of the internal market are changing in response to the need for environmental sustainability and strategic autonomy. The question now is what place the social dimension will occupy in this new architecture. By Philippe Pochet
Let's undo the damage caused by the Single Market Essay There is little reason to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Single Market. We urgently need industrial policies that are truly European. This is essential, particularly in the fields of digital technology and ecological transition, which raises questions of means, in particular. We also need to change the competition policy to encourage consolidation of European companies, instead of fighting it. By William Desmonts
A consumer perspective for the Single Market 2.0 Essay The Single Market has been a pillar of the EU since its conception. However, the focus so far has been on how to make it easier for companies to operate across the EU and the European Economic Area. Much more attention needs to be paid to the social and environmental dimensions of the Single Market, and this certainly includes consumers, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of its policies. By Agustín Reyna
Thirty years of the Single Market: corporate complaints and deregulation pressure endanger the ecological transition Essay While it makes sense to celebrate 30 years of a border-free EU market for goods and services, there is also an urgent need for a critical assessment. This should start with discussing the limits of the Single Market, namely which areas of our societies should be covered by Single Market rules and which should not. By Olivier Hoedeman
Towards a Single Market that works for the environment through ambitious product policy and standards Essay The EU Single Market needs profound reform. We must place reuse, refill and repair at its heart, and enable a digital transition that is green and just for everyone. One concrete step leading the transformation should be ambitious EU ecodesign requirements for products and services, supported by inclusive harmonised European standards, and properly enforced by national authorities. By Rita Tedesco and Ioana Popescu
The Single Market as a global beacon: a view from the past – and across the Channel Essay When we look across the world, we see that social and environmental standards are far higher in the EU than in any other national or regional economy. It didn’t have to go that way, but our political power, skill and determination has turned the Single Market into a force for good. We should celebrate that achievement before moving on to consider the next 30 years. By Molly Scott Cato
Pandemic, war and climate: transport in times of crises Analysis This analysis seeks to unravel the intricate web of factors influencing mobility in the wake of three transformative events - Covid-19, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and the climate crisis. These events have had a profound impact on the way we move, and it is essential to understand the evolving patterns of travel, the resilience of transportation systems, the role of technology, and the policy responses that have emerged to address these challenges. By Philipp Cerny
Africans ready to take the bull by the horn to COP27 Commentary Africa will host international climate talks on 6-18 November 2022 and the African Union has been busy trying to get the rest of the world’s attention on the continent's expectations in the lead up to COP27. Of course, COP27 expectations are matched only by their disappointments. However, Africans are not leaving the fate of its people to chance. By Michael Davies-Venn
Europe must slash pesticide use to protect people’s and planet’s health Press release New ‘Pesticide Atlas’ by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Friends of the Earth Europe and PAN Europe reveals toxic global impact of hazardous chemicals used in agriculture. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung , Friends of the Earth Europe and Pesticide Action Network Europe
Pesticide-free regions: good examples Pesticide Atlas 2022 All over the world, projects are proving that an ecological future is possible: More and more cities, states, and regions are trying to slash pesticide use; or even ban chemical agents completely from their fields and land. By Ulrike Bickel
EU policies: objectives are not enough Pesticide Atlas 2022 Even though the EU’s pesticide legislation is the most sophisticated, it has failed to achieve a reduction in use. The EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy seeks to change that. Many questions remain. By Clara Bourgin and André Prescher-Spiridon
Digital transformation: who really benefits from digitalization Pesticide Atlas 2022 Agricultural robotics, drones, and algorithm-driven technologies for a new way of farming are becoming big business. They are supposed to help farms cut pesticide use, but there are serious doubts whether this will work. By Heike Holdinghausen
Brazil: more cultivation, more pesticides, more exports Pesticide Atlas 2022 As one of the world’s largest importers of agrochemicals and exporters of agriculture goods, Brazil sets record for pesticide consumption. A significant part of the pesticides used there is produced in the European Union – and highly hazardous. By Larissa Mies Bombardi
Youth survey: change wanted Pesticide Atlas 2022 Young people in Germany are worried about pesticide use in agriculture and call on politicians to take action. They demand more emphasis on ecological management of fields and plead for stronger support for farmers. By Dr. Anke Zühlsdorf , Dr. Dominic Lemken and Prof. Dr. Achim Spiller
Gender: at the forefront of the exposure Pesticide Atlas 2022 Women working in agriculture often have lower levels of income and lack decision-making power. There is urgent need for gender equality to achieve food security and protection from pesticide exposure. By Ilang-Ilang Quijano
Glyphosate: a manufactured controversy Pesticide Atlas 2022 Bayer and other companies are fighting for the re-approval of glyphosate in the EU. To do so, they must prove that their pesticide active substance is not carcinogenic. But the studies presented are old – and point to the opposite. By Helmut Butscher-Schaden
Imports and exports: banned but sold anyway Pesticide Atlas 2022 Many pesticides are banned in the European Union. It is illegal to use them in EU Member States, yet it is allowed to produce and export them to third countries – where they pose great risks to people and their environment. By Dr. Silke Bollmohr and Susan Haffmans
Smallholder farmers: new markets, less regulation Pesticide Atlas 2022 In Africa, fewer pesticides are used than in other regions of the world. Nevertheless the 33 million smallholders are increasingly becoming the focus of pesticide companies. There they also sell what has been banned in the European Union. By Layla Liebetrau
Genetic engineering: modified crops, more pesticides Pesticide Atlas 2022 Genetically modified crops were supposed to reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture, reduce workloads, and increase crop yields. These promises could not be kept. By Martha Mertens
Hardly hazardous pesticides: a global human rights concern Pesticide Atlas 2022 Substances that are proven to present a particularly high level of acute or chronic risk to health or the environment are commonly referred to as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). Far too rarely are these substances withdrawn from circulation – especially in the Global South they cause great harm. By Dr. Silke Bollmohr and Susan Haffmans
Insect decline: an ecological armaggedon Pesticide Atlas 2022 Insects provide pollination services to flowering plants, control pests and ensure abundant harvests. For a long time their populations have declined dramatically – causing disaster for humans and nature. Pesticides are considered a major reason for the decline. By Dave Goulson
