Slovak climate law – a long journey to an uncertain end Komentár In Slovakia, the bill on climate protection is currently being discussed in the parliament. The bill is set to include umbrella clauses to help the country stay true to international commitments made, ensure a comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and at the same time break down barriers that slow down practical climate protection actions. By Lucia Szabová
The Czech (non-)transformation 2022: Public opinion survey on low-carbon economy transformation Research The sociological institute STEM and the communication centre Institut 2050, with the support of Heinrich Böll Stiftung Prague, have carried out a unique survey called “The Czech (non-) transformation 2022” looking at public sentiment towards various climate protection measures aimed at decarbonising the economy. By Sociologický ústav STEM a výzkumné a komunikační centrum Institut 2050
CBD COP15: Biodiversity’s ‘Paris’ or ‘Copenhagen’? Commentary With the future of biodiversity on the line, UN member states meeting in Montreal this December must set a framework for a new conservation paradigm. By Simone Lovera
Climate pragmatism or Faustian bargain? What the new US climate law does—and where it fails Analysis The Inflation Reduction Act is seen as an expression of climate pragmatism by some and a Faustian bargain with the fossil fuel industry by others. What exactly is it? By Liane Schalatek
"Human rights should be the starting and the ending point" Interview Emilia Reyes is an international advocate for women's rights and an expert on gender-responsive public policies and budgets and sustainable development, including comprehensive disaster risk management and climate change. She highlights the necessity of degrowth and the problems of our global neoliberal system. By Emilia Reyes
A society between climate transformation and austerity policy Article Environmental and climate policies are not in the spotlight of the winners of last weekend’s elections in Czechia. As right-wing coalitions are going to form a new government, rising energy prices and the starting climate transformation, combined with austerity policies, could cause social conflict and open the way for the renewal of progressive movements and parties. Socially sensitive modernisation should be one of the key points for their new agenda. By Anna Kárníková
Climate, justice and citizens’ participation Summary Summary of the panel 'People's power vs Climate crisis' at the Budapest Forum on the 16th September 2021. The conference was co-organized by the Municipality of Budapest, Political Capital Institute and CEU Democracy Institute. Heinrich Böll Foundation was a strategic partner at the conference. The panel was moderated by Benedek Jávor, former MEP of The Greens/EFA, currently the Head of Representation of Budapest to Brussels. The keynote was delivered by Ellen Ueberschär, co-president of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. By Benedek Jávor
Joe Biden and Climate: Cause for Cautious Optimism Analysis The victory of the Democratic candidate, Joe Biden, in the American presidential elections is the most important development in global climate policies since the Paris climate agreement was drafted in late 2015. Who steers the US climate agenda and how matters a great deal to the rest of the world, and not just because the US is currently the planet’s second-largest polluter in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. By Matěj Jungwirth
Student protests helped to set Prague’s Climate Ambitions in motion It happened quickly and quietly. Within two minutes, Prague City Assembly members managed last September to discuss and approve a local obligation to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 % by 2030. Of the 58 assembly members present, 40 voted in favor and nobody was against. By Petra Kolínská
The Meaty Side of Climate Change "Carbon majors," like big oil and gas companies, have long been the focus of efforts to curb climate change and stem rising temperatures. And yet, while energy giants like Exxon and Shell have drawn fire for their roles in warming the planet, the corporate meat and dairy industries have largely avoided scrutiny. By Shefali Sharma