Publications

Slow-onset processes like sea level rise or desertification substantially impact people’s lives, but is still often neglected in the climate change context. Three studies conducted by Germanwatch and ENDA in 2021 have responded to these challenges. This fact sheet summarises key findings of the studies, based on recent policy developments and scientific findings. We have included key facts and figures to answer important questions, such as: What are slow-onset processes? What losses and damages do slow-onset processes cause? What approaches and measures are there to address loss and damage due to slow-onset processes?

The ExCom #19 took place in anticipation of the fourth meeting of the Transitional Committee, a body providing recommendations for the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP27. This report focuses on the collaboration of ExCom and the Adaption Fund, as insights from existing funds are crucial for the design of the Loss and Damage Fund.

In this brief, BUND and Germanwatch examine cases of environmental degradation in value chains of European companies, for example impacts of land use, pesticides, or gas and oil operations. We also provide analyses of how proposals for the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive cover these impacts and highlight the pivotal role of the European Parliament in this matter.

India’s transition towards a low-carbon economy is central to achieving global climate goals. How can international cooperation support Indian efforts? In our policy brief, we argue that “True Partnerships” between India and the Global North should put the poeple, equity, and climate action at the core of cooperation, to achieve a transition that is green and just.

While green hydrogen will play a vital role in decarbonising our economy, it is not the primary solution for emissions reduction. Instead, energy efficiency and savings, renewable electricity expansion, and direct electrification are the top three approaches for reducing emissions. However, green hydrogen becomes essential in certain applications such as steelmaking and other industrial processes, as well as for long-distance aviation and shipping, and it can be beneficial in seasonal energy storage. This policy brief spells out principles that should guide the development of a regulatory framework to advance a green hydrogen economy in Europe.

Hydrogen has caught significant attention from a wide range of stakeholders in EU Member States. Its potential remains largely untapped as, to date, European national hydrogen strategies typically do not feature sound sectoral targets for the use of hydrogen. The EUKI project 'Greening H2' commissioned a study from Bruegel, a Brussels-based think tank, which investigates the potential for and implications of renewable hydrogen deployment in Germany, Portugal, and Poland. It explores their respective national strategies, summarises core elements, and critically evaluates and places them in the broader EU hydrogen plans.

Climate change-related loss and damage (L&D) is already a lived reality for people around the world, threatening their fundamental human rights and trapping them in poverty. Comprehensive mechanisms are urgently needed to help them recover from extreme events, build new livelihoods, and proactively respond to slow-onset processes. Bangladesh is planning to establish such a comprehensive National Mechanism on Loss and Damage through a two-year pilot project. From 2023 to 2026, ADAMS, ICCCAD and Germanwatch are jointly implementing a multi-actor partnership project to "Support the establishment of the National Mechanism on Loss & Damage in Bangladesh". In this project flyer, you will find information on the project background, objectives, activities, and project partners.

Design plays a crucial role in determining the circularity of a product, including factors such as repairability, recyclability, or the potential for refurbishment and remanufacturing. The Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR) establishes a new framework for setting ecodesign requirements for products and is therefore crucial to enable a circular economy. At present, the EU Commission, the Council and the European Parliament are negotiating the ESPR in the so-called trilogue. In this policy brief, we highlight five key issues that need to be considered to make the final version of the Regulation as effective as possible and to promote more durable and circular products.

Fatal accidents, environmental disasters, and serious human rights abuses have occurred repeatedly in the global value chains of many companies. It is therefore imperative to ensure that those affected have the means to seek redress, thereby mitigating the risks associated with human rights violations and environmental degradation. One potential avenue for remedy is through non-state-based operational grievance mechanisms, which can exist either at the corporate level or as independent entities. This policy brief examines the role of operational grievance mechanisms in the ongoing negotiations of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).