Long-range transport: gone with the wind Pesticide Atlas 2022 Pesticides rarely stay in the place where they have been applied. Wind can move dust, particles, and droplets to residential areas close to agricultural land – or carry it to places many kilometres away. Approval processes are largely ignoring this problem. By Johanna Bär , Johannes Heimrath and Anna Satzger
Water: go with the flow Pesticide Atlas 2022 Studies regularly reveal how pesticides contaminate rivers, lakes, coastal waters and groundwater. The pollutants often originate in agriculture and enter surface water via infiltration, surface runoff and drift. By Dr. Silke Bollmohr
Beneficial insects: nature's little helper Pesticide Atlas 2022 Insects such as ladybugs or predatory wasps act as natural enemies against pests and as effective plant protectors. They are good for the environment and help cutting costs – but their habitats are under threat from pesticide use. By Henrike von der Decken and Moritz Nabel
Biodiversity: extinction in full swing Pesticide Atlas 2022 Experts have been warning for years that biodiversity is at stake. Pesticides have been identified as one of the causes for why the abundance of animals and plant species is deteriorating so quickly and disastrously. By Katrin Wenz
Residues: toxic side dish Pesticide Atlas 2022 Pesticide use leads to residues in food to which many people are exposed – especially in the Global South. But as an import, contaminated food can also end up on European plates. By Dr. Silke Bollmohr and Susan Haffmans
Soils: impact on the invisible ecosystem Pesticide Atlas 2022 Insufficient attention is being paid to pesticides accumulating in the soil, where they exert direct and indirect adverse effects on soil life – sometimes for decades. By Johann Zaller
Health: severe consequences Pesticide Atlas 2022 385 million people fall ill every year from pesticide poisoning. The United Nations intend to improve the worldwide handling of pesticides to prevent harm, but there is little effective legal regulation. By Wolfgang Bödeker
Approval procedures: underestimated risks Pesticide Atlas 2022 Before they are put on the market, pesticides go through an approval process in which their impacts on human health and the environment are tested. But their indirect effects on food chains and biodiversity receive little attention, neither do the effects of pesticide mixtures that are hard to predict. By Carsten Brühl and Johann Zaller
Pesticide use in the EU: noxious status quo for people and planet Pesticide Atlas 2022 The European Union is one of the world’s biggest markets for pesticides. Policies to reduce their use have not been very successful so far. The lack of standardized data makes monitoring and comparing countries difficult. By Lisa Tostado
Corporations: big profits with toxic trade Pesticide Atlas 2022 The global pesticide market is growing – and there are only a few corporations that are dividing it up among themselves. They are increasingly investing in countries in the Global South, where pesticides are less strictly regulated. By Carla Hoinkes
Pesticides and agriculture: dangerous substances Pesticide Atlas 2022 Parts of global crop production are lost to pests and plant pathogens each year. Pesticides have been designed to prevent these yield losses – but they also give rise to new problems. By Lisa Tostado
12 brief lessons about pesticides in agriculture Pesticide Atlas 2022 More and more highly toxic pesticides are being used in agriculture worldwide, although the consequences for our ecosystem are serious. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union , Friends of the Earth Europe , Pesticide Action Network Europe and BUND für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland
Pesticide Atlas 2022: Foreword Pesticide Atlas 2022 The EU is the largest pesticide export market in the world, now investing more and more in countries of the Global South, where EU companies are allowed to export pesticides banned on their own due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment. A longstanding demand of international civil society calls for laws that effectively ban these toxic exports. By Jan Philipp Albrecht , Dr. Imme Scholz , Jagoda Munić , Dr. Martin Dermine and Olaf Bandt
Will dirty nationalism become the new normal? Analysis The situation in the energy sector has led to national strategies that often conflict with the policies of neighbours and allies, and at the same time to a significant move away from clean energy sources. In other words, we have a "dirty nationalism", writes Martin Keim. By Martin Keim
Challenges for cross-border railways in Europe European Mobility Atlas 2021 The technical problems with international rail in Europe are quite well understood. But are there ways to improve the situation while not challenging the fundamental status quo? Ways where, at the border, some basic changes could improve matters for international railway travellers? By Jon Worth
Climate pragmatism or Faustian bargain? What the new US climate law does—and where it fails Analysis The Inflation Reduction Act is seen as an expression of climate pragmatism by some and a Faustian bargain with the fossil fuel industry by others. What exactly is it? By Liane Schalatek
Governing the future of aerospace, the maritime industry and tourism European Mobility Atlas 2021 After the German federal elections in September 2021, the Greens joined a government coalition with the Social Democrats and the Liberals. MdBs Dr. Anna Christmann and Claudia Müller are respectively the new Federal Government Coordinators of German Aerospace Policy, and for the Maritime Industry and for Tourism. Philipp Cerny and Martin Keim conducted a joint interview to find out more about their priorities and thoughts. By Philipp Cerny and Martin Keim
“The keyword must be greater European capacity for action” Interview Anna Lührmann, Minister of State for Europe and Climate at the German Federal government, talks to Christine Pütz about the results of the "Actually European?! 2022" study and what the citizens expect from Germany’s European policy at this “turning point in history”. By Dr. Anna Lührmann and Dr. Christine Pütz
The Czech Presidency of the EU Council: Europe as a task Analysis On 1 July 2022, the Czech Republic took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months. Our office Directors in Brussels and Prague, Eva van de Rakt and Adéla Jurečková, analyse the priorities of and challenges facing the Czech EU Council Presidency. By Eva van de Rakt and Adéla Jurečková
Windfall profits in energy markets: acute symptoms of structural problems Analysis Energy prices in Europe have soared to new highs since the autumn of 2021, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine amplifying the trend and bringing energy supply to the forefront of conversations regarding the mitigation of impacts of the war on Europe. This study, based on data from Germany and Spain, shows that whilst electricity prices rose, so did the profits of energy companies. These developments were exacerbated by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine but are also symptomatic for wider issues within the European electricity market. Windfall profit taxation can help to soften the blow of high energy prices, but we also need longer term restructuring of the market mechanisms, argues Suzana Carp. By Suzana Carp
EU risks prolonging dependence on fossil gas rather than decisively moving towards alternatives Press release A new report by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and Environmental Action Germany (DUH) finds that current EU energy supply policies run the risk of prolonging dependence on fossil gas rather than decisively moving towards alternatives, particularly in the heating sector.
