Climate Change

The first Global Stocktake revealed that global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C are insufficient, with COP29 failing to deliver significant progress. Now, it is high time for policymakers to correct course through concerted efforts. We explain the GST process and the political dynamics around it at COP29 and present six key steps for the route to third generation NDCs.

Indonesia elected a new president in 2024 amidst growing geopolitical and climate challenges. The new leadership offers opportunities to enhance co-operation with the EU, particularly in energy transition and climate policy. Civil society plays a crucial role in advocating for justice-driven collaboration and inclusive approaches. Yet, challenges remain, including uneven partnership dynamics, limited progress on the Just Energy Transition Partnership, and the need for stronger mutual trust.

On 23 November, the 29th UN Climate Conference came to a close in Baku. In this blog article, our Germanwatch experts report on the difficult negotiations, detail the most important decisions, and draw conclusions on the climate conference in times of crisis.

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.

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.

Discover how Germany’s ultra-wealthy pay far less in taxes than middle-class families and how this imbalance fuels carbon emissions and environmental harm. Our latest factsheet uncovers billionaires’ tax avoidance strategies, the environmental toll of their wealth accumulation, and an international proposal for a billionaires tax to advance social and climate justice. Dive in to learn what’s at stake and how fairer taxation can drive sustainable change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the climate plans of countries that have signed the Paris Agreement. Every five years, these plans need to be updated, adding more ambition to reduce emissions. In this primer, we give an introduction to NDCs, their history, and describe four essentials of a good next generation of NDCs.