Dumping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere: the past decade beats many records
Showing highs for all climate killers and all sectors, an MCC-led project provides policymakers with the most comprehensive overview of global greenhouse gas emissions to date.
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Filtering a tonne of CO2 from the air burns a thousand kilowatt-hours of energy
Study provides first complete life-cycle analysis on resource consumption of "direct air capture". Such plants could efficiently contribute to climate protection.
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Climate transition needs backing from central banks
An MCC-led model study explores how to prevent inflation risks and perilous outcomes in financial markets due to the phasing-out of coal, oil, and gas.
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How to socially balance carbon pricing in Europe
An MCC-led study calculates the cost burden for individual private households. It shows that the EU Commission is on the right track with its policy of targeted financial support.
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At least 85 percent of world’s population impacted by climate change
New analysis of more than 100,000 scientific studies. Joint press release of MCC and Climate Analytics.
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“Making the transformation cost-effective and suitable for the masses”
A very fundamental conversation about climate protection, political culture, and the economy: by MCC Secretary General Brigitte Knopf and Eric Gujer, head of the “Neue Zürcher Zeitung”.
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Making climate policy work in Asia
MCC provides a starting point for tailor-made carbon pricing with social compensation: it calculates the impact for eight important emerging economies.
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MCC aligns Carbon Clock with new IPCC figures
Methodological advancements in the Sixth Assessment Report: the remaining budget for emissions is slightly larger than previously calculated. But climate impacts even more serious.
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How governments can incentivise climate protection at home
An MCC-led study sheds light on the impact of various policy instruments on everyday lifestyles. It deals with savings of 350 million tonnes of CO2 per year worldwide.
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MCC launches online calculator for carbon pricing with social compensation
On the basis of real expenditure budgets. Despite additional expenses for fuel and heating, many people can actually benefit. Edenhofer: "We hope this facilitates a rational debate."
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“This is a historic policy plan for Europe, commensurate with the scale of the challenge”
Statement by MCC Secretary General Brigitte Knopf on the legislative proposals presented today to implement the new EU climate targets and the Green Deal.
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Condensing the worldwide state of knowledge on “Climate and Health” from 16,000 studies
A project with MCC participation for the UK Foreign Office. Large research gaps on co-benefits and trade-offs still to be filled. Further research with focus on the Global South.
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The trends we need to reverse to stop global heating
Freight services, floor space, meat consumption: a new MCC-led study describes the various drivers of greenhouse gas emissions more comprehensively and precisely than ever before.
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Smart transfer rules can strengthen EU climate policy
Brussels sets ambitious targets with the European Green Deal, so how can we ensure that all member states go along with them? An economic study on decision-making in groups of states gives us clues.
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Higher fuel price plus per capita refund: the fairest way of climate protection in transport
An MCC-led study shows that most people would actually benefit. A representative sample of 156,000 German households was used to examine five policy alternatives.
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Heat stress due to climate: today's hotspots and the outlook for the future
MCC uses the example of hospital admissions of the elderly in Germany to show the importance of tackling the climate crisis, with an analysis for all 8,000 postcode areas.
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Cleaning up emissions from our atmosphere
The issue of "negative emissions" is moving up the agenda, and governments are setting concrete goals. MCC provides an overview of the state of knowledge.
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Four popular misconceptions about carbon pricing
MCC refutes errors in the current climate policy debate. The “Spiegel" reports on it in detail, and warns against thrashing out the issue in the Bundestag election campaign.
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Great potential for ecological tax reform in Germany
Consistent pricing of environmental and health damage would mobilise hundreds of billions of euros. Analysis of the energy transition project Ariadne with participation of the MCC.
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MCC group leader Sabine Fuss elected to the European Academy of Sciences
This prestigious association promotes excellence in science and technology as a driver for human wellbeing. It has 700 members world-wide, and more than 30 Nobel laureates.
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Do we have to shrink the economy to save the climate?
Moderated by the "Süddeutsche Zeitung": a discussion between MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer and the advocate of post-growth economics Niko Paech.
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A new approach to the social cost of carbon
What is the impact of the climate crisis? An MCC-led study highlights the effect of the gaps between rich and poor within countries. This is relevant for the world climate summits.
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MCC supports monitoring to achieve German climate targets
Brigitte Knopf presents the report of the Council of Experts on Climate Change at the Federal Press Conference. MCC working paper supports the Council’s expertise on the transport sector.