Russian fossil fuels embargo: “Dictatorships fall when there is enough pressure” Interview Climate activists around the world are calling for an embargo on fossil fuels from Russia, because its profits are funding Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Climate policy expert Svitlana Romanko launched an ambitious campaign right after Russia's invasion began on 24 February 2022. By Alyona Vyshnytska
Glimmerland: human rights in the mica supply chain Article A satellite image-based investigation by Vertical52 reveals the extent of child labor in illegal mines in India that produce mica, a critical mineral for the tech industry. The research illustrates the need for stricter rules for companies like the ones the EU proposes in its draft directive on corporate sustainability due diligence. The investigation also shows that comprehensive solutions have to go beyond import bans and corporate liability. By Sabine Muscat and Lisa Tostado
Making mobility accessible to all European Mobility Atlas 2021 Every passenger aims to get from point A to B as quickly, easily and affordably as possible. For persons with reduced mobility, one cannot talk of fair and equal access. European mobility can only be sustainable if public transport is accessible for everybody. Otherwise, users will always revert to the solution of motorised private transport. Consequently, the freedom of mobility is strongly related to the question of accessibility to the different means of transport for everybody. By Stephanie Aeffner and Philipp Cerny
Sanctioning Russian fossil may be costly, but it is feasible Commentary In the midst of a cruel war and an unfolding climate crisis, Europe has to answer a crucial question: how do we cut our energy ties with Russia, while at the same time accelerating our transition towards energy efficiency and a renewable energy system? Commentary by Green MEP Bas Eickhout. By Bas Eickhout
How to break Czechia's dependence on Russian gas Analysis What longer-term, environmentally sustainable measures can the Czech Republic introduce to break its dependence on Russian gas while ensuring that no one is left behind? By Jiří Koželouh and Karel Polanecký
The case for a Social Guarantee: Universal access to life’s essentials Paper The Social Guarantee refocuses progressive politics on human relations, on how we care for each other, and on the importance of investing in the social infrastructure on which the rest of the economy depends. It draws on current thinking about the foundational economy, the care economy, and sustainable economic prosperity It offers a coherent, ethical, and well-evidenced basis from which to address such issues as investment, regulation, and carbon mitigation. By Anna Coote
Why Fostering Socio-economic Convergence in the EU Is Necessary for Successful Climate Change Mitigation Paper This paper has argued that an active industrial policy that is context appropriate, coherent, and adaptable can be utilised to address this challenge. Nevertheless, one must acknowledge that the necessary green transition on the EU level comes with transition costs, challenges, and opportunities that affect distinct people, firms, and countries very differently, and hence bears the threat of rising inequalities, both within and among countries. Central to the success of a green transition is, therefore, the EU’s adequate reaction to this fact. This reaction can then enable and facilitate a green transformation that really leaves no one behind. By Claudius Gräbner-Radkowitsch and Jakob Hafele
Just Who Gets Paid-Off in a “Just” Transition? Some difficult lessons from BlackRock and French populists Paper This paper links two things that are often dealt with separately when discussing what we mean by the word “just” in the notion of a “just transition”. On the one hand, activists and reformers see this as an opportunity to empower marginalised populations and redistribute wealth-generating assets using the state in the form of green industrial policy. On the other hand lies private finance, especially in the form of asset managers, who own huge swathes of global companies. These competing notions of “just” are used as a way to discuss how to have a transition that leverages the investments of the private sector without once again simply giving capital everything it wants at the expense of everyone else. By Daniel Driscoll and Mark Blyth
The Macroeconomics of a Green Transformation: The Role of Green Investment Paper A green transformation of the economy will require a major commitment to green investment to reduce and respond to environmental degradation. The main objective of this paper is to explore the macroeconomic implications of green investment in the transformation to a green economy. By Peter A. Victor
Beyond Carbon Pricing: Six sustainability transition policy principles for net zero Paper Sustainability transition perspectives are receiving increasing attention in policy and practice. This paper discusses how they can be used to address the net-zero energy transition, which is an extraordinary challenge given its complexity and urgency. It highlights six key principles to guide “transitions based” decarbonisation policies: system transformation, effectiveness, sensitivity to context, adapting policies to transition phases, policy evaluation and learning, and politics. By Jochen Markard
Climate Policy from a Keynesian Point of View Paper People may arrive in one or the other of these camps for many reasons. Advocates of the investment-centred approach tend to link climate policy to broader concerns over economic justice. Developments like the Gilets Jaunes protests in France, and more recent responses to rising energy prices in the wake of the war in Ukraine, have raised doubts about the viability of aggressive carbon pricing, making an investment-centred approach more attractive. More subtle, but equally important, are the different underlying economic visions behind the two approaches to climate policy. This paper brings these submerged differences to the surface. By J. W. Mason
The Role of Financial Markets in a Green Transformation Paper What is the role of financial markets in a green transformation? There are two key aspects to this question. First, what should be the balance between private and public funding of the transformation? Second, what are the dangers that our modern financial market structure poses to a successful green transformation? By Carolyn Sissoko
Green Central Banking Paper The green turn in central banking has generated considerable controversy. Some voices have questioned central banks’ growing engagement with climate issues, arguing that unaccountable technocrats do not have the tools or the political legitimacy to intervene in (or possibly highjack) the low-carbon transition. Others question the continued emphasis on voluntary decarbonisation, even among green champions in the central bank community. This paper intervenes in and nuances this “too little vs too much” debate. By Daniela Gabor
Changing Europe’s Fiscal Rules: Unleashing public investment for a socially just Green Deal Paper This paper critically examines whether the European fiscal framework will be sufficient to stabilise the macro economy in the aftermath of the multiple crises, let alone achieve the goals of a green transition that leads to full capacity utilisation of the economy. The reader will come to understand that private finance alone is neither sufficient nor desirable to achieve the goals of a socially just green transition. By Frank van Lerven
Winning the Marathon and the Sprint: Achieving long-term economic policy objectives in an era of short-term responses Paper This article wants to provide food for thought on what a long-term economic policy could look like. In the context of the climate crisis, increasing inequality, the loss of biodiversity and financial instability, the challenge is to craft a strategic approach that can set the course for long-term success. By Jonathan Barth , Jakob Hafele and Adam Tooze
Making the great turnaround work: Preface Preface This publication series aims at contributing to the emergence of a transformative economic thinking, integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions, after the wreckage of neoliberal economic thought that clearly has reached its date of expiry. It is the product of a collaboration of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, the ZOE Institute for future-fit economies, and Finanzwende Recherche. By Jörg Haas
Sustainable Prosperity in an Uncertain Future: A shared agenda between green growth and degrowth Paper This paper attempts to overcome the polarisation between inclusive green growth and degrowth. The authors suggest that the idea of “post-growth” can serve as a unifying concept and define the pillars of a progressive economic policy agenda that can help Germany, the European Union, and the United States achieve their net-zero ambitions while ensuring prosperity and reducing inequality. By Jonathan Barth and Michael Jacobs
The climate crisis and the war in Ukraine's common denominator: fossil fuels dependence Commentary The consequences of the war in Ukraine are palpable even in Bratislava, over a thousand kilometres from the border. Ukrainian is heard more often on the streets, cars with Ukrainian number plates are appearing on the roads, the windows of shops and apartments are festooned with Ukrainian flags, and the city is alive with marches and initiatives in support of Ukraine. The only thing that has remained unaffected is the flow of oil and gas from Russia to Slovakia, and our payments for it. By Dorota Osvaldová
