China has been the growth engine for the world economy in a decade. Hence, for better or for worse, whatever happens to the Chinese economy will have impactful rippling effects on the rest of the world.  While the risks are clear, many analysts are understandably reluctant to be drawn into worst-case scenarios in the belief the coronavirus outbreak will peak, or possibly has already peaked.

Source: IEA (International Energy Agency)

The European Green Deal Investment Plan

The European Green Deal Investment Plan will mobilise EU funding and create an enabling framework to facilitate and stimulate the public and private investments needed for the transition to a climate-neutral, green, competitive and inclusive economy. Complementing other initiatives announced under the Green Deal, the Plan is based on three dimensions:

• Accelerating the use of renewable energy
• Adapting to the inevitable effects of climate change 
• Addressing environmental and energy issues from various angles, specifically through scientific research.  
• Advancing sustainable climate change
• Advocating for climate change prevention
• Advocating for increased diversity in the environmental movement.
• Advocating for the reduction of greenhouse gases
• Advocating for the sustainable use of the planet’s natural resources.
• Affordable and renewable energy sources

Source: Journal of Environmental Law (27.01.2020) Authors: Michael Mehling, Harro van Asselt, Kati Kulovesi, Elisa Morgera.

Original Text has been edited by AALEP.

Introduction

Top 10 Climate Change Action Blockers

1. National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
2. U.S. Chamber of Commerce
3. American Petroleum Institute (API)
4. American Fuels and Petrochemical Manufacturers (FMP)
5. Alliance of Automotive Innovation
6. National Mining Association (NMA)
7. American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)
8. Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
9. Mineral Council of Australia
10. Japan Business Federation

Overview of the climate lobbying landscape

Source: Carnegie Europe

Addressing climate change requires accommodating diverse interests in a democratically inclusive way. To gain the necessary political support, Brussels must not depoliticize climate action and make it more technocratic. Given the high stakes and the profound impact on Europe’s whole population, any such attempt would result in certain deadlock. There is no alternative to building public support for climate action and to strengthening democratic engagement. Politicians must show that the transition will be fair, or it will not be sustainable politically.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Secretariat-General

Legal Service

DG Communication (COMM), including the Spokespersons’ Service (SPP)

Inspire, Debate, Engage and Accelerate Action (I.D.E.A.)

Franz Timmermans, The European Green Deal

Secretariat-General for the Executive Vice-President coordination role

DG Climate Action (DG CLIMA) for the portfolio role

Margrethe Vestager, A Europe Fit for the Digital Age

The big challenge for the European Green Deal is diplomatic. Europe accounts for around 9.1% of global carbon dioxide emissions, compared with 30% for China and 14% for the US. Even if Europe fully implements the Green Deal, it will be for naught if China, the US, and other regions fail to match its efforts. European leaders therefore rightly treat diplomacy as crucial to the Green Deal’s success.

Author: Dr. Frank Umbach