“German Government has not delivered”
Statement by MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer on today's meeting of the Climate Cabinet.
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40 metre carbon clock high above Berlin
Spectacular installation by Fridays for Future at the historic Gasometer in Schöneberg. MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer: the carbon price is the appropriate scarcity signal.
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Climate Protection & Co.: How experts should deal with value judgements
An MCC conference with high-profile speakers has explored the problem of moral conflicts in scientific assessment processes.
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140,000 square kilometres of solar cells for carbon-free air traffic in 2050
A new study shows the enormous challenges of sourcing synthetic fuels, and the pressure to act for politicians. The coronavirus crisis is a window of opportunity.
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Ottmar Edenhofer: carbon price helps to renew Social Market Economy
MCC Director is co-author of a joint book project carried out by two thought leaders from the Greens and the Christian Democrats. CDU party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer presented the book today.
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Digitalization can help to push forward green urban transportation
But it also harbours risks, which is why politics must actively shape this, a team of experts from the MCC and other research institutes explains in a scientific article.
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Agriculture faces radical change
MCC: Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shows that there is great need for change, misdirection through EU policy, but also opportunities through modern food trends.
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MCC and PIK contribute to Climate Policy Special Report for German government
Comprehensive analysis for the German Council of Economic Experts. “Options for a Carbon Pricing Reform.” MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer will speak at the Climate Cabinet on 18 July.
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Climate protection can actively reduce hunger and poverty
A new study is the first to comprehensively describe the link between land-based CO2 removal and the achievement of the sustainable development goals as defined by the United Nations.
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Coal power companies to profit from early-retirement programme
Planned national legislation saves companies 1.7 billion euros but does not accelerate the rate of employment reductions. A study based on social security data.
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Electric cars to significantly reduce carbon footprint only from 2040
A study shows that a conversion of the vehicle fleet is urgent, yet that its effects will take a long time to set in. Politicians must push forward energy transition, and increase fuel taxes.
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Little to no evidence for alleged industrial exodus due to climate policy
MCC analyses investment leakage of German companies that are affected by EU Emissions Trading System. The first study of its kind based on high quality microdata collected by Germany’s Bundesbank.
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Urban planning to tackle climate change mitigation and adaptation at the same time
Growing cities should ideally develop a star-shaped form, with interstices for green spaces. A new study offers guidance for housing development and transportation planners.
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Carbon price reform doable without burden to citizens
MCC quantified the consequences of higher energy levies on four typical private households, incorporating a recycling of revenues in the form of a uniform per capita reimbursement.
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Are mobility apps good for world climate?
This is not necessarily true, a new case study highlights. It exemplarily analyses the experience with motorcycle taxis in the 28-million-population Greater Jakarta.
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MCC provides active support to the IPCC
Expert meeting in Scotland now works on the Sixth Assessment Report, an important scientific basis for further international climate negotiations.
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“Expand fuel taxes and align them with carbon dioxide emissions”
MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer: Interim report of the Transport Commission unsatisfactory. Total emissions will only decline if the government finally starts to focus more on mileage.
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MCC maps 4,000 case studies on city climate mitigation efforts
Big data analysis reveals: Lack of research on fast growing cities in the Global South, especially on topics such as transportation, urban sprawl and household energy use.
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MCC’s Brigitte Knopf nominated to help prepare UN Climate Action Summit
Special event scheduled for September in New York to mobilize political energy at the highest level.
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Women in Climate Science
On the occasion of this year's International Women's Day, we asked our female scientists about their thoughts on women and their work.
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Capturing carbon directly from the air – that has a future
Study under MCC leadership analyses energy requirements for negative emissions technologies. They can help to mitigate climate change.
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Climate Protection Law: “Goal of greenhouse gas neutrality a very good step forward”
MCC expert Sabine Fuss: “CO2 removal from the atmosphere is now on the political agenda in Germany.”
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There’s something going on in New Delhi!
MCC investigates in an innovative study the rapidly rising emissions from commuters in India.
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Landowners play a decisive role in the success of climate policy
A new study by the MCC explains the connection between the influences of lobbying, the financial interests of the government and the level of carbon taxation.
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Ulrich von Lampe is new Head of Press and Public Relations at MCC
Berlin based climate think tank to expand dialogue with business and industry partners.
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Statement on the conclusion of the German Coal Commission
Dr. Brigitte Knopf sees coal phase-out in Germany as an important international sign and calls for a minimum CO2 price also for the electricity sector.
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Big Data globalizes urban research
MCC study deals with globalised data collection in urban research.
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Land as means of livelihood under siege worldwide
Study examines global land-use changes and finds that biodiversity is decreasing almost everywhere.
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MCC STATEMENT on the end of COP24
At the end of the World Climate Summit in Katowice, MCC Director Edenhofer appeals to governments to take action in view of rising emissions and to finally implement higher CO2 prices.
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Climate policy reduces inequality in lower-income countries
New MCC study examines distributional effects of CO2 price reform for over 80 countries.
