It’s time: MCC will be part of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research from early 2025
09.12.2024 –
Continuing the success story after 12 years of funding by Stiftung Mercator. “Climate Economics and Policy – MCC Berlin” to be the fifth research department.
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Stopping climate change protects human health – a major project helps to pool the knowledge
05.12.2024 –
The Wellcome Trust has commissioned a consortium led by MCC researchers to push the boundaries of research synthesis through artificial intelligence.
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“At best the avoidance of a diplomatic disaster”
24.11.2024 –
Statement by MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer at the conclusion of the world climate conference. “It is now abundantly clear that we need additional negotiation formats.”
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A concept for a heating transition free of hardship
21.11.2024 –
Differentiated climate money for buildings can defuse the controversial issue of “climate protection in the boiler room”. MCC now provides a scientific basis for this.
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At the World Climate Summit, a financing concept for carbon removals is launched
11.11.2024 –
Joint proposal of PIK and KfW, with input from MCC Co-Chairs Sabine Fuss and Matthias Kalkuhl: rapid development of the market within emissions trading.
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Carbon pricing in Uganda – only an option with revenue redistribution
30.10.2024 –
Without compensation, there is a risk of malnutrition and deforestation. An MCC model study calculates how climate protection and development can go hand in hand.
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Scientists caution no guarantees when it comes to overshooting 1.5°C
09.10.2024 –
A study co-authored by MCC analyses scenarios in which we temporarily exceed this limit and bring temperatures back down later. Rapid emission reductions are essential.
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Germany’s 49-euro ticket resulted in significant modal shift from road to rail
08.10.2024 –
MCC analysis for the Ariadne energy transition project shows 30 percent more rail journeys. The announced increase in price to 58 euros per month undoes half of this.
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How a carbon central bank can turn Europe into a CO2 “eater”
17.09.2024 –
Net-negative emissions are feasible: in the “Thünen Lecture” of the German Economic Association, MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer has been looking far beyond today.
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Revenue distribution increases public acceptance of carbon pricing
09.09.2024 –
An MCC-led study analyses survey findings: climate-friendly investments are appreciated, uniform lump sum transfers need some further explanation.
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What works: groundbreaking evaluation of climate policy measures over two decades
23.08.2024 –
International research team co-led by MCC analyses 1,500 interventions in 41 countries. What appears to be crucial is the interaction of policies with price instruments.
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MCC researcher Hannah Klauber honoured with the German Thesis Award
30.07.2024 –
For the latest MCC-led study on the health effects of low emission zones. The Körber-Stiftung foundation recognises doctoral theses of particular social relevance.
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MCC study sheds light on the fragile financing of climate policy in Germany
19.06.2024 –
With a view to the current budget discussions for 2025: the “KTF” is overburdened, federal money is needed for important funding and investment programmes.
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The rate of global heating caused by humans is at an all-time high
05.06.2024 –
Second update of the “Indicators of Global Climate Change” research initiative with contributions from MCC. The 1.5-degree Celsius threshold is all but breached.
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Humanity must extract seven to nine billion tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere every year
04.06.2024 –
New State of CDR report shows the need for a much stronger set of policies. Joint press release of MCC, SWP, IIASA, University of Oxford and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Will the climate transition be a battle of materials? Study forecasts the increase – and shows solutions
04.06.2024 –
Heavy additional demand for commodities like cobalt, lithium, copper, aluminium and iron. Countermeasures include behavioural changes in mobility, housing and nutrition.
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Carbon pricing works – major meta-study shows findings more comprehensively than ever
16.05.2024 –
MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer: “The conflict of beliefs over the core instrument of climate policy can be resolved with facts.” Calculation concept is also suitable for updates.
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Shared taxis, car-sharing, ridesharing: how pooling solutions can be strengthened in road transport
14.05.2024 –
Two studies co-authored by MCC shed light on the opportunities for policymakers to incentivise this, and on the importance of this topic using China as an example.
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13 percent reduction in asthma in children born in an urban low emission zone
13.05.2024 –
An MCC-led study based on health insurance data uses rigorous methodology to quantify the cause-effect relationship. Relevant also for more far-reaching driving bans.
