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Symphony Environmental Technologies and Symphony Environmental v Parliament and Others
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Products made from oxo-degradable plastic: the General Court endorses the prohibition on the placing on the market

Symphony Environmental Technologies és Symphony Environmental kontra Parlament és társai
Intézményi jog
Products made from oxo-degradable plastic: the General Court endorses the prohibition on the placing on the market

Die Politik sei lange zu nachlässig mit der Landwirtschaft umgegangen und habe auch geopolitische Argumente außen vor gelassen. Die derzeitigen Protestwellen seien teilweise auf diese Nachlässigkeit zurückzuführen, erklärte Sebastien Abis, Direktor der landwirtschaftlichen Vereinigung Club Demeter.

By Unnikrishnan Divakaran Nair and Nirupama Vinayan
LONDON, Jan 31 2024 (IPS)

The 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) marked a pivotal moment in the global efforts to combat climate change. Held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the participation of delegates from around the world, COP28 showcased a commitment to drive genuine strides in climate action, bringing optimism and progress to the forefront. Here we explore the implications of COP28 outcomes for small and other vulnerable Commonwealth countries and identify the gaps that still need attention. Additionally, it will discuss concrete expectations for COP29, focusing on critical discussions held at COP28.

Unnikrishnan Divakaran Nair

COP28 Highlights

COP28 was distinctive in its comprehensive approach, covering a diverse range of topics crucial for addressing the climate crisis. Notable discussions included the First Global Stocktake, the Operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, the Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum, the UAE Leaders’ Declaration on the Global Climate Finance Framework, and the UAE Climate and Health Declaration.

First Global Stocktake

The First Global Stocktake at COP28 provided a comprehensive assessment of collective progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. It involved a thorough review of individual countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and their efforts to limit global temperature rise. This mechanism served as a vital tool for accountability and transparency, fostering a sense of shared responsibility among nations.

For the Commonwealth countries, the Global Stocktake offers an opportunity to showcase their commitment to climate action and demonstrate tangible progress. However, challenges persist in ensuring that the Stocktake remains fair and inclusive, addressing the diverse circumstances of the Commonwealth nations, including those that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Operationalization of Loss and Damage Fund

Addressing loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change is a critical aspect of climate action. COP28 saw discussions on the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, aiming to provide financial and technical assistance to countries facing the most severe consequences. For the Commonwealth nations, particularly those in low-lying regions, this initiative is crucial for building resilience and adapting to climate-induced challenges.

Nirupama Vinayan

Despite positive strides, gaps remain in determining the fund’s scale and ensuring swift disbursement to affected countries. COP29 must prioritize finalizing the operational details of the Loss and Damage Fund to ensure its effectiveness and responsiveness in times of need.

Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum

The Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum at COP28 facilitated crucial discussions on the role of private sector engagement and philanthropy in climate action. Commonwealth countries, with their diverse economies, can leverage partnerships with businesses and philanthropic organizations to accelerate sustainable initiatives.

However, challenges persist in ensuring that such collaborations align with the principles of climate justice and contribute to the overall well-being of communities. COP29 should focus on refining frameworks for private sector involvement, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and the alignment of business practices with climate goals.

UAE Leaders’ Declaration on the Global Climate Finance Framework

The UAE Leaders’ Declaration at COP28 outlined a framework for global climate finance, acknowledging the need for increased financial support to developing countries. For Commonwealth nations, many of which are developing economies, this declaration holds promise for accessing the necessary funds to implement ambitious climate actions.

Nevertheless, a significant gap exists in defining the specifics of the finance framework, including the sources of funding and the mechanisms for distribution. COP29 should prioritize establishing a clear and robust climate finance framework to ensure that developing Commonwealth countries receive the support needed for sustainable development.

UAE Climate and Health Declaration

The UAE Climate and Health Declaration emphasized the interconnectedness of climate change and public health. Commonwealth countries, facing diverse health challenges exacerbated by climate impacts, can benefit from a holistic approach that integrates climate and health policies.

While the declaration at COP28 recognized the importance of this intersection, concrete steps for implementation and resource allocation are crucial. COP29 should prioritize the development of strategies that integrate climate and health considerations, ensuring the well-being of Commonwealth populations in the face of a changing climate.

Shaping Expectations for COP29

COP28 concluded on a note of optimism and progress, with participants committing to genuine strides in climate action. However, acknowledging the herculean task ahead is essential. COP29, set to be held in Azerbaijan, becomes a crucial milestone for the international community.

