Climate Policy and the 2°C Target

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The present text analyzes, in the aftermath of the World Conference in Copenhagen, how much time remains to address the climate problem in line with the 2°C target – without a loss of prosperity and while maintaining prospects for growth – and which “jokers” (special measures or decisive actions) may already be necessary today. The text illustrates how narrow the remaining timeframe for achieving the target has become. The conclusions drawn here are even more striking than those derived from examining the development of the ecological footprint (see www.ecologicalfootprint.org), which also sends a clear message. However, since the ecological footprint excludes fossil energy sources, its implications are comparatively weaker.

Download: Global Climate Policy after Copenhagen

Image source: Geralt (Pixabay)

Global Financial System at its Breaking Point

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Global Financial System at the Limit – Insights into the “Holy Grail” of Globalization.

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Image source: Pixabay

Film Recommendation: Too Big to Tell

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The new film on the global financial system, society, and sustainability by Johanna Tschautscher, featuring comedian Günther Lainer

FAW/n would like to draw your attention to the new film by Austrian filmmaker Johanna Tschautscher, Too BIG to tell, who has explored the mechanisms of the global financial system over an extended period. The result is a documentary-style presentation, complemented with lighter elements in collaboration with comedian Günther Lainer. The premiere on May 9–10, 2014, in Linz received strong public interest and very positive feedback. After the screening, several of the individuals interviewed for the film – including Mr. Grzega from the Senate Institute for Public-Good-Oriented Policy Advice and Dr. Solte himself – were available for discussions with the audience, which were enthusiastically utilized.

If you are interested in organizing a public screening of the film, you can contact Johanna Tschautscher directly via email:film@johanna-tschautscher.eu

Direct link for information about the film: http://www.johanna-tschautscher.eu/filme/too-big-to-tell/ or http://www.johanna-tschautscher.eu -> Current events or Film/music

For further inquiries, you may also contact Dr. Solte at solte@faw-neu-ulm.de or +49 731 50 39 200.

Image source: geralt (Pixabay)

Global Climate Policy after Copenhagen

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This text presents, through an FAW/n analysis, a perspective on the future trajectory of international climate negotiations in the wake of the Copenhagen outcome. A pivotal element for a realistic outlook is the so-called “Copenhagen Miracle,” which has largely escaped public attention: major emerging economies, notably China and India, voluntarily committed to curb their future emissions growth—either in absolute terms or relative to GDP expansion. In doing so, these countries forwent substantial financial claims they might have asserted under the principles of climate justice. This gesture created an opportunity for the international community to establish a viable climate regime by the end of 2012. The present text highlights, among other aspects, the following key components:

Framework for a global climate agreement (15 paragraphs)
Identification of the central role of a global reforestation program
Costs and financing of an ambitious global forest regime
Bonus system for emerging economies
Comprehensive cap-and-trade system between countries
Climate neutrality options for organizations, companies, and individuals
Inclusion of international shipping and aviation
Linking the climate regime with the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Design of WTO-compatible border adjustment mechanisms
Notes on enforceability and compliance
Capitalization of remaining emission growth rights
Estimation of capitalization costs (USD 100–125 billion)
Addressing the WBGU budget constraint through 2050
Integration into the vision of a “double Factor 10”
Vision for Rio+20
Guidance for upcoming climate negotiations

In the upcoming negotiations, it will be crucial to focus on these essential questions and levers. Doing so may make it possible to reduce global CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use to below 13 billion tons per year by 2050, while also adhering to the more critical WBGU budget constraint of a cumulative maximum of 750 billion tons of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use between 2010 and 2050. This will require, in particular, the use of the one-time potential offered by a forceful global reforestation program, implemented in a manner that promotes globally sustainable growth and aligns with the vision of a “double Factor 10” and the perspective of Rio+20.

Download: [Global Climate Policy after Copenhagen (Summary)]
Download: [Global Climate Policy after Copenhagen]

Image source: Pixabay