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MCC-led research team quantifies the “gap” in carbon removal for the first time
03.05.2024 –
Taking its cue from the UN Emissions Gap Report. Countries’ current plans to extract CO2 from the atmosphere are off-track to comply with the 1.5-degree limit.
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From wooden buildings to air filters – how green cities could remove CO2 from the atmosphere
02.05.2024 –
One gigatonne per year by mid-century. An MCC study determines the potentials, various co-benefits and possible barriers to implementation.
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Study on climate-damaging palm oil production in Indonesia shows push for industrialisation
10.04.2024 –
Understanding governments’ motives is crucial to strengthening climate action. Analysis in the top journal JAERE with confidential data from the world’s fourth largest country.
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Coal phase-out could be cheaper than currently implemented in Germany
09.04.2024 –
A study in the top journal JAERE quantifies welfare losses for employees and recommends that policymakers compensate by subsidising job changes instead of early retirement.
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How Germany should allocate financial aid for climate-friendly home heating
08.04.2024 –
Study shows costs of a hypothetical carbon price path in line with EU climate targets. On average 15 percent of basic rents, large differences depending on the building.
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How carbon removal fits into the architecture of EU climate policy
28.03.2024 –
Research team, including MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer, presents an economically sound governance concept. Key role for a European Carbon Central Bank.
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Special focus issue on demand-side climate solutions edited by MCC researchers
27.03.2024 –
It compiles 22 meta-studies on energy-saving options, complementing supply-side options towards fossil-free energy and energy-efficient production.
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Research network with MCC participation launches a Knowledge Hub on carbon dioxide removal
21.02.2024 –
The new website provides access to key data sources, supplemented by stories and blogs on research activities. A result of the GENIE project funded by the European Union.
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Carbon removal on climate plantations: only a fraction of the feasible would also be sustainable
01.02.2024 –
A study in the top journal Science identifies potentials, and warns that the fight against global heating should not ignore problems such as food insecurity and biodiversity loss.
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European climate policy: We cannot afford to lean back now
19.01.2024 –
As Chairman of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer presents a big report. Presentation remains available online.
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“Now it’s about the end of the fossil age – that’s real progress”
13.12.2023 –
Statement by MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer at the conclusion of the world climate conference. “Important point of reference, the EU with its Green Deal can be encouraged.”
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You do the maths: how socially just climate policy works in 87 countries
05.12.2023 –
The free “Carbon Pricing Incidence Calculator”, which MCC presented today at the world climate conference in Dubai, shows the benefits of carbon pricing.
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Be careful with “net zero” in climate policy – our planet is sensitive!
04.12.2023 –
Removing a tonne of CO2 from the air and thus undoing a tonne of emissions? Doesn't quite work, says a study. And provides four objections in view of Earth systems.
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Sabine Fuss and Matthias Kalkuhl step up to the management of MCC in January
29.11.2023 –
Brigitte Knopf takes her leave after nine years to set up her own project in 2024. Director Ottmar Edenhofer: “She has made our interface with politics strong.”
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Researchers align IPCC benchmarks on land emissions with national greenhouse gas inventories
22.11.2023 –
Preparing for the global stocktake at COP28 in Dubai. Difference in measuring likely to skew climate targets. Net zero may be needed earlier than previously estimated.
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UN report with MCC involvement shows new, grim records in the climate crisis
20.11.2023 –
Humankind is heading for a 3-degree Celsius world. William Lamb has led the chapter on global emissions in the UNEP Emissions Gap Report: “A trend reversal is yet to come”.
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Carbon removal technologies: two new studies inform outlook on scaling
15.11.2023 –
Climate scenarios require rapid development of novel methods. The speed is in line with developments in the past. Company and government announcements imply faster growth.
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Support for carbon removals, but great concerns over solar manipulation
30.10.2023 –
Researchers use big data methods to analyse 1.5 million short messages on X (Twitter). Insights can help prevent social conflict in the climate crisis.
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In 2025, MCC will become a “Policy Research Hub” of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
19.10.2023 –
Joint Science Conference of Germany’s federal and state governments signals permanent funding. Bundling of climate know-how from the basics to policy advice.
