FES Just Climate

#Industry in Germany and Europe thrives on #exports. We want to remain at the forefront and use innovative products to secure our business location and thus its jobs and our prosperity. To achieve this, we must keep pace with our competitors in the climate-neutral transformation of the #economy. #China is currently investing heavily in climate-neutral technology. Internal combustion engines have no future there. The #USA is heading in the same direction with the Inflation Reduction Act. Joe Biden is setting a climate-friendly economic course and wants to safeguard the economy and restore industrial jobs to their former glory. If #Germany and #Europe want to remain at the forefront of the economic powers and not just act as an open-air museum, then we need to be at the forefront of climate-friendly technology. #climatefriendlyTechnology #climateneutralTransition Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

Which measures are popular when it comes to #climateprotection? It is not surprising that approval is highest where there is state funding or where respondents themselves do not have to fear any additional direct costs. 90% of those we surveyed in our milieu study were in favour of expanding the #publictransport network and the frequency of local public transport. More charging points for electric or hybrid vehicles were welcomed by 82%, while three quarters were in favour of promoting electric vehicles, for example through tax relief and financial subsidies. However, there are significant differences between the milieus when it comes to the promotion of #electricvehicles and charging stations; the upper social groups are more in favour than average, while socially weaker milieus are less in favour. On the one hand, it is important to dispel doubts about feasibility, which are currently spreading in the public debate, by actually pushing ahead with the expansion of the charging infrastructure. On the other hand, models are needed that also allow lower-income households to benefit from this type of subsidies. After all, subsidies for the financially better off, as is often the case with solar roofs, wall boxes and electric cars, not only trigger a sense of unfairness, but also actually increase social inequality. #socialjustice #solarpanels More details in our FES Milieu Survey ▶ https://t.ly/QMPYv

💡 #OneMinuteOneThought on growing geopolitical tensions are putting #Europe under pressure. #industry #rawmaterials #globalsouth #agriculture 🔽

Slightly reduced #overcapacity in the Chinese solar industry — will this calm tempers in the European solar sector? Probably not. However, the move is likely to raise interest. By imposing stricter capital requirements in the form of a minimum capital ratio of 30% instead of the previous 20%, Beijing aims to somewhat curb the production of solar systems. Efficiency standards will also be increased. At least, this should lead to the consolidation of manufacturers and the closure of outdated plants. According to estimates, China could meet global demand alone by 2032 with its existing and planned production facilities. This latest announcement is unlikely to shake its dominance. #solarindustry #China https://t.ly/8aWHf

How can social, economic and ecological challenges be overcome simultaneously? Through cooperatives - true to the motto: "Together we are stronger". Accordingly, the International Day of Cooperatives was celebrated at the weekend. #Cooperatives can also play an important role in the energy and heating transition. They can drive forward local projects and ensure stable prices and more clean energy. Two thirds of respondents in our milieu survey say they could imagine playing an active role in the energy supply in their community. The highest levels of approval are in south-east Europe and Portugal. What is important now to fully utilise the opportunities? Remaining hurdles for energy cooperatives must be removed. For example, membership must be organised in such a way that they are attractive to many social groups. So far, for example, women, immigrants and lower-income groups have been underrepresented.  Accordingly, we have launched a project as part of our 12 #FES missions for a progressive #Europe. Have a look here: https://lnkd.in/gaarn6zP Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

There was another election last week that brings a lot of news. Labour promised a social #energy policy and won the #UK election also on that promise. What are the specific plans? A state-owned energy company called Great Britain Energy is to be set up. Clean energy at stable and low prices is intended to ease the financial burden on households. In addition to prices, the new government in #London is also focussing on the country's independence - currently the country is dependent on imports, particularly for gas, and is therefore vulnerable. This is set to change. The new government also wants to raise the necessary funds for the expansion of renewables by increasing and extending the existing windfall profits tax for oil and gas companies. In addition, GB Energy is to work with the private sector to massively promote the production of renewable energy. To this end, the ban on new onshore wind turbines will also be lifted. As part of our milieu study, we also looked at the UK. 88% of respondents there are in favour of building more wind turbines. Here, too, one lever is the financial participation of communities in whose neighbourhood such turbines are erected. Find out more about the results of our study here: https://lnkd.in/dryECvhP With regard to its own oil and gas industry, the new government is promising a responsible and gradual transformation. There will be no new licenses available here neither for coal. In addition, energy and climate policy #cooperation with other countries is intended to be strengthened via a Clean Power Alliance. That sounds good to European ears. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung https://lnkd.in/eypddbEP