Away from Russian gas: Germany and Europe must swap their dependencies on fossil fuels for green energy partnerships Analysis As Germany moves away from Russian energy imports, new dependencies on fossil energies must be avoided. The potential alternative from energy-saving, renewables and European cooperation offers excellent opportunities in the short, medium and long terms. But this will require new, green energy partnerships built on a new foundation of values. By Sascha Müller-Kraenner and Constantin Zerger
CAP Strategic Plans: Observation Letters under scrutiny Analysis On 31 March 2022, the 19 EU Member States that submitted their CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs) by the 1 January 2022 deadline received their awaited Observation Letters. In this article we discuss the implications of the European Commission backtracking on a transparent process and explore the content of Observation Letters that have been partially released. By Mathieu Willard
Statement on the ban of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in Russia Press release By banning the work of German political foundations, the Russian leadership is purposefully trying to block an essential, independent channel of communication between our societies. We deeply regret this further escalation by the Russian authorities. We will maintain contact with all those who are working courageously, creatively, steadfastly and with conviction for a different, peaceful and democratic Russia. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
The EU must do more to stop funding the Russian war in Ukraine! Interview With the EU’s ongoing purchase of Russian energy resources, the regime that is responsible for the current barbaric war in Ukraine is guaranteed a constant cash flow. Proponents of an embargo want to maximise the economic and financial pressure on Putin and withdraw financing from the Russian war machine. By Robert Sperfeld
Ending Russia's war of aggression with economic and energy policy options Commentary The primary goal must be to stop the war of aggression on Ukraine launched by Russia on 24 February 2022. The sanctions of EU and NATO countries are currently in contrast to the dependence on Russian raw material and energy supplies. Hundreds of millions of euros flow from Germany to Russia every day, counteracting the effect of the sanctions. This should now be an incentive to reassess the costs of more radical fossil fuel exit scenarios in the shortest possible time under crisis conditions. By Walter Kaufmann
Rethinking EU energy policy and energy efficiency: a Greek perspective Analysis The Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022 brought home what most of us knew already but had assigned secondary importance to: renewable energy properly deployed is not only good for the environment and human health, it is also good for people’s pockets and their freedom. By Elias Gianniris and Georgios Kostakos
Energy efficiency is the best choice for Europe’s energy sovereignty! Commentary The inability to adequately sanction the criminal invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Putin painfully demonstrates Europe’s massive dependencies from fossil fuel imports. Phasing out fossil fuels is no longer “just” about fighting the climate crisis, but also a precondition for Europe’s energy sovereignty and price stability. By Jutta Paulus
The end of energy resource imports from Russia? Commentary On February 24, Russia started the war in Ukraine. Nothing will be the same again. Russia's brutal attack made the ongoing conflict around energy resources all the more obvious. This article analyses what options Poland has to break its energy dependence on Russia. By Dr. Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera and Dr. Aleksandra Gawlikowska-Fyk
A Russian oil embargo: objectives and possible impacts Analysis The introduction of an oil embargo could significantly increase economic pressure on Russia. While the effect of an embargo on Russian military capabilities over the coming months would be minimal, it is unclear at present how long the war will last and whether it will spread beyond Ukraine. In the worst case, the West is currently financing a future war against itself. By Dr. Janis Kluge
Green transition in the global framework Analysis The concept of “just transition” has so far arrived in Eastern and Southeastern Europe only as a fragment of nice environmental jargon. There is a lack of protagonists strong enough to create conditions for a more powerful social and political impact. In order to act within ecological limits and remain below a warming of 1.5° Celsius, we must also consume less. Until now, consumption, like growth, has been equated with well-being and prosperity. By Vedran Horvat
Bosnia and Herzegovina: dismantling monopolies in the green transition Analysis Bosnia-Herzegovina wants to phase out fossil fuels by 2050. For the country, which is largely dependent on coal, this is a serious turning point. However, the word "transition", which is often used for this process, is rather hated by the population, because it is not associated with equality and justice, but rather with an enriching political elite. By Majda Ibraković
Wallonia’s CAP Strategic Plan: better late than never? Analysis This article intends to shed some light on the bumpy road that led to Wallonia’s not yet finalised CAP Strategic Plan. Focussing first on understanding the delays, we’ll then expose how an originally inclusive debate has lowered itself to the level of their neighbour’s. Finally, we’ll take a look at the decision taken on coupled payments for livestock, what it implies in terms of economic sustainability and try to understand if this decision can be balanced by eco-schemes intervention. By Mathieu Willard and Matteo Metta
The mobility of families: a key factor in the transition towards emissions-free cities and transport European Mobility Atlas 2021 Small steps are necessary to implement big changes. More specifically, the steps of society’s youngest members. If the way families move shifts towards a more sustainable (and less car-centred) mode, a considerable reduction of emissions of the traffic sector can be achieved. By Hendrikje Lučić
It’s time for climate competition with China Comment Brussels and Beijing are entering a new phase in their climate relations. Gone are the days when the EU and China were only climate partners. Now Brussels would be well-served to compete and spur China on when it comes to climate protection. By Roderick Kefferpütz
How European security is changing Commentary Migration policy, economic and trade policy, health policy, technology policy, and climate policy are increasingly being thought of in terms of “security”. By Alice Billon-Galland , Rita Floyd and Hans Kundnani
False solutions prevail over real ambition at COP26 Analysis COP26 in Glasgow started with a plethora of declarations. But in the end it failed to deliver on the real and immediate action needed to avoid climate catastrophe, and to address the demand for justice and equity for those most impacted by climate harms. By Erika Lennon , Sébastien Duyck and Nikki Reisch
CAP beyond the EU | Precision agriculture: for whom precisely? Analysis The development and diffusion of precision agriculture might speed up since fresh money could become available through eco-schemes under the new CAP Strategic Plans. How does the EU support precision agriculture and what does it mean from a global south perspective? This article looks at the case of Rwanda and suggests technological developers and policy makers to proceed with caution to avoid widening inequality between smallholders and commercial farms, privacy breaches or undesired data dependency on tech giants like Google. By Hans Wetzels
COP26 diary #4: A Global North greenwash festival? - Thoughts on communication around COP26 from a first-time attendee COP26 diary COPs are a time of a plethora of announcements, pledges and initiatives by countries, businesses and financial institutes. It is hard to keep up and even harder to distinguish between newsworthy reason for hope and old wine in new bottles. Lisa Tostado reports on the climate “communication nightmare” of welcoming progress while emphasizing the persistent astronomical gap to what would be Paris Agreement-compatible. By Lisa Tostado
Jutta Paulus on COP26: “For leading by example, we must achieve our European Green Deal goals” Interview Lisa Tostado interviewed Green MEP Jutta Paulus her about her expectations and initial assessment concerning this year’s COP26, as well as the on role of the EU and particularly Germany in international climate negotiations. By Lisa Tostado
COP26 diary #3: The most inclusive COP ever? - Thoughts on representation at COP from a first-time attendee COP26 diary COP26 was supposed to be the “most inclusive COP ever”. Lisa Tostado reports on why the promised cannot be considered fulfilled and where inclusion and representation remain an issue to be addressed urgently. By Lisa Tostado
The tragic consequences of EU funding on the environment in Hungary Commentary To avoid further environmental damages due to the use of EU money, the European Commission should suspend funding to the Hungarian government. By András Lukács