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How Latin America can achieve a socially balanced climate transition
12.10.2023 –
Raise the price of fossil fuels, and distribute the revenues back to the population in a targeted manner: a new study provides empirically based guidance for 16 countries.
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“Shaping European environmental policy”: Ottmar Edenhofer on ENDS Europe Impact List
10.10.2023 –
The European specialist news service ENDS Europe names 30 personalities who provide important impetus for decision-making in green policy.
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Plummeting prices for solar power and storage make global climate transition cheaper than expected
22.09.2023 –
Almost 90 percent cost reduction within ten years. Other fossil-free solutions also much cheaper. MCC-led study on the effect of technology and product innovation.
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Ottmar Edenhofer appointed to the “Forum #Zukunftsstrategie”
21.09.2023 –
New body launched today at Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research. It deals with the goals, milestones and priorities for research and innovation policy.
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MCC study sheds light on Germany’s designated climate action budget
12.09.2023 –
The Climate and Transformation Fund will soon be larger than the budgets of the Ministries of Economics and Transport combined. Big new items, but no climate money.
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MCC participates in lavish “Arte” television documentary on carbon removal technologies
24.08.2023 –
The German-French culture channel explains the options through impressive on-site reports, and has them evaluated by our group leader Jan Minx as a studio guest.
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Background paper outlines a strategic framework for German climate foreign policy
03.08.2023 –
Ongoing deliberations within the German government receive input from the energy transition project Ariadne. The paper is led by MCC and Hertie School.
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New coal-fired power plants in the Global South are often driven by the desire for new markets
02.08.2023 –
Using a unique dataset, an MCC-led study sheds the first empirical light on the role of public development banks and component manufacturers from abroad.
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Study sheds light on the climate effect of settlement
04.07.2023 –
An empirical analysis of 113 countries shows: curbing land consumption is a central element of promising climate protection strategies.
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Climate-friendly heating: MCC delivers a draft for a socially balanced heat transition
26.06.2023 –
High carbon prices make new fossil fuel-based systems unprofitable. Targeted reimbursements protect vulnerable households from particularly high burdens.
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Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities appoints Ottmar Edenhofer
19.06.2023 –
This association has a tradition of more than 300 years. The MCC Director is also a member of the two further German academies Leopoldina and acatech.
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New data show a worsening of the climate crisis
08.06.2023 –
A “wake-up call” to the pre-COP28 conference in Bonn: 50 scientists, with contributions from MCC, provide an update of global indicators. Innovative info dashboard for the public.
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Researchers calculate the effects of a climate transition in India
01.06.2023 –
Scenario study: western regions benefit, eastern regions suffer. The government would have to take compensatory measures to prevent the issue from causing a national showdown.
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A good fifth reduction in climate gases from urban traffic in 15 years, with a better quality of life
29.05.2023 –
A study co-authored by MCC points the way for tailor-made policy portfolios. Specifically, it concerns 120 big cities on five continents, with 525 million people.
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Effective capital markets are needed to protect the climate
22.05.2023 –
Energy transition is slower when loans are too expensive. A model study co-authored by MCC in the top journal JAERE now examines how policymakers should deal with this.
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MCC group leader Martin Kowarsch appointed Adjunct Professor in Denmark
17.05.2023 –
Aalborg University confers the title in view of his research on applied philosophy, shaping the interface of science, politics, and society.
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Experts expect around 50 percent fewer new coal-fired power plants than announced
08.05.2023 –
A high-quality survey provides a realistic picture of the investment dynamics. It should be the baseline for negotiations on phasing out this climate killer technology.
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Carbon price as an investment incentive for private households
18.04.2023 –
The MCC calculates when households should switch to fossil-free technologies to avoid or reduce financial burdens.
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How billions from carbon pricing could enforce climate protection and social compensation
27.03.2023 –
Revenues could finance a climate money, increase climate protection investments or reduce income taxes.
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Ariadne Citizens' Summit brings together science and civil society
22.03.2023 –
Stakeholders from economics and politics discuss results of joint work on climate policy with researchers and citizens
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A new approach to assessing policies in the climate crisis
17.03.2023 –
How should we deal with tipping points and uncertainties? An MCC-led study extends classical welfare economics with the concept of planetary boundaries.