How can we ensure that #women are at the heart of #climate resilience and #energytransformation? This question is also driving our work at Just Climate in the South Caucasus and Central Asian region. We are dedicated to fostering knowledge and collaboration among climate and energy experts. Our virtual experts' roundtable accordingly sought to address the critical intersection of gender, energy, and climate resilience.   The region shows significant #gender inequalities and social-climate vulnerabilities in the region, where women face severe weather conditions and numerous health issues exacerbated by #climatechange. Despite their substantial role in agriculture and frontline experience with climate effects, their critical contributions to climate resilience are frequently overlooked. Through regional case studies, invited experts explored effective adaptation strategies and essential policy interventions to strengthen women's resilience against climate-related disasters. But our conversation extended beyond this.   We also tackled the significant underrepresentation of women in the energy sector. While renewable energy initiatives are progressing through EU partnerships and international support, challenges persist. The energy sector lacks skilled workers and is dominated by men, with few women in technical roles or leadership.   Our discussions with industry representatives, academics, and experts focused on breaking down these barriers. Proposed solutions included promoting gender-inclusive policies in energy projects, using education and training to close gender gaps, empowering female experts to influence decisions, and targeting financing to support these initiatives.   We are committed to deepening our regional focus and fostering greater cooperation across the South Caucasus and Central Asia to drive meaningful, inclusive change. Ensuring women are at the heart of climate resilience and energy transformation requires collective action! Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung https://lnkd.in/devSqPkp

"Political doldrums in #Europe? What are the consequences of the European elections and the upcoming elections for the transformation agenda?" I discussed this topic yesterday at the "to do: transformation" conference 2024 of the Industriegewerkschaft IGBCE and Stiftung Arbeit und Umwelt der IGBCE. The motto of this year's conference was: Transformation is only possible democratically, in society and in the workplace. This is perfectly in line with our convictions here at Just Climate and also with the results of our milieu study. We need reliable framework conditions for employees, trade unions and companies. We need an ambitious European industrial policy that secures skilled jobs and prosperity in Europe. To achieve this, we need sufficient investment and a forward-looking structural policy. And we need interlocking with high social standards and co-determination in companies. Watch the recording here: https://lnkd.in/dBUhVgHj Thank you for having me! Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

Locally generated energy distributes #wealth better. Many people benefit from a co-operative solar thermal plant in the village instead of just individual companies or their shareholders. Nearby municipalities can receive income from wind power plants themselves through a #shareholding, which they can use for community projects such as schools and kindergartens. The expansion of #RenewableEnergy is therefore an active redistribution policy. Millions of Germans are already earning money from solar installations on their roofs, whereas previously, the only possibility to obtain electricity was to pay money to companies. #SocialJustice #LocalEnergy #WindEnergy #SolarEnergy #Freedom #ClimateProtection Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

58% of the electricity is produced by #renewables - that's quite a number. In #Germany, wind, solar, biomass and water covered well over half of electricity generation in the first half of 2024. That's a significant increase compared to the previous year. So far, so promising. Energy transition in action, so to speak. However, comparable successes are needed in two closely related areas. We need to accelerate the expansion of the electricity #grids at European level. We have published recently a study on this, which you can read here: https://lnkd.in/d3tyUryG And we need to expand #storage capacities. Both are important for a stable and independent energy supply in Europe. Also important: reliable framework conditions. Only those who can be sure that the path will not be altered will be willing to invest. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung https://lnkd.in/d7vx5NZH