The Paris Agreement five years on

12 December 2020 marks the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). That also means that signatory states have to submit updated and more ambitious greenhouse gas reduction pledges: the nationally determined contribution (NDC). Where are we at when it comes to fighting the climate crisis in a spirit of climate justice? How can we increase targets to remain below 2 degrees global warming and finds ways to achieve them in a socially just manner?

Biden's climate summit brings some ambition boost but no true U.S. climate leadership

Analysis

With the two-day Biden leaders' summit on climate attended by 40 countries, the United States has returned to the international stage of climate diplomacy. Whether the increased ambition of new climate action pledges via video made by several core countries can be implemented in a binding manner, however, remains an open question.

By Liane Schalatek

Five years later - Happy Birthday, Paris Agreement?

Analysis

12 December 2020 will be the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement. This analysis provides important materials and pursues the questions: Where do we stand in dealing with the climate crisis? What false solutions must be avoided? And how can we push the urgently needed radical course change in pursuit of climate justice?

By Lili Fuhr , Linda Schneider , Liane Schalatek and Lisa Tostado

Emissions rise above the US Steel Corporation Midwest Plant.

"Build Back Greener? "Biden's Plan for America's International Climate Commitment

Commentary

"Build back better" has been Joe Biden’s campaign promise. Climate policy is central to this, both in domestic and foreign policy. Ultimately, it is also a question of whether the Biden government can succeed in regaining lost credibility on the international stage.

By Liane Schalatek

Yes to delaying COP during a pandemic, no to delaying reduction goals

Interview

MEP Michael Bloss takes stock of the negotiations on the EU Climate Law, and on the performance of the German EU Council Presidency, in the wake of the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

By Lisa Tostado

Something About Climate Change or Some Other Thing on CNN

Hold the malarkey: the world cannot afford more American “leadership” on climate change

Commentary

The first American presidential candidate to put tackling climate change at the heart of his campaign, Joe Biden has boasted that his victory will return America to a position of global leadership. But first he needs to set an example to follow.

By L. Michael Buchsbaum

Into the 2020s at full throttle: Finally #NoRoomForGas

Blog

Climate campaigner Andy Gheorghiu takes stock of a 2020 full of climate activism in Europe and the World, and pencils the main climate policy milestones to look forward to in 2021.

By Andy Gheorghiu

Related articles and publications

Facing the Climate Crisis

Conversation

How does the European Green Deal respond to the climate emergency? What are its strenghts and weaknesses? What main economic and political barriers have to be overcome to reach higher ambitions?

By Lisa Tostado

Energy Atlas 2018

Atlas

The Energy Atlas provides a compass on the differing energy discussions in Europe and also reveals how a Europeanization of the energy transition is the more efficient and cost-effective option for all Europeans.

This Energy Trasition blog highlights how energy transitions around the world are moving forward. It shows how they work, and what challenges lie ahead.

A Societal Transformation Scenario for Staying Below 1.5°C

Study

To stop climate change, we have to limit global warming to 1.5°C. But can we still achieve this target? And if so, what pathways can society take in transiting towards a climate-just economy?

pdf

Climate Justice and Migration

Study

With climate change looming, anxiety over immigration from the Global South is increasingly fuelled by apocalyptic fears of ecological breakdown. How should policymakers respond to the reality and future prospect of vast populations being displaced and relocated in an era of global heating?

pdf

Pricing carbon

Study

Both in Germany and internationally, the debate on the pricing of greenhouse gas emissions is experiencing a renaissance. However, an enlightened and realistic discussion of ways and means is needed so that CO2 pricing instruments can play a stronger role in climate policy. In this study, climate and energy expert Felix Chr. Matthes of the Öko-Institut examines the relevant elements of a CO2 pricing strategy. He gives an overview of design criteria and mechanisms of action.

pdf

Related events

Five years after Paris – what’s next?

Petrochemicals, plastic production and the EU climate agenda