The Global Gender Gap Index annually benchmarks the current state and evolution of gender parity across four key dimensions (Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment). It is the longest-standing index tracking the progress of numerous countries’ efforts towards closing these gaps over time since …
The Global Gender Gap Index annually benchmarks the current state and evolution of gender parity across four key dimensions (Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment). It is the longest-standing index tracking the progress of numerous countries’ efforts towards closing these gaps over time since …
This report presents a detailed methodology for determining the amount of wind and solar capacity that is required for a country to align with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature goal. While the focus of the report is the method, it includes illustrative benchmarks for Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Germany, South …
Reducing global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to net zero by 2050 is necessary to limit the long‐term increase in average global temperatures to 1.5 °C. Today, coal-fired power generation is the largest single source of CO2 emissions. Therefore, tackling emissions from this sector is critical to achieving our goal. National …
To be in line with the 1.5°C limit of the Paris Agreement, Germany’s new 2030 domestic reduction target should aim for national emission reductions of at least 69% below 1990 levels. To fully contribute its fair share Germany would have to significantly increase its international climate finance. The programme to …
The IRENA Coalition for Action brings together leading renewable energy players from around the world with the common goal of advancing the uptake of renewable energy. The Coalition facilitates global dialogue between public and private sectors to develop actions that increase the share of renewables in the global energy mix …
By 2030, the German government aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the buildings sector by two-thirds relative to 1990 levels. The heating sector will be an important part of this goal; in German residences, about 60% of final energy demand goes to space heating, and two-thirds of space …
Climate change is often perceived solely as an energy related issue and solutions to mitigate the same are centred around the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. However, mitigation of emissions from production and consumption can also be achieved by adopting demand side strategies by addressing the issue …
On behalf of the German Environment Agency, a research project with the title “Impact CHAIN: the impacts of global climate change on the economy and society in Germany” was commissioned to examine the potential impacts of global climate change on the German economy through foreign trade flows. The results of …
The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed online shopping behaviours, according to a survey of about 3,700 consumers in nine emerging and developed economies.The survey, entitled “COVID-19 and E-commerce”, examined how the pandemic has changed the way consumers use e-commerce and digital solutions. It covered Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, the Republic …
Massive declines in insect biodiversity and biomass are reported from many regions and habitats. In urban areas, creation of native wildflower meadows is one option to support insects and reduce maintenance costs of urban green spaces. However, benefits for insect conservation may depend on previous land use, and the size …
The Renewable Energy Directive limits the share of unsustainable crop based biofuels and promotes certain types of biofuels produced from a list of materials defined in its Annex IX. This list is the basis for member states to define the different levels of support to different types of biofuels under …
The Covid-19 crisis has exposed the deep and systemic deficiencies of the global economic regulatory system and associated national vulnerabilities at a time of great distress. Until this crisis struck, who could have thought it possible that Germany would ban the exportation, to France or Italy, of such potentially life-saving …
The objective of this study is to provide a first assessment of the legal scope for EU or national measures to phase-out ICE vehicles and to identify issues where legal uncertainty remains and further investigation is needed. Vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) currently represent the most prevalent form of …
As the renewable energy sector matures, policies must be adapted to reflect changing market conditions. With the increasing use of auctions, policymakers seek to procure renewables-based electricity at the lowest price and also fulfil socio-economic objectives. Auctions designed in innovative ways can help achieve specific national goals, beyond solely procuring …
A poll of 12,523 people carried out by YouGov1 in seven European countries reveals that the majority of people under 35 who use taxi services are willing to pay more for zero-emission Uber and taxi rides. Likewise, the majority of young people in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, …
This working paper assesses the potential for Germany to meet the transport sector targets set by the European Union's recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) using advanced, non-food-based fuels. Policies supporting advanced, non-food-based fuels can deliver substantial carbon savings —as much as 16 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents with high policy …
In this population-based cohort study of 451 743 individuals from 10 countries in Europe, greater consumption of total, sugar-sweetened, and artificially sweetened soft drinks was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Consumption of artificially sweetened soft drinks was positively associated with deaths from circulatory diseases, and sugar-sweetened soft …
This discussion paper focuses on how, while many countries have made commitments or plans to integrate adaptation into their social and economic plans and policies, an “action gap” exists. A change in commitments and plans has not yet led to a significant difference in the way development is practiced in …
Bitcoin mining has increased rapidly in recent years, raising the question of whether it is imposing an additional burden on the climate. The use of Bitcoin — a popular virtual currency — emits over 22 megatonnes of carbon dioxide annually, comparable to the total emissions of cities such as Las …
Germany's environment minister says the government will discuss introducing a carbon tax as part of its national plan to curb climate change. Speaking after the first meeting of a special "climate Cabinet," German Environment Minister Svenja Schulze said Wednesday that government ministers would, over the coming months, put forward proposals …