COP26 diary #2: The heartbreak is hard to bear - Thoughts on climate justice at COP from a first-time attendee COP26 diary Inequalities are striking in the climate crisis. Lisa Tostado unpacks them and reports on the action on payment of climate debt at the COP26 in Glasgow. By Lisa Tostado
Geopolitical stakes of COP26 in Glasgow Commentary Global climate policy is the subject of multiple announcements put to the test over the course of these two weeks of COP26. Between the countries that have established carbon neutrality targets for 2050 (the United States and the European Union) and those looking to 2060 or further instead (Russia, China, India), the major challenge lies not in the deadlines, but in the translation of these dramatic promises into concrete actions. By Nidhal Attia
COP26 diary #1: Carefully orchestrated procrastination? Thoughts on the beginning of COP from a first-time attendee COP26 diary Lisa Tostado unpacks some basics in the first report during her attendance at this year’s COP26 in Glasgow. By Lisa Tostado
Discourse matters: the net-zero agenda and Africa’s priorities Commentary Where in the global dialogue is the aspiration for adaptation, equitable climate finance and inclusivity? What practical actions will the global community take to address these cardinal objectives? For African countries - which have contributed least to climate change but remain most vulnerable to its impacts - these objectives are as important as net-zero ambitions. By Lily Odarno
Learning from the UK’s exposure to the global gas crisis Commentary The causes of the current global gas crisis are now well understood. Europe finds itself the convergence zone of two supply challenges, related to a shortfall of pipeline supplies and simultaneously an inability to attract deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Consequently, going into winter storage levels are low, and prices are extremely high. But the UK has been singled out as being more vulnerable than most, why is this so and what lessons can be learnt from the current situation? By Michael Bradshaw
EU non-compliance with the Paris Agreement Analysis The European Union has long sought to play a leadership role in the international climate change negotiations. For the time being, however, it is non-compliant with a procedural obligation under the Paris Agreement: to notify the UNFCCC secretariat of the individual emission levels allocated to each Member State. By Christoph Schwarte
10 things you need to know about hydrogen Listicle The EU and Germany aim to be climate neutral by 2050 and 2045, respectively. The commitment to climate neutrality means that zero-emission alternatives will replace emissions-intensive processes and products. One energy alternative is climate-friendly hydrogen. However, hydrogen is not an all-purpose miracle that solves everything at once. By Stefanie Groll
From the roads to the rails: European freight transport and green logistics European Mobility Atlas 2021 For about two decades, the logistics industry has become more serious about sustainability. Although a validated definition of “green logistics” does not yet exist, the reduction of CO2 emissions can be regarded as an important part of the concept. In freight transport, heavy goods vehicles on roads are by far the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, while rail is the smallest. Nevertheless, the shift from road to rail – a central target of EU transport policies – struggles to get off the ground. By Werner Balsen
Saving biodiversity Background With the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the global community wants to make a new attempt to halt the rapid and dramatic loss of ecosystems, species and genetic diversity, or biodiversity. By Lili Fuhr , Kristin Funke , Dr. Christine Chemnitz , Linda Schneider and Lisa Tostado
Italian CAP plan in progress: too little, too late? Analysis On 11-12 October 2021, EU agriculture ministers are invited to share their views on design and approval of the CAP Strategic Plan, with emphasis on transparency and inclusion. With no sense of irony, this meeting will be held behind closed doors. Meanwhile Italy still limps along with its ‘tavolo del partenariato” (consultation forum). While a wide range of stakeholders are putting proposals on the table, the agri-industrial lobby is “cooking” in the kitchen. By Matteo Metta
Not a moving target: the responsibility to respect human rights in the transport and logistics sector European Mobility Atlas 2021 Transport makes a significant contribution to global employment and provides economic opportunities for millions across the world, acting as a key enabler for trade, manufacturing and mobility. In Europe alone, the transport industry directly employs around 10 million people. However, the human costs of transport – both present and future – cannot be ignored. By Francesca Manta and Alice Pease
Quality schemes – Who benefits? Central America, coffee and the EU Analysis This analysis explores whether and how mutually recognised quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs are creating enhanced trade benefits for third countries’ producer groups in the frame of the Common Market Organisation and Association Agreements of the European Union. A case-study on coffee protected by designations of origin in Central America. By Melina A. Campos
Building blocks for a sustainable and resilient food system: the post-Covid opportunity for the European Union Commentary The build-up to the UN Food systems Summit 2021 has underlined why systems thinking is essential and action is required now, both concerning the ending of hunger and tackling the web of issues that contribute to sustainability. By Nora Hiller , Faustine Bas-Defossez and David Baldock
CO2 performance standards and alternative fuels infrastructure proposals: the right direction, but lacking short-term ambition Analysis The European Commission's Fit-for-55 package proposal to go to 100% zero emission car sales from 2035 shows a serious commitment for reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, and will put European industry in the driving seat to dominate the new global electric vehicle (EV) market. While this move could democratise the purchase of EVs, policy-makers need to take a small extra step to ensure early build up of EVs to drive cost reductions and fully guarantee that chargers are available in the right locations. By Alex Keynes
About soul and sovereignty: our reaction to Ursula von der Leyen’s 2021 State of the Union address Commentary In her 2021 State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appealed to Europe’s soul, which, she said, has been tested to the core in times of multiple crises. The team of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union did its own soul-searching, pointing at the good, the not-so-good and the missing in von der Leyen’s speech. By Eva van de Rakt , Lisa Tostado , Martin Keim , Anna Schwarz , Zora Siebert and Joan Lanfranco
Politicians underestimate methane as a climate killer Analysis While the EU's Fit-for-55 Package includes many important files, the European Commission postponed legislation on methane a particularly potent greenhouse gas to December 2021. This article summarises the issues at stake and argues that without stringent regulation on this gas, the Fit-for-55 Package will fail to reach climate goals. By Lisa Tostado
The proposal for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism fails the ambition and equity tests Analysis The proposal for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is likely the most contentious element of the Fit for 55 package, with significant ramifications not only internally in the EU but beyond its borders. It is a long-discussed idea whose time has finally come as part of European Commission President von der Leyen’s European Green Deal grand bargain. By Tim Gore
The revision of the Energy Taxation Directive could underpin a fair and green tax reform in Europe Analysis Tax systems across the EU are currently neither fair nor green. The burden of taxation has been steadily shifting in recent decades from corporate profits and personal wealth to labour income, especially of lower-income earners, helping to drive growing inequality across the EU. And with men disproportionately represented among the EU’s wealthiest citizens, the system helps underpin gender inequality too. By Tim Gore
Meat Atlas 2021: Introduction Meat Atlas 2021 One of the key demands of Fridays for Future, the youth climate movement, is “Listen to science!” In the age of Covid-19, governments frequently consult scientists and adapt policies to their advice. Scientists have also been stressing for over a decade that a climate- and biodiversity-friendly diet contains less than half the amount of meat consumed in industrialized countries today. By Barbara Unmüßig , Olaf Bandt and Jagoda Munić
12 brief lessons about meat and the world Meat Atlas 2021 Main takeaways from the Meat Atlas 2021. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and Friends of the Earth Europe
Meat consumption: everyday food and luxury good Meat Atlas 2021 The global demand for meat continues to rise due to economic and population growth, but at a slower pace than 10 years ago. Poultry accounts for an increasingly large share of consumption. Large differences remain in consumption per capita between countries and among population groups. By Lisa Tostado
