Ecology

Something sounds awry about the term ‘twin transition’. The concept, often used in EU or UN contexts, ties two crucial transitions: the move to renewable energy and the digitalisation of economies. While it sounds forward thinking, evidence suggests this pairing may be less beneficial than promised. As developing countries bear the socio-environmental costs while reaping limited benefits, a handful of tech giants continue to dominate global markets. Paz Peña raises a crucial question: is this ‘transition’ truly a path to equity, or does it deepen old divides under the guise of green progress?

Poland takes on the EU Council Presidency in January 2025. What does this role mean, and what challenges lie ahead? Our latest article explores the key context and what to expect during this pivotal six-month period.

In 2023, Javier Milei, a self-described “anarcho-capitalist” surprised Argentina’s political establishment and won the presidential elections. He’s an admirer of US President-elect Donald Trump and of tech mogul Elon Musk, and his political platform is characterised by hash austerity and a very conservative social agenda. Using the rulebook of other illiberal regimes throughout the world when it comes to political communications and dealing with pluralism, his style and policies are making waves worldwide. What is going on in Argentina and what are the implications for human rights, digital rights and the environment?

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. 

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.