Concrete expectations for COP29 include deciding on a new climate finance goal and framing new and ambitious NDCs. The Commonwealth, as a collective voice for equitable and sustainable growth, is expected to play a more prominent role in the global climate action scene. Ensuring that all parties move as one entity with a clear vision is imperative for deriving the desired outcomes and addressing the gaps highlighted at COP28.

Looking ahead, the international community anticipates decisive actions at COP29, setting the stage for framing new NDCs at COP30, hosted by Brazil. The Commonwealth’s involvement will be pivotal in achieving a sustainable and resilient future, fostering global cooperation and ensuring that no nation is left behind in the pursuit of a climate-safe world.

Unnikrishnan Divakaran Nair is the Head of Climate Change at the Commonwealth Secretariat covering 56 small and other vulnerable Commonwealth countries.

Nirupama Vinayan is an intern at the Commonwealth Secretariat working in the area of climate finance for the small and other vulnerable member countries of the Commonwealth.

IPS UN Bureau

 

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Die Republik Moldau hat am Dienstag eine Vereinbarung mit der Europäischen Investitionsbank (EIB) unterzeichnet, um die Finanzierung der Autobahn Iași-Ungheni-Chișinău-Odessa sicherzustellen. Dies ist der erste Schritt zum Bau eines wichtigen Korridors für die Anbindung des Landes an die EU.

Die Bilder einer Italienerin, die bei einer Gerichtsverhandlung in Budapest gefesselt und angekettet wurde, sorgen derzeit in Italien für Furore. Auch die Regierung hat sich bereits eingeschaltet. 

Die europäischen Grünen werden dieses Wochenende über ein gemeinsames Wahlprogramm beraten. Bei einigen der ambitionierteren Ziele, drücken jedoch gerade die deutsche Delegation auf die Bremse.

Over the past weeks, several European political parties have circulated draft versions of their manifestos for the upcoming EU elections on 6-9 June. Euractiv walks you through the implications for energy and environment policy.

La guerre entre Israël et le Hamas marque le début de l’une des périodes les plus turbulentes de l’histoire récente du Moyen-Orient.

Es wird erwartet, dass die EU-Mitgliedstaaten der Ukraine auf einem entscheidenden Gipfel am Donnerstag (1. Februar) weitere militärische Unterstützung zusagen werden. Die Hürden für ein künftiges Finanzierungsprogramm bleiben jedoch bestehen.

La Société d'investissement et de promotion de l'industrie (SIPI-BENIN), structure en charge de l'aménagement, du développement et de la promotion de la Zone industrielle de Glo-Djigbé (GDIZ), facilite l'approvisionnement en eau des industries installées au sein de la zone. Un dispositif est mis en place pour approvisionner les industries pendant les deux premières phases d'exploitation.

A la Zone industrielle de Glo-Djigbé, un dispositif efficace de traitement et d'approvisionnement en eau est mis en place pour alimenter les industries. Ledit dispositif prend en compte un réservoir d'une capacité de 3 000m³ de la Société nationale des eaux du Bénin (SONEB) qui alimente un autre réservoir de 1 000 m³ de la SIPI-BENIN qui dessert à son tour, l'ensemble des industries de la zone.
Samou Séïdou ADAMBI, ministre de l'énergie, de l'eau et des mines, au terme d'une visite jeudi 25 janvier 2024, a rassuré les investisseurs présents dans la zone franche industrielle en pleine expansion en ce qui concerne la satisfaction de leur besoin en eau. « Tout est en place pour que la zone soit à l'abri de tous les problèmes d'eau », a-t-il confié rassurant que les ouvrages réalisés et réceptionnés depuis octobre 2023, permettront de « couvrir tous les besoins de zone jusqu'à ce que l'extension de la dernière phase puisse arriver ».

Le réservoir d'eau de 3 000m³ de la SONEB à la GDIZ est alimenté par 7 forages. Quatre d'entre eux sont dotés d'une capacité de pompage de 150 m³/h, et les trois autres, d'une capacité de 100 m³/h, pour une capacité totale de pompage de 900 m³/h.
Dans le cadre de la réalisation des ouvrages d'eau à la GDIZ, il était question pendant les études selon les responsables de SONEB, de couvrir jusqu'à l'horizon 2030, les besoins en eau des trois premières phases de la zone ; lesquels sont estimés à 45.000m³ par jour. Mais les forages déjà mobilisés grâce au financement du budget national (7,5 milliards dont une contribution de la SONEB pour les études techniques détaillées), permettent de couvrir les deux 1ères phases.
La Zone industrielle de Glo-Djigbé, fruit de la Joint-venture entre le gouvernement du Bénin et le Groupe ARISE, a connu un succès fulgurant au terme d'une première phase d'exploitation de 400 ha, avec l'installation de 36 investisseurs opérant dans divers secteurs de transformation (le coton, le soja, le cajou, la fabrication de carreaux, etc).