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Corona crisis lesson: additional bike lanes induce large increases in cycling
A quite simple climate policy instrument turns out to be successful and cost-effective. Drawing on data from 106 European cities, an MCC study documents the causality.
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Industrialised countries finance new coal-fired power plants in Asia on a grand scale
A new MCC study reveals the global capital flows behind the most important climate killer – and outlines counter strategies.
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Dialogue with citizens enriches climate research
In "focus groups", MCC experts have now gathered insights into values and priorities within the population as input for the energy transition project Ariadne.
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Climate plantations fail to make the world more sustainable
Cultivate fast-growing plants, burn them, capture the CO2 and then store it? An article for the journal Global Change Biology Bioenergy shows the limitations of this idea.
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German politics has been talking up coal for decades
MCC uses big data technology to analyse all Bundestag speeches since 1949. Pro-fossil encouragement prevailed despite the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
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Research on climate solutions to become as well organised as that in the health sector
Led by the MCC: a new international network under the umbrella of the Campbell Collaboration consolidates findings, identifies knowledge gaps, and facilitates policy advice.
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The idea of an environmental tax is finally gaining strength
Study: 100 years after Arthur Cecil Pigou’s proposal, questions of its implementation are being resolved in the climate crisis. Carbon pricing is more efficient than regulations and bans.
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Pope Francis appoints Ottmar Edenhofer to help in “Promoting Integral Human Development”
The MCC Director is to support the eponymous dicastery, a Vatican agency focused on the issues of refugees, the sick, and the poor.
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"Climate Excuses" makes you fit for discussions
An exceptional entertainment tool based on an MCC study helps you familiarise yourself with the argumentation patterns of climate protection preventers.
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One dollar invested in rainforests saves 5.4 dollars spent on other climate protection measures
Prevent deforestation, promote restoration – an MCC-led study shows this would more likely enable us to achieve the 2-degree target, and could reduce costs immensely.
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An extra 200 million tonnes of CO2 for the EU
A study quantifies the extent to which we are harming the climate through imported goods. The yardstick for attributing emissions to producers and consumers is economic benefit.
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EU should focus on carbon pricing to achieve 2030 climate targets
Prior to the key EU summit, the new Kopernikus research project Ariadne, with the participation of the MCC, illuminates three scenarios for implementation.
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New opportunities for global climate diplomacy
Five years after the conclusion of the Paris Agreement: a statement by MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer and a new MCC Policy Brief with findings from cooperative research.
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Carbon pricing can reduce social inequality
A meta-study evaluates research on distribution effects. It reveals a favourable condition for corresponding reforms in poorer countries in particular, and the transport sector in general.
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Change the sunshine to save the earth?
The EU has asked the MCC and two other institutes to critically assess unconventional methods of climate protection. 9 million euro of funding for six years.
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MCC researcher Arwen Colell receives the Bavarian Energy Award
She coordinates joint learning on the German energy transition in the Ariadne project. Her doctoral thesis shows: decentralised electricity and heat supply can enhance social cohesion.
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Climate protection can be made socially acceptable
An MCC-led meta-study evaluates the side-effects & risks of evaluated policy measures taken to date to combat global warming.
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Why there is no energy transition in many countries
Understanding the forces of inertia in order to overcome them: a study led by the MCC sharpens the sense of the "political economy of coal", drawing on India, Indonesia, and Vietnam as examples.
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Ottmar Edenhofer among the top 10 most influential economists in Germany
In this year of the coronavirus, the Director of the MCC is receiving attention on his economic expertise on climate policy and global commons as shown by a new ranking by the "FAZ".
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“Now is the time to turn these words into deeds”
Statement by MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer on the announcement of the more ambitious climate policy in Germany, presented today by Federal Minister of Economics, Peter Altmaier.
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Status perception of middle class households is a climate killer
The worldwide booming demand for cars and energy-guzzling domestic appliances is in part a result of social norms: an intervention point for politics, as highlighted by an MCC study.
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Ottmar Edenhofer awarded with most prestigious environmental prize
Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt: “one of the most influential worldwide pioneers on the economics of climate change”.
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Climate protection needs growth, but not business as usual
An analysis for the journal WIREs Climate Change systematically highlights where we should rethink our understanding of a dynamic economy with a view to greater sustainability.
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Climate damage to the global economy is greater than expected
An empirical study led by MCC shows a loss of economic output of 7 to 14 percent by 2100, with each tonne of CO2 emitted in 2020 causing the equivalent of 76 to 148 euros in damage.