World trade: in lorries and ships Meat Atlas 2021 Trade in meat and live animals is relatively new and growing fast. Disease outbreaks, sanitary restrictions and trade policies can lead to big swings in trade flow. The big four players are China – which dominates import markets – as well as the USA, Brazil and the EU, which provide most exports. By Dr. Christine Chemnitz
Mercosur: trading away the environment Meat Atlas 2021 The Association Agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries raises concerns with regards to meat and feed, as well as the rainforest and the climate. But the EU is worried about cheap imports, and resistance is growing. Whether the deal will actually come into force is questionable. By Bettina Müller and Lia Polotzek
Production: problem foods and their producers Meat Atlas 2021 The world’s meat production has grown rapidly, fed by rising demand and made possible by technological advances in livestock farming. But this has had serious consequences for animal welfare and small-scale producers. By Dr. Christine Chemnitz
Abattoirs: chopping but not changing Meat Atlas 2021 Covid outbreaks in abattoirs and processing plants are just the latest in a long list of problems in the meat industry. Low wages, hard work, and precarious employment are the price that workers pay to supply us with cheap meat. The industry is attempting to dodge its responsibility to provide decent conditions for its staff. By Dr. Peter Birke
Meat waste: a lot less than the whole fog Meat Atlas 2021 The meat industry used to be famous for using “everything about the hog except the squeal”. But a large proportion of the livestock raised for food do not end up as food. Many die, or are killed, before they reach the slaughterhouse, and even more meat is wasted between the factory and the plate. By Dr. Jonas Luckmann
Land conflicts: cutting down forests, carving up pastures Meat Atlas 2021 In South America, natural vegetation is being turned into pastureland and monocultures to support an unsustainable form of livestock production. In Africa and Asia, on the other hand, a sustainable form of livestock raising is losing ground to industrialized agriculture. Traditional local communities are the losers. By Thomas Fatheuer
Companies: dominating the market from farm to display case Meat Atlas 2021 Global meat companies play a major role in determining how meat and feed are produced, transported and traded. Food is big business: the 100 largest food and beverage firms around the world include 10 main meat producers and processors. By Shefali Sharma
Finance: big bucks for big firms Meat Atlas 2021 Big Meat attracts big money. Both private and public investors pour money into meat and dairy corporations, further boosting their market power and fuelling yet more consolidation in an already concentrated industry. The environmental and social damage caused by the industry is largely overlooked. By Mia Watanabe
Feed: soy, forest, and savanna Meat Atlas 2021 More than a third of all crops worldwide end up in the stomachs of livestock. That includes one billion tonnes a year of soybeans and maize alone. The feed and livestock industries want to increase that even further. By Silvie Lang
Climate: a lighter hoofprint Meat Atlas 2021 Livestock’s share of global greenhouse gas emissions is understated. The climate footprint of the animals and the feed they need is significant. There are ways to change that. By Shefali Sharma
Pesticides: banned by Brussels, allowed in the Amazon Meat Atlas 2021 Pesticide applications are on the rise across the globe. Some of the most dangerous substances have been banned in the European Union, but are still being used on a large scale in other parts of the world. Many are intended for the cultivation of soybean and maize, which are destined mainly for use as livestock feed. By Carla Hoinkes
Water: thirsty animals, thirsty crops Meat Atlas 2021 All animal products have a water footprint: the amount of water needed to produce them. It is not just the total amount that is important, but the types of water that are needed. There is enough “green” water. But the volumes of “blue” and “grey” water should be kept low. By Heike Holdinghausen
Fertilizers: too much of a good thing Meat Atlas 2021 Nitrogen pollution from livestock manure is an increasing problem in many parts of the world. Countries in the European Union have lots of ideas on how to reduce such contamination of their environments. One approach is through closer monitoring of industrial livestock producers and restricting the amount of manure slurry that crop farmers are allowed to apply. By Dr. Thorsten Reinsch
Rewetting: give peat a chance Meat Atlas 2021 Across the globe, peatlands are being drained for farming and raising livestock. But dried-out peat emits huge amounts of greenhouse gases. Agricultural policy should initiate the transformation to the climate-friendly use of these areas. By Dr. Sabine Wichmann
Antibiotics: useless medicines Meat Atlas 2021 Antibiotics help to treat many diseases. The big problem: in both humans and animals, pathogens can develop antibiotic resistance – a fatal danger. And in industrial livestock production, these drugs are still not being used carefully enough. By Reinhild Benning
Pandemics: dangerous contacts Meat Atlas 2021 Livestock production and meat consumption stimulate outbreaks of diseases that can be transmitted from wild animals to humans. Such zoonoses can have catastrophic consequences – as Covid-19 has shown. By Inka Dewitz and Dr. Christine Chemnitz
Pastoralism: bounty from a barren land Meat Atlas 2021 Mobile herders move with their herds or flocks in the remotest of pastures. This form of animal production, known as pastoralism, is economically important and climate-friendly, but it is under severe threat. By Ilse Köhler-Rollefson
Pastoralism in India: rangeland, not wasteland Meat Atlas 2021 India is the world’s largest exporter of buffalo, sheep and goat meat. Remarkably, the majority of this output is produced in traditional agropastoral systems. By Ilse Köhler-Rollefson and Kamal Kishore
Active state: the political economy of transforming the meat system Meat Atlas 2021 Representative surveys in various countries have found a surprising amount of public support for reduced consumption of meat. Policymakers must find the right package and sequence of measures to stimulate the transition to a more sustainable future. By Dr. Lukas Paul Fesenfeld
The European Union: common livestock policy Meat Atlas 2021 Intensive livestock production creates environmental and animal welfare problems. Reforms currently being considered to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy do not go nearly far enough to resolve these. But improvements can be made even within the current system. By Prof. Dr. Harald Grethe
Label: three stars for a better life Meat Atlas 2021 Buy meat from a supermarket, and you can probably choose between organic and non-organic. But with the non-organic products, you have no way of telling whether the animal was treated well, or was stuck in a pen with little room to move. Calls are growing for meat labels that show the conditions under which the animals are raised. By Katrin Wenz
EU strategies: a good start, but could try harder Meat Atlas 2021 As part of its Green Deal, the European Commission has proposed a “Farm to Fork Strategy”. This is the EU’s most coherent attempt yet to respond to the fundamental challenges plaguing the food system. But much will depend on converting highgrand-sounding words into actual policies. By Stanka Becheva and Lisa Tostado
Lab meat: cellstock vs livestock Meat Atlas 2021 Lab-grown meat is a disruptive innovation that could help resolve sustainability and health issues related to livestock, as well as reducing the numbers of animals farmed. But the sustainability gains do not yet match expectations. By Francesco Ajena and Philip Howard
Insects as food: snacking on silkworms, lunching on locusts Meat Atlas 2021 Adding insects to our menus could help overcome the world’s food-supply problems. But the industrial production of insects is controversial: would it be useful or dangerous? By Hanni Rützler
Meat substitutes: a new sector emerges Meat Atlas 2021 Vegan and vegetarian alternatives to meat are gaining popularity fast – making them tastier for big firms, too. Competition is likely to flare up around in-vitro meat: start-ups developing lab-grown products are sprouting everywhere. By Stephanie Wunder
Activism: pressure from below Meat Atlas 2021 Civil society is a sometimes underestimated stakeholder in the food system. Supporting sustainable production and criticizing industrialized agriculture, it influences public opinion and habits and demands better policies and international solidarity. And it can hold governments and companies accountable for their actions, while offering solutions. By Stanka Becheva
Survey on youth: changing habits Meat Atlas 2021 Young people in Germany – the “Fridays for Future generation” – eat less meat than their elders. Their attitudes and habits are likely to steer food consumption and policy in the coming decades. Results of a representative survey. By Prof. Dr. Achim Spiller , Dr. Anke Zühlsdorf , Dr. Kristin Jürkenbeck and Dr. Maureen Schulze
Meat Atlas 2021 - Dissemination package Meat Atlas 2021 Dissemination package and social media visuals for the Meat Atlas 2021.