F. A. A.

Avec les derniers tickets décrochés par l'Afrique du Sud et le Mali ce mardi, on connaît désormais toutes les huit équipes encore en lice dans cette CAN 2023. Pour rappel, les cinq représentants de l'Afrique lors du Mondial 2022 au Qatar n'y sont plus. Ce sont le Sénégal, le Maroc, la Tunisie, le Cameroun et le Ghana.

Découvrez les affiches des quarts de finale de cette 34e édition de la CAN 2023 :

Vendredi 2 février
Nigéria vs Angola, 18h00
RDC vs Guinée, 21h00

Samedi 03 février
Mali vs Côte d'Ivoire, 18h00
Cap-Vert vs Afrique du Sud, 21h00

J.S

Demi-finaliste de la dernière Coupe du Monde 2022, le Maroc s'est loupé ce mardi soir face aux Bafana Bafana de l'Afrique du Sud en 8e de finale de la CAN 2023. Victoire 0-2 pour les Sud-africains.

Cette CAN 2023 est décidément une de toutes les surprises de l'histoire. Premier du groupe F avec sept points devant la République Démocratique du Congo, le Maroc a broyé du noir dans la soirée de ce mardi 30 janvier 2023. Face à l'Afrique du Sud en huitième de finale de la Coupe d'Afrique des Nations, les Lions de l'Atlas étaient malgré eux, méfiants. Mais ont fini par sombrer.

Dans le match, l'Afrique du Sud a pris l'avantage à la 56e minute par l'intermédiaire d'Evidence Makgopa. Le Maroc poussait pour revenir au score et obtenait un pénalty à la 82e minute. Mais Achraf Hakimi envoie le ballon sur la transversale.

En fin de rencontre, le Maroc a perdu Sofyan Amrabat exclu à la 90e+4 sur carton rouge avant de concéder le deuxième but sur un coup-franc sublime de Teboho Mokoena (90e+4'). Score final 0-2, le Maroc est éliminé.

J.S

By Jomo Kwame Sundaram
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan 31 2024 (IPS)

Contractionary economic trends since 2008 and ‘geopolitical’ conflicts subverting international cooperation have worsened world conditions, especially in the poorest countries, mainly in Africa, leaving their poor worse off.

Jomo Kwame Sundaram

Conditions and prospects are so bad that two well-known globalisation cheerleaders have appealed to rich nations for urgent action. Former IMF Deputy Managing Director and World Bank Senior Vice-President, Professor Anne Krueger and influential Financial Times columnist Martin Wolf warn ominously of the dire consequences of inaction.

Deepening stagnation
Following tepid growth after the 2008 global financial crisis, Covid-19 disrupted supply chains worldwide. Then, post-pandemic recovery was disrupted by wars in Ukraine and then Gaza.

Food and energy prices soared briefly, largely due to market manipulation by opportunistic investors. Invoking the price hikes as a pretext, the US Fed and European Central Bank raised interest rates, deepening economic stagnation worldwide.

Countries which borrowed heavily during the earlier decade of unconventional monetary policies – especially ‘quantitative easing’, offering easy credit – now have to cope with increasingly unbearable debt burdens, particularly in the global South.

Earlier modest progress in reducing poverty – now termed ‘extreme poverty’ – and food insecurity has slowed sharply, if not worse. For many of the world’s poorest, progress has not only stopped but even been reversed.

The World Bank currently defines the poor as those with daily per capita incomes under US$2.15 in 2017 prices. It estimated those deemed poor fell from 1.87bn – 31% of the world’s population – in 1998 to a forecast of 690mn (9%) in 2023.

The rate of decline of poverty has slowed sharply: global poverty is forecast to fall by a little over three percentage points during 2013-23 – very much less than the 14 percentage points in the decade before 2013.

Poorest mainly in poor countries
The pace of poverty decline has slowed most in the world’s poorest nations. Wolf defines these countries as those deemed eligible for concessional loans from the World Bank Group’s soft-lending arm, the International Development Association (IDA).

Seventy-five countries are now considered eligible for IDA resources, including 39 in Africa. Some – e.g., Bangladesh, Nigeria and Pakistan – can also borrow on costlier terms from financial markets and the Group’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

In IDA-eligible countries, those in extreme poverty fell from 48% in 1998 to 26% in 2023. But this only involved a single percentage point decline over 2013-23, compared to 14 percentage points in the decade before.