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German Government appoints MCC’s Brigitte Knopf to Council of Experts on Climate Change
This new body will examine greenhouse gas statistics and evaluate measures taken in the event of excessive emissions. It also has extensive competences in relation to possible tightening of targets.
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Coal: expanding the notion of just transition
Experts from four continents propose to extend the concept of "Just Transition" to industry and consumers. MCC leads an article on this topic in Nature Climate Change.
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The climate can handle road access for all
New study highlights a key UN development goal: 4 million additional kilometres of driveways, total cost of 3,000 billion dollars, 1.5 percent of carbon budget for 2 degree target.
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Shaping the energy transition together: Kopernikus project Ariadne launched
In cooperation with 25 other partners, MCC starts an unprecedentedly comprehensive search for knowledge.
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The argumentation patterns of climate action preventers
Too expensive, pointless, and others should do more: a new study sheds light on the excuses for doing nothing that circulate in the public debate on global warming.
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Voluntary climate protection is suppressed by emissions trading
An experimental study by Axel Ockenfels, Peter Werner and Ottmar Edenhofer: if carbon dioxide is directly priced through a tax, there is room for moral action.
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MCC presents findings on transition towards sustainable transport on an interactive website
Nextgenerationpolicy.com offers research results, food for thought for policy solutions, and tools to try out. Cooperation with Volkswagen's Sustainability Council.
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Fewer cars and a higher quality of life in cities
An MCC article for the journal Nature Climate Change outlines the way forward: carbon pricing and geographically differentiated charges, including reimbursement of revenues.
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MCC presents important research topics in a new series on Youtube
Produced from home offices in corona times: short lectures by scientists of our institute on aspects of "Climate & The Economy".
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Low emission zones in cities reduce expenditure on heart pills and asthma sprays
MCC study based on German health insurance data quantifies the monetary benefit of access restrictions for vehicles. This benefit is already considerable compared to the costs.
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Flash estimate: global carbon emissions in early April 17 percent lower than before corona
Study on the climate effect of pandemic defence measures offers three scenarios for further course of 2020: "Stimulus packages shape emission pathways for decades to come."
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How to design city streets more fairly
Less space for parked cars, more room for bicycle lanes and sidewalks: a new study provides policymakers with decision-making support based on sound ethical considerations.
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MCC enhances research and consultation on carbon pricing in developing and emerging countries
The Climate and Development working group is now advising the Indonesian Ministry of Finance on this issue – and is also steering a new international network.
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Safeguarding Europe’s climate protection
The corona crisis is highlighting the importance of the EU Commission’s considerations of a border carbon adjustment. An MCC Policy Brief shows the options for dealing with free riding.
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Global coal boom jeopardises climate targets
Complementary MCC information on the Chancellor's speech today at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue. Including a figure on the remaining carbon budget.
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Compiling insights on the Paris Agreement, carbon footprint and sustainable economic activity
The MCC coordinates a research synthesis project of the journal Environmental Research Letters. Three articles involving MCC contributions are already available online.
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MCC researcher Leila Niamir joins the Global Young Academy
Exclusive global network of excellent young scientists from all disciplines, with just 200 selected members.
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How global climate financing could do a better job
Game theory study by the MCC: an improved design of international transfers may increase the willingness of states to cooperate.
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Listening to science, acting responsibly
The Directorate of the MCC on the changed setting following the outbreak of the corona pandemic.
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“There is now reason for hope that something will indeed change in Europe”
Statement of MCC Secretary General Brigitte Knopf on the draft European Climate Law presented today.
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Climate policy & stranded assets: MCC experts are editors of special section in renowned journal
Analyses of devaluation of fossil investments and of the resistance of their owners. Edenhofer: "Stranded assets are not per se detrimental to general welfare."
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Eurogroup finance ministers debate with Edenhofer
MCC Director presents in Brussels on carbon pricing. The basis is a joint study with the British economist Nicholas Stern.
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Carbon price could become core instrument of global climate policy
Ottmar Edenhofer, Matthias Kalkuhl and Axel Ockenfels: German climate package has what it takes to trigger a positive chain reaction. Outlook on the EU-China summit.
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Look to the small island states!
Countries like Barbados, Mauritius and Fiji are particularly threatened by climate change. But they also might serve as flagships in the transition to greenhouse gas neutrality.
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MCC ranks first among German climate research institutes in rating of press offices
Eleven facilities examined in the journal prmagazin. Access, accessibility, speed of response as well as the scope and quality of information were evaluated.
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The obstacles to global climate policy
Based on empirical data, a new MCC study describes the driving forces of resistance – and from this derives the political constellation on this great issue of mankind.