European Green Deal: Integrate gender and intersectional approach into green budgeting and taxation Report chapter Green budgets refer to tools that aim to achieve environmental and climate objectives by analysing the environmental impacts of budgetary and fiscal policy choices. Budgeting can therefore be a tool to mainstream gender equality and environmental objectives at the same time. While taxation can also enhance gender equality and incentivise a green transition, this chapter focuses on the budget side due to the revenue structure of the European Union (EU), in the context of the European Green Deal, the EU Budget 2021-2027 and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. By Lisa Tostado and Katy Wiese
“All aboard!” E-Ferry Ellen and the future of electric shipping Interview Electrifying European transport is a clear-cut way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In Denmark, the pioneering electric car ferry “Ellen” connects the port of Fynshav and the island of Ærø. European Mobility Atlas 2021 Chief Executive Editor Philipp Cerny interviewed Halfdan Abrahamsen from the Municipality of Ærø’s Energy and Environment Office. By Philipp Cerny
The European Green Deal's fitness test – Will the EU’s Fit-for-55 package ensure reaching the climate goal? Analysis On 14 July 2021, the European Commission will present its proposals for implementing the EU Climate Law - the so-called “Fit-for-55” package. This will be the starting signal for one of the most important EU debates of the next years: how can the EU reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and how can it become climate neutral by 2050? By Lisa Tostado and Martin Keim
10 questions about night trains that you always wanted, but never dared, to ask Q&A Night trains are on the rise again. This year, 2021, marks the European Year of Rail and the resurrection of important new night train connections, combined with fresh railway market entrants. Read on to learn more about this promising means of transportation. By Philipp Cerny
CAP Strategic Plans: Germany Taking Steps in the Right Direction? Analysis In March 2021, the German Agriculture Ministers’ Conference and the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture agreed on important cornerstones for the country’s CAP Strategic Plan. While the resolutions have opened the door for a more ambitious CAP in Germany, it remains to be seen whether the federal and state governments will seize this opportunity when they decide on details still to be negotiated. By Prof. Sebastian Lakner
35 years after Chernobyl: “The experience of uncontrollability must be part of our debate” Interview 35 years on from the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, our director Eva van de Rakt was in conversation with the Austrian Federal Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, Leonore Gewessler, and former Member of the European Parliament Rebecca Harms on the role, risks and dangers of nuclear power in Europe. By Eva van de Rakt
The 7 reasons why nuclear energy is not the answer to solve climate change Analysis New nuclear power costs about 5 times more than onshore wind power per kWh. Nuclear takes 5 to 17 years longer between planning and operation and produces on average 23 times the emissions per unit electricity generated. In addition, it creates risk and cost associated with weapons proliferation, meltdown, mining lung cancer, and waste risks. Clean, renewables avoid all such risks. By Mark Z. Jacobson
Russian nuclear power for the whole world – except Russia? Background In Russia, atomic energy is completely state-owned and paid for out of taxpayers’ money. The state corporation “Rosatom” comprises civilian and military nuclear technology companies. It is the world’s largest producer of nuclear power plants (NPPs) and its activities extend more to projects in other countries than in Russia itself. Thanks to large capacities for uranium enrichment, which remained in Russian hands after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Rosatom currently controls 17% of world production of nuclear fuels. By Vladimir Slivyak
Mycle Schneider: "Every euro invested in nuclear power makes the climate crisis worse" Interview Can nuclear energy help us meet climate goals? Mycle Schneider, editor of the annual World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR), which assesses the status and trends of the global nuclear power industry, says no. Interview courtesy of DW. By Gero Rueter
Nuclear Power in the European Union Analysis The issue of nuclear power has been with the European Union since the very beginning of the nuclear age. Where are operating nuclear power plants in the world? Who is building new reactors? What happened in the European region after Chernobyl and the fall of the Berlin Wall? By Mycle Schneider
The Czech Nuclear Republic Commentary While many European countries are phasing out nuclear energy, either for political or economic reasons, Czechia is hoping to go in the opposite direction. Nuclear reactors are proclaimed – and also perceived by much of society – to be a clean and safe source of energy. How did this come about? By Edvard Sequens and Žaneta Gregorová
Ukraine’s nuclear impasse Analysis What is the problem within the construction of units 3 and 4 of Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine? To understand the situation around this it is necessary to have clear picture of Ukrainian nuclear sector in general. By Oleksandra Zaika
Nuclear weather in France: no clouds in sight Commentary Thirty-five years ago, a few days after the Chernobyl disaster, authorities throughout Europe alerted the population to the radioactive cloud. All of them? No. In France, where more than thirty nuclear reactors were already in operation, the authorities waited several weeks before acknowledging that the cloud had passed over the country. By Jules Hebert
Hungary’s Paks 2 nuclear plant project: Russia’s controversial test laboratory Commentary The Chernobyl disaster is the origin and the starting point for many green and anti-nuclear activists of my generation in Hungary. What are the dilemmas and how does the public see nuclear energy in Hungary on the 35th anniversary of Chernobyl and the 10th of the Fukushima disaster? By Benedek Jávor
The new nuclear power plant in Belarus and reminders of Chernobyl Analysis For the first 29 years of the country’s independence, nuclear power was not used in Belarus. It was not until 7 November 2020, the anniversary of the October Revolution, that the first nuclear power plant was inaugurated in Ostrovets, close to the border with Lithuania. By Hanna Valynets
Fukushima: The Nuclear Crisis Is Ongoing, Yet It’s Not Hopeless Commentary In former evacuation zones of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, although the government of Japan pronounced it safe to resume normal life, some returnees found such a life elusive. To make life possible on their once-abandoned land, they decided to tackle radiation in their own ways. By Dr. Tam Man-kei
The role of nuclear energy in the EU’s Sustainable Taxonomy Regulation Analysis The EU’s Sustainable Taxonomy Regulation - the list of green activities contributing to the green transition - is currently being discussed. The political debate is now focusing on two types of energy that were at first excluded: nuclear energy and fossil gas. How might these discussions undermine the taxonomy that is potentially a central tool to enhance investments in the green transition and why should they be banished from this instrument? By Zélie Victor
