Climate

Renewable energy is making rapid progress in almost every high-emitting country. However, too many countries are still clinging to prolonging the fossil fuels business model, especially for gas. This is shown in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) published today by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute,and CAN International. Each year, the CCPI assesses the progress made by the largest emitters worldwide in terms of emissions, renewables and climate policy.

COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, offers a pivotal chance to build on the historic agreements made at COP28, where nations committed to transition away from fossil fuels, triple renewable energy capacity, and double the energy efficiency improvement rate. To drive a just and lasting energy transition, COP29 must send a powerful message for the ambitious, equitable, and timely implementation of the COP28 energy package. In this context, our briefing paper presents key actions for an ambitious energy outcome at COP29.

The environment and development organization Germanwatch is deeply concerned about the outcome of the US presidential elections. “Donald Trump's election victory has the potential to fundamentally reshape the world order that we have seen since the Second World War. Germanwatch is committed to global justice and the protection of human rights and the fundamentally threatened ecological foundations of life. Donald Trump has announced that the United States will oppose progress in all these areas,” says Christoph Bals, Policy Director of Germanwatch.

The path towards a fair and effective New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance has been fraught with intense global debate: Who should contribute, and how should contributions be assessed, particularly government funding? These questions have brought to the fore principles of equity and the notion of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’ – core tenets of climate justice. With the stakes high, the NCQG’s structure will shape international climate finance and our collective response to the escalating climate crisis.l

In 2023, six multilateral development banks have reached their self-imposed deadlines for the alignment of their projects with the Paris Agreement. We have analysed 60 of their projects and present the somewhat sobering findings in our blog post – with recommendations for greater transparency.

The issue of Loss and Damage is now firmly anchored within the UNFCCC. However, little knowledge exists on the aggregate (financial) needs of developing countries related to Loss and Damage. One way to close this knowledge gap is a dedicated report. Our policy paper provides recommendations for the preparation of a L&D Gap Report and how this Report should address finance.

Partnerships between the EU and the Global South are essential for navigating increasingly complex climate geopolitics. However, the EU’s approach to partnerships currently lacks a clear strategy, coherence, and the capacities to fulfil its potential. In this policy brief, we outline the EU's current approach to climate partnerships, examine the portfolios of the relevant Commissioners, and make recommendations on how the EU can turn its partnerships into a strategic tool and make them more attractive to partners.

The debate on Loss and Damage in the context of the UNFCCC has a long and fractious history. As much of the Loss and Damage institutional framework is still in its early stages, there is room to develop synergies, connections, and functionality. Our policy brief ahead of COP29 looks into this potential. To spur the conversation on L&D, we address key points such as the L&D subgoal of the NCQG, a permanent agenda item, the WIM review, and progress on the FRLD.

With the establishment of the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage, loss and damage finance has been firmly institutionalised under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. However, little knowledge exists on the financing gap that the Fund would ideally close. In our report, we discuss methodological challenges and propose solutions to change that.

This factsheet explores the role of aviation in climate action, highlighting both the gaps and opportunities in how flights are taxed and regulated. By examining current policies and proposing targeted reforms it reveals how strategic changes could advance environmental accountability, fund sustainable fuels, and foster climate equity. Discover how these solutions could propel Germany and the EU toward more sustainable skies.