Extreme poverty has mainly declined in better-off middle-income countries, with 497 million poor in IDA-eligible countries. With 72% of the world’s total of 691 million poor in IDA-eligible nations, the remaining 193 million were in other countries.

The population share in extreme poverty in countries not IDA-eligible fell from a fifth in 1998 to 3% in 2023, falling by only four percentage points during 2013-23. Expecting modest overall growth, Wolf expects this 3% share will be largely eliminated by 2030.

Hence, he argues that extreme poverty can only end if attention and resources are focused on the world’s poorest countries, where poverty is most concentrated and deeply entrenched.

Unequal debt burdens
Government debt is widespread, but especially debilitating in countries where the poor are most concentrated. The World Bank’s last International Debt Report notes such countries depend too much on unreliable and expensive funding.

The report acknowledges, “For the poorest countries, debt has become a nearly paralysing burden: 28 countries eligible to borrow from [IDA] are now at high risk of debt distress. Eleven are in distress.”

During 2012-21, the external debt share of IDA-eligible countries owed to private creditors jumped from 11.2% to 28.0%! Their debt service payments more than tripled from $26bn in 2012 to $89bn in 2022, as interest due jumped from $6.4bn to $23.6bn!

Meanwhile, the share of bondholders and other private lenders in total government debt fell from 37% in 2021 to 14% in 2022! As the US Fed raised interest rates sharply during 2022-23, investors dumped ‘high-risk’ poor borrowers, lending much less to those in most need.

With this ‘perfect storm’, debt distress should come as no surprise. The 2023 International Debt Report found 56% – over half – of IDA-eligible countries at risk of such distress.

Distress of the poorest
Wolf argues it is in rich nations’ interest and their obligation to provide poor countries with far more concessional finance. But such funding has actually declined in recent decades, especially with the end of the first Cold War over three decades ago.

The IDA is using its 20th replenishment for July 2022 to June 2025 to provide financing on concessional terms. The World Bank president has argued for a much bigger new replenishment ostensibly to accelerate growth, reduce poverty and address other challenges in the poorest countries.

IDA-eligible countries include many of the world’s worst-managed nations, often very fragile, vulnerable to shocks, and stuck in “hard to escape” poverty. But their problems have become pretexts to withhold or withdraw concessional finance from those most in need.

Much more concessional finance and other resources are needed for poor nations to develop sustainably. But reducing sustainable development to simply eliminating poverty, nowadays with climate action, will condemn the poorest developing countries to backwardness.

World financial arrangements have been crucial in undermining fair, sustainable development in poor countries. While it will be critical to enable these nations to overcome their current and imminent predicaments, far more fundamental reforms must quickly follow.

As the poorest developing countries are both weak and vulnerable, needed reforms are nowhere on the horizon. Instead, the ‘international community’ continues to kick the can down the road instead of undertaking bold reforms for the short and medium term.

IPS UN Bureau

 

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Die deutsche Automobilindustrie hat vorgeschlagen, das Handelsabkommen zwischen der EU und Mercosur aufzuteilen, um den französischen Widerstand in Bezug auf die Landwirtschaft zu umgehen. Damit möchte man ein Scheitern des Abkommens verhindern.

Credit: GMB AKASH / UNDP
 
Asia-Pacific countries experienced, on average, six natural disasters a year over the past three decades – about twice as many as developing countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and about three times as many as in sub-Saharan Africa.
 
Governments, central banks, financial supervisors, and multilateral institutions must coordinate and develop a comprehensive strategy to attract more private capital.

By Ritu Basu and Cheng Hoon Lim
WASHINGTON DC, Jan 31 2024 (IPS)

Countries in the Asia-Pacific region face a shortfall of at least $800 billion in climate financing. With public finances depleted by the pandemic, policymakers must unlock the vast potential of private capital to join the fight more effectively against global warming.

Doing so will demand a coordinated and multi-faceted approach by actors on all sides, from governments and central banks to financial supervisors and multilateral institutions. Important strategies include phasing out fossil-fuel subsidies, which have reached a record $1.3 trillion. It will also be key to expand carbon pricing, bridge critical data gaps, and promote innovative financing along with public-private partnerships.

Here’s an explainer based on our latest research, which draws on recent chapters of the Global Financial Stability Report on scaling up climate finance and other IMF studies on climate issues:

• Why is climate finance urgent? Progress is too slow. Global temperatures are set to surpass the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold above pre-industrial levels. Efforts to halve 2019 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 fall alarmingly short, targeting only an 11 percent reduction. Without stronger action, our warming planet imperils homes, health, and food security. Mobilizing more climate finance is vital not only for mitigating emissions but to build adaptive capacity through investments in climate resilient infrastructure. This is especially important for Asia, which is home to several of the largest emitters and a region acutely vulnerable to climate change due to high population density and geography.