Nuclear Power Trend in Southeast Asia and Its Contested Discourses on Climate Change Analysis Currently, there is no nuclear power station that operating commercial electricity in Southeast Asian countries. However, pro-nuclear comes up with many reasons aiming to materialize the nuclear power which ranging from growing of domestic power demand to boost economic activities, reducing the electricity cost – in the case of the Philippines, to producing no Green House Gases emission, in particularly CO2. By Tipakson Manpati
Chernobyl Commentary I visited Chernobyl for the first time two and a half years after nuclear disaster. Over the decades, during which time I returned to the Exclusion Zone at least every ten years, I have come to understand that a nuclear disaster has no ‘afterwards’. The consequences of the biggest nuclear incident to date are still affecting many people of the former Soviet Union, having destroyed their future. By Rebecca Harms
Chernobyl 35 years on –the “Polish puzzle” Commentary It was 28th April 1986, early morning in Poland. The radiation monitoring station in Mikołajki, Mazury area (north-eastern region of Poland) showed that the radioactivity in the air was 550,000 times higher than the day before. The radioactive cloud from Chernobyl had travelled to Poland. The story of the catastrophe began here. By Beata Cymerman
Walking in London: people, space and governance European Mobility Atlas 2021 Walking is vital for liveable cities and a basic right for any city dweller. However, it has long been under-represented in practice and research, something London is planning to overcome. England’s capital intends to build on its prior success in improving walkability, through the elements of shaping individual behaviour, space inequalities and governance. By Alexandra Gomes
What to expect from carbon pricing – and what not Commentary Putting a price on CO2 emissions is necessary for climate protection, and applying the polluter-pays principle is an important step toward climate justice. As long as follow-up costs are not taken into account, climate protection will not have sufficient weight in investment decisions. By Stefanie Groll
Women on the Move: Sustainable Mobility and Gender European Mobility Atlas 2021 Mobility is not gender neutral. This not only pertains to individual mobility, but also to the transport and planning sectors themselves, which are heavily dominated by men. Social stereotypes and role distribution within a predominantly male workforce, as well as care work mostly carried out by females, do the rest to create an environment that is aligned with male needs. By Katja Diehl and Philipp Cerny
The Myth of Good Plastic Essay Plastic is a material that used to be a symbol of progress and modernity. Now it represents an industry that subordinates everything to profit, even if the world is ruined in the process. By Barbara Unmüßig
Green hydrogen from Morocco – no magic bullet for Europe’s climate neutrality Analysis There are great hopes pinned to the Moroccan energy transition – not just in the North African kingdom itself, but also in Europe and Germany. By Bauke Baumann
European Mobility Atlas 2021 - Preface European Mobility Atlas 2021 Europe is the continent where multiple forms of transportation have been invented or brought to technological maturity. The free movement of persons has made Europe grow together and led to an ever-stronger sense of cohesion. Cross-border mobility is a prerequisite for a united EU and the experience of inter-connectedness on all levels. By Dr. Ellen Ueberschär and Eva van de Rakt
12 Brief Lessons on Mobility in Europe European Mobility Atlas 2021 The European Mobility Atlas 2021 analyses the key facts and figures about transport and mobility in Europe, contributing to the efforts towards sustainable and just mobility in the European Union. The main takeaways from the Atlas are summarised in these 12 brief lessons. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union
History: A Struggle for Directions European Mobility Atlas 2021 It took until the late 1980s to make transport part of EU policy. Since then, steps have been taken towards a more ambitious transport policy. Reluctance in EU Member States to enforce the rules keeps being the biggest obstacle. By Paul Beeckmans
Employment: Fear of Falling by the Wayside European Mobility Atlas 2021 Liberalisation and social harmonisation have barely gone hand in hand in the transport sector. Some EU rules exist, but without proper enforcement, the current employment situation is often unsatisfactory. By Natalia Walczak
Aviation: Flying Green - A Nice Dream European Mobility Atlas 2021 Suddenly, the skies were blue. The Covid-19 lockdown grounded the majority of flights, and analysts say that it could take years for aviation to get back to normal. By Magdalena Heuwieser
The Automotive Sector: The Key Transformation of an Industry European Mobility Atlas 2021 For more than 100 years, the automotive industry has relied on cars with internal combustion engines. Today, transformation is irrevocable. The Covid-19 pandemic makes it a truly Herculean task. By Roderick Kefferpütz
Rail: The Challenges of a Single European Railway Area European Mobility Atlas 2021 European transport infrastructure reflects the complexity of Europe’s cross-border management tasks and its historic path dependency. Railway infrastructure is a prominent example of this. By Philipp Cerny
Cross-Border Mobility: Closing the Gaps European Mobility Atlas 2021 A well-connected cross-border railway system is the backbone of European transnational mobility. Yet many cross-border points still look like a patchwork reflecting myriad different national systems. By Constantin Lehnert
Shipping: Setting Sail - Challenges for Sea Transport European Mobility Atlas 2021 Maritime transport is the most important, most efficient, but also dirtiest way of shipping goods. Not covered by the Paris Agreement, the industry is trying to set guidelines for a more environment-friendly maritime transport. By Nikolaos Sifakis and Prof. Theocharis Tsoutsos
Tourism: Travelling Sustainably or With the Crowd European Mobility Atlas 2021 Tourism is a major economic sector in Europe. But its negative impacts on the environment and local communities raise concerns. Sustainable travel is growing, yet Covid-19 could change everything. By Ed Lancaster
Bicycle Industry: Growing at Speed European Mobility Atlas 2021 Unlike many industries, the manufacture of bicycles keeps on growing. This is mainly driven by the sale of e-bikes. The ever-increasing demand for them seems to be helping the industry to recover rapidly from the impact of Covid-19. By Anna-Lena Scherer
Cargo Bikes: Sustainable and Resilient Transport European Mobility Atlas 2021 Cargo bikes play a big role in avoiding motorised transport of goods. Many European cities operate successful cargo bike subsidy schemes. Commercial use, private ownership, sharing— all forms of cargo bike use are on the rise. By Prof. Dr. Sophia Becker and Arne Behrensen
Cycling Copenhagen: The Making of a Bike-Friendly City European Mobility Atlas 2021 Providing people with the options to safely walk, bike or use public transportation is paramount not only in creating a green and sustainable city, but also a liveable, people-friendly city. By Marianne Weinreich
Road Safety: Wanted - Strategies to Protect the Weakest European Mobility Atlas 2021 Cyclists and pedestrians run a high risk of being killed in road traffic. At national and EU levels, a variety of initiatives aims to protect them better. However, more is needed to ensure effective pedestrian and cyclist safety. By Ellen Townsend and Dudley Curtis