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Shutting down German power stations could have been achieved more cheaply
Statement by MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer on the Coal Exit Law passed by the Federal Government today.
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MCC generates a comprehensive map of climate change research
More than 400,000 studies analysed with big data technology. Approach provides a new way of dealing with the rapid growth of scientific literature.
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Smart design of land tenure is important for Africa
A new study considers this a key factor in dealing with climate change. Tenants should rather pay a fixed share of the harvest than a fixed amount of money.
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Agriculture in China holds favourable options for climate policy
A novel research approach filters out measures with the best side effects and lowest social costs. Concept can also identify priorities for other countries.
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Climate migration puts pressure on cities
Using India as an example, an MCC study analyses population movements away from rural areas. Particularly low-skilled people are looking for housing and jobs.
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Surprising facts about the fuel price unrest in Ecuador
Study highlights: government can reduce fossil fuel subsidies without upsetting the population. Lessons learnt also apply to other countries.
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Technological R&D – the most important driver for climate protection
Survey of experts from the IPCC and the UN climate change conferences indicates the priorities. Climate action is hampered primarily by the power of lobbies.
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Will the trade war between America and China help the climate?
New study: penalties imposed by the Trump government result in slightly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but real progress requires international cooperation.
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“Decision for higher carbon price in Germany is a courageous step”
Statement by MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer on today's compromise between federal and state governments on the climate package.
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Coal boom in sub-Saharan Africa
New MCC study reveals threatening consequences for climate change mitigation: the global community must do its part to make emission-free alternatives attractive.
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MCC discussion event on the air at rbb Inforadio
Can climate protection be socially just? Ottmar Edenhofer in conversation with Jörg Steinbach, Antje Kapek, Roman Zitzelsberger, and Klaus Müller.
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Climate change may reduce welfare of Indian subsistence farmers by one third
New MCC study quantifies impacts in the world's second most populous country. Households above the poverty line, however, may even benefit.
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MCC is a focal point for scientific excellence
Stellio Del Campo, Dan Phaneuf, Neal Haddaway: three current examples prove the attractiveness of the Berlin climate research institute as a research location.
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“It is high time to implement the Paris Agreement”
Statement by MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer on the UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid: align national climate protection targets with carbon price and thereby promote international cooperation.
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Edenhofer chairs steering committee of “Science Platform Climate Protection”
Together with Sabine Schlacke from the University of Münster. The body is to advise the German Government and monitor the implementation of the climate package.
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Why climate policy is difficult to implement in developing countries
An MCC article for the journal Nature Energy highlights the key role of the coal industry in the creation of prosperity. It outlines an alternative development path.
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Against fake news in the climate debate
Whether we can drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions depends also on the quality of the democratic discourse. An MCC study is getting to the bottom of this connection.
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How to capture and use atmospheric CO2
A new study quantifies the potential and costs of the ten most important applications, e.g. in industry, construction, and agriculture.
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Tackling climate change with artificial intelligence
The expert network “Climate Change AI” releases an analysis of potential applications, and prepares for drawing entrepreneurs and investors from across the world.
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MCC quantifies wealth effects of a uniform global carbon price
Study based on World Input-Output Database: Western countries would be strengthened, Eastern Europe and Asia weakened; introduction would require complementary measures.
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Four good reasons for a price floor in emissions trading
A new study highlights the need for action on the part of the new EU Commission and explains why the recent reforms are not sufficient.
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Future of carbon removal becomes tangible
MCC study consolidates findings from scientific climate scenarios. Various methods for atmospheric carbon removal are necessary – but no substitute for decarbonisation.
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MCC and PIK deliver detailed assessment of German climate package
Analysis of the aspects carbon pricing, social balance, Europe and monitoring – based on the expertise presented in July in the Climate Cabinet.
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MCC expands science-policy interface
In cooperation with the institute’s research working groups, the new Policy Unit provides analyses and stimuli for public discourse, focusing on what decision-makers want and need to know.
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Building and sustaining political support for European carbon pricing
MCC study analyses the historical balancing of interests in EU emissions trading, providing hints for strategies enabling a future inclusion of traffic and heating sectors.
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Global gap between climate targets and reality is growing
UN Climate Action Summit in New York: a compact report for the summit participants quantifies the global need for action. There is also input from MCC.
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Ottmar Edenhofer now #7 of Germany’s top economists
In the annual "FAZ" survey of the 100 most influential experts in this field, the director of the MCC moves up five places.
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