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Energy crisis could become a win-win situation for climate and the economy
06.02.2023 –
A study retrospectively calculates for 2022, with regard to CO2 emissions and gross domestic product, the loss of Russian gas and oil and ambitious EU-wide demand savings.
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New report reveals “large gap” in carbon dioxide removal needed
19.01.2023 –
CDR from new technologies must increase 1,300-fold by the year 2050. Joint press release of MCC, SWP, University of Oxford, and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Carbon dioxide removal should receive additional financial support
20.12.2022 –
A model study co-authored by MCC, and published in the top journal JEEM, explores optimal pricing of positive and negative emissions of the climate gas CO2.
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MCC and Leibniz Institute SAFE explore social impacts of climate policy in the transport sector
12.12.2022 –
A project proposal has won the Leibniz Association's Collaborative Excellence competition and will receive funding for three years from 2023. Edenhofer: “Strategic partnership”.
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MCC presents an “advent calendar of good climate news”
29.11.2022 –
From 1 December onwards, 24 facts and trends that give hope. Edenhofer: “The idea is to show that climate policy and individual climate action are meaningful.”
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Two MCC researchers among the most scientifically influential worldwide
18.11.2022 –
Ottmar Edenhofer and Felix Creutzig have made the renowned list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2022”, compiled by the analytics company Clarivate.
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German Gas Commission's relief concept halves the crisis-related extra costs for private households
03.11.2022 –
MCC study based on consumer expenditure data examines the combination of a one-off payment and a price brake. Edenhofer: “Substantial relief, but not yet socially balanced.”
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MCC co-authors eminent scientific assessment on health and climate change
28.10.2022 –
Max Callaghan and Jan Minx use artificial intelligence to map out the scientific publication landscape for the new edition of the “Lancet Countdown”.
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UN report with MCC involvement warns of 2.8C global heating
27.10.2022 –
There is a large ambition and implementation gap in climate policy, with a turnaround still to come. William Lamb led the chapter on emissions in the UNEP Emissions Gap Report.
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Africa needs country-specific narratives for a clean energy future
25.10.2022 –
A study co-authored by MCC in the top journal Nature Energy analyses the situation in the continent's 54 countries. Focus on Ethiopia, South Africa, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso.
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To keep the EU united: instead of gas price break, economists suggest a savings bonus
22.10.2022 –
Op-ed in the German weekly “Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung” shows the way out of the conflict of distribution. A new financial mechanism should help curb consumption.
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MCC advises the German government on cushioning the gas crisis
19.09.2022 –
Group leader Matthias Kalkuhl has now been appointed to a new commission that will develop a concept for relieving the burden on private households and businesses.
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How to secure social peace now, despite gas shortages
29.08.2022 –
MCC calculates the distributional effects of additional costs and possible compensation in Germany, recommending a new relief package for the period to April 2023.
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Fuel price increase plus green vehicles incentives – the best climate policy for road transport
23.08.2022 –
An MCC-led study identifies the success stories to date, taking an innovative approach to policy evaluation. It concludes that climate neutrality is feasible.
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Coal phase-out: new study fuels doubts about “commissionitis”
15.08.2022 –
After the roundtable agreement in Germany, public debate was even more polarized, rather than being pacified, according to big data analysis of comments on Twitter.
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New study sheds light on the core of pro-coal logic
05.07.2022 –
Regional growth effects exceed those of other energy sources for power generation. Climate strategies in the Global South must take this into account.
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MCC is a place for excellent academic education
01.07.2022 –
One example of many: Barbora Sedova's doctoral thesis has now been recognised by the University of Potsdam as the outstanding dissertation of the year 2021.
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Addressing the architecture of global trade in the context of climate
24.06.2022 –
Policymakers should change some rules – and make more use of others. This follows from an agenda paper by experts from twelve countries in the top journal “Science”.
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“Climate, War, and Science”: Edenhofer holds Erich Schneider lecture in Kiel
14.06.2022 –
At the renowned event at Christian Albrechts University, the MCC Director will be painting the big picture on climate policy and geopolitics.
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Saving energy – if not now, when?
14.06.2022 –
In view of the economic consequences of the Ukraine war, the time has come for “demand-side climate solutions”, writes Felix Creutzig in the top journal Nature.