• What makes Asia’s role pivotal? The region’s transition to greater sustainability has global implications. Asia contributed about two-thirds of global growth last year, and will again in 2024, but its heavy reliance on burning coal for energy means that it contributes more than half of harmful global greenhouse gas emissions. Asia’s economies recognize how climate hazards directly impact lives and livelihoods, and have made deeper commitments, as their revised Nationally Determined Contributions under the 2015 Paris Agreement show. Asia can aid the climate fight by demonstrating how to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability.

• How significant is the funding gap? Asia’s emerging market and developing economies need investment of at least $1.1 trillion annually to meet mitigation and adaptation needs. But they’re only getting $333 billion, mostly from sustainable debt instruments like green bonds, and public sources contribute more than half. Such a shortfall leaves these economies with a funding gap of at least $815 billion. China leads in attracting climate finance, making major strides in renewable energy adoption, and its collaborations with the EU have yielded crucial frameworks for sustainable finance, such as the Common Ground Taxonomy and stricter China Green Bond Principles.

• What are the biggest challenges? Pacific island countries and other small economies often have trouble accessing international capital markets or obtaining financing via global climate funds. In particular, they find it hard to meet stringent accreditation requirements of global climate funds as their capacity is already stretched thin and public investment management is challenging. For larger countries, green bonds may be as costly as conventional securities because investors appear to be less trusting of green characteristics in Asia’s sustainable debt instruments. These issues underscore the broader challenges for the region’s funding aspirations.

• What do countries say? A survey of 19 countries in Asia revealed important gaps in data, disclosures, and taxonomies, and that these are exacerbated by inconsistent national climate policies that can promote fossil fuel subsidies. These deficiencies undermine investor confidence in forward-looking targets and transition. Greenwashing also is a risk, respondents say, because it can call into question the legitimacy of environmental claims made by bond issuers. In addition, increasing geoeconomic fragmentation, including friend-shoring and fraying global supply chains, could threaten cooperative and collective action to contain climate change.

Action to unlock much more climate finance requires coordination among agencies overseeing climate initiatives, plus collaboration between local and global entities:

• How can Asia’s governments help? One way will be to comprehensively enhance the framework on data, taxonomies, and disclosures. They should phase out fossil fuel subsidies and expand carbon pricing, which would generate revenue for sustainable public investment. This would help boost investment in green technology, jobs, and growth, while supporting vulnerable households. Measures that strengthen macroeconomic and public investment management will help reduce risk premiums and funding costs, drive economic growth, and attract private capital.

• Where do central banks and financial supervisors fit in? They should promote global standards for transparent and consistent disclosures, while strengthening climate risk analyses and incorporating climate-related financial risks into prudential frameworks to enhance financial stability. Lastly, collaborating with multilateral standard setters to develop internal capacity is crucial for improving the clarity and reliability of ESG score ratings, fostering greater trust and understanding in these evaluations.

• What is the IMF’s role? The Fund is working with member countries to better detail climate-related economic risks and policies in surveillance and lending activities. The IMF also is strengthening data and statistics, including through capacity building and peer learning, to develop common standards for measuring and analyzing climate risk.

• Finally, our Resilience and Sustainability Trust can help vulnerable low- and middle-income countries catalyze financing from other sources by restoring sound macroeconomic management and building the institutional capacity of the public sector. Other multilateral organizations can provide more grant financing and concessional lending, and risk-mitigating mechanisms can help expand their lending capacity. Cooperation among multilateral institutions is essential to align efforts and resources to achieve a balanced allocation between mitigation and adaptation lending.

—This IMF blog reflects research by Cheng Hoon Lim, Ritu Basu, Yan Carriere-Swallow, Ken Kashiwase, Mahmut Kutlukaya, Mike Li, Ehraz Refayet, Dulani Seneviratne, Mouhamadou Sy, and Ruihua Yang.

IPS UN Bureau

 

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Die Allianz der Liberalen und Demokraten für Europa (ALDE) will den EU-Binnenmarkt "vollenden", heißt es in einem Entwurf des Wahlprogramms für die EU-Wahlen im Juni. Dabei kritisieren die Liberalen die von der EVP geführten EU-Kommission stark.

Tschechien fordert eine sofortige Reaktion auf Vorfälle, bei denen protestierende französische Landwirte tschechische LKW-Fahrer angegriffen haben. In Frankreich wurden LKWs angehalten und nicht-französische landwirtschaftliche Produkte zerstört.

BBC Sport Africa picks out six stars whose performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations could attract bids from European clubs.