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Climate research now looks at the carbon footprint of artificial intelligence
10.06.2022 –
New study with contributions from MCC introduces a framework for this, and in view of rapid market growth identifies a critical window of opportunity for government action.
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Artur Runge-Metzger strengthens MCC at the interface with politics
01.06.2022 –
The long-time top EU official contributes his knowledge on European climate legislation as a Fellow. Edenhofer: “This reflects a strategic focus.”
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Energy price crisis, possible embargo – how the EU can manage social compensation
25.05.2022 –
Study: households in Hungary, Romania, Italy, and the Czech Republic particularly affected. Transfers increase acceptance to give up Russian gas, on the way to climate transition.
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Why the carbon price should rise despite the energy crisis
11.05.2022 –
A new study shows how climate protection and welfare remain compatible even in the current geopolitical situation: reimbursement of revenues is key.
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Available as a video stream: MCC Policy Dialogue on new IPCC report
26.04.2022 –
What does the new global assessment mean for Germany? We discussed this with federal ministries, industry, consumer and non-governmental organisations (in German).
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What keeps the coal-fired power plants running?
11.04.2022 –
An MCC study based on a high-profile survey explores the specific circumstances that still cause a heavy reliance on this particularly climate-damaging energy source.
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“We must also take new paths in climate protection”
04.04.2022 –
Statements from MCC on the report “Mitigation of Climate Change” published today by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, part 3 of the Sixth Assessment Report.
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European Union appoints Edenhofer to Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change
24.03.2022 –
New independent advisory body based on the European Climate Law. “I will be glad to contribute ensuring that it is translated into climate reality.”
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The energy price crisis can be effectively mitigated for private households
16.03.2022 –
Rising costs are unavoidable if Germany wants to break free of its dependence on Russian oil and gas. An MCC study shows how the government can avoid social hardship.
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Study assesses German climate policy in the context of the 1.5 degree target
09.03.2022 –
Saying that the country is on track implies tacit assumptions. Here these are made transparent – by comparing the emissions still expected with the remaining global carbon budget.
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Orientation for a global coal phase-out
08.02.2022 –
Four-fifths of this kind of fuel is burned in 15 countries. A large research work now compiles 15 comparable case studies, showing the dependencies and ways out.
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Policymakers must now address the issue of carbon removals
07.02.2022 –
An new study highlights the innovation gap, and the need for regulation. It was commissioned by the German government's Science Platform Climate Protection.
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MCC experts in charge of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Sixth Assessment Report
03.01.2022 –
After eight years, the IPCC's next major review of climate policy is now taking shape. Two group leaders from our institute are coordinating chapters on important topics.
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Policymakers need real-time evidence to address global crises
15.12.2021 –
There are already approaches for Corona – soon also for climate policy? An article in the top journal "Nature" describes the road to a new level of research synthesis.
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How humanity can accomplish a just climate transition
06.12.2021 –
The principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" and "global net zero emissions": a study shows there are several ways forward, but all entail risks of unfairness.
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MCC researcher Jan Steckel appointed professor
01.12.2021 –
Germany's first chair of climate and development economics in Cottbus. Institute Director Ottmar Edenhofer: this is a milestone in our cooperation with universities.
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Climate protection and poverty reduction are well compatible
29.11.2021 –
Advanced research on optimal policy: if the state enforces carbon pricing, it does not have to be at the expense of those with lower incomes; they can even benefit.
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Even the best implement too little climate action
29.11.2021 –
Worldwide, only 24 countries might be called a frontrunner – and the minimum necessary reduction in annual emissions, 4 percent per year, has so far been achieved almost nowhere.
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Quality of life increases when we live, eat and travel energy-efficiently
25.11.2021 –
In a comprehensive research project a global team of experts explores the connection between "demand-side climate solutions" and "human well-being".
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Momentum on global coal phase-out
13.11.2021 –
Promising announcements before, and at, the world climate conference in Glasgow. Policy briefs on perspectives in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
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The German donors' association “Stifterverband” honours Ottmar Edenhofer
11.11.2021 –
The MCC Director receives the "Arthur Burckhardt Prize 2021" as a "pioneer and expert in the field of carbon pricing".
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