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Climate plan for Germany: Economists propose a carbon price reform
In the current issue of Der Spiegel, the weekly magazine reports on the joint proposal put forth by MCC, PIK and RWI for the key points of a carbon price reform in Germany.
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“Just transition” hailed as benchmark for an equitable climate policy
At the MCC, representatives from science, politics, industry and civil society discussed how to achieve a socially responsible coal exit.
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UN report proposes fiscal reforms for the low-carbon transition
UN Environment and MCC highlight fiscal policies for reducing CO2 emissions
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MCC Carbon Clock updated
More opportunities than expected allow us to stay below the 1.5⁰C warming threshold ‒ although carbon budget still remains very tight.
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Reducing US coal emissions promises to boost employment
In a new policy paper, co-authored by Prof. Dr. Sabine Fuss, researchers state that employing bio energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) would create new jobs in other sectors.
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MCC sharpens focus on development
The Institute has joined forces with various partners in the field of development policy. Valuable local knowledge will be integrated into the research agenda.
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Short-term policies can bring long-term targets in reach
A new study co-authored by the MCC suggests a framework that helps to overcome the barriers for climate policy through a sequencing of policy measures.
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Why Europe still needs a carbon price floor
In a new Policy Paper co-authored by the MCC, researchers confront five common “myths” against a carbon price floor in the EU ETS.
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IPCC lead author: Large removals of CO2 unavoidable for 1.5 degrees
MCC group leader Sabine Fuss highlights the need for rapid and ambitious near-term emission reduction to reduce the reliance on carbon removal.
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Warning against hubris in CO2 removal
In "Nature", MCC researchers advocate the ethical evaluation of negative emission technologies. They call for an interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Good tax policy to increase acceptance of CO2 prices
A new MCC study shows that earmarking, transparency and fair distribution are often decisive. Switzerland could serve as a role model.
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Climate policy can finance two-thirds of SDGs in Asia
A new study co-authored by the MCC shows for many countries how much a CO2 price could contribute to financing the UN's sustainable development goals.
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Edenhofer to the Coal Commission: "Take action now"
The MCC Director spoke to the panel of experts this Friday. He presented possibilities for a rapid reduction of greenhouse gases in the German energy system.
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Edenhofer honored with Romano Guardini Prize
The MCC Director received the award for his services as political advisor, cautionary public voice and his work in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
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MCC researcher Fuss appointed professor
In addition to her position at MCC, the group leader assumes a professorship at Humboldt University. The cooperation between the two institutions will be expanded.
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Climate targets and SDGs achievable together with smart policy mix
Climate protection, food security and affordable energy are not mutually exclusive, shows a new study co-authored by the MCC. The competition for land is a key issue.
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Carbon removal from atmosphere unavoidable for 1.5 degree target
Several new MCC studies find significant differences in the potentials and risks of negative emissions technologies.
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“Consulted by the Pope”: Climate economist Edenhofer honored
The MCC Director receives the Romano Guardini Prize from the Catholic Academy of Bavaria. The ceremony will be held in Munich in July.
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Nearly 100 percent renewables in Africa by 2050
A new MCC study shows that climate protection and growth in Africa are compatible—if the countries cooperate and costs continue to fall.
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MCC driving forward new topic within IPCC
The IPCC has announced the authors of its next Assessment Report. MCC group leader Felix Creutzig has a leading role in a key chapter.
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Climate: Better understand demand-side solutions
Behavior, lifestyles and social norms have a major impact on emissions. Climate research should learn more about this so-called “demand-side”, writes MCC’s Felix Creutzig in “Nature Climate Change”.
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Edenhofer accompanies Foreign Minister Maas to United Nations
In his speech to the Security Council, the minister referred to arguments of the MCC Director, who was the sole guest in the ministry's delegation.
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Taxing land and bequests can reduce wealth inequality
A combination of land and bequest taxes could help close the gap between rich and poor without hampering economic growth, suggests a new study co-authored by the MCC.
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Coalition-building for CO2 pricing beneficial for egoistic countries
A new study, co-authored by the MCC, finds that participation in carbon pricing systems pays off even for countries that act egoistically—if climate pioneers go ahead.
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MCC and PIK to intensify research on global commons
MCC Director Edenhofer to also take with Johan Rockström joint lead of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.
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Reports of coal’s terminal decline are premature
The rapid expansion of coal power in fast-growing emerging economies will in part cancel out the reduction of coal investments in China and India, says MCC study.
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Planetary boundaries broken down to individual countries
A new study, co-authored by the MCC, examined the international relationships between the sustainability of resource use and the achievement of social goals. Radical changes are needed.
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Climate protection as a driver for investment
According to a new MCC study, carbon pricing not only has positive effects on the climate, it can also spur growth and ensure long-term prosperity.
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Coal phase-out: Announcing CO2-pricing triggers divestment
A new study, co-authored by the MCC, finds that fossil-fuel divestment offsets the effect of the so-called "green paradox" under the right conditions.
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Edenhofer becomes a Leopoldina member
MCC’s director has been elected to the German National Academy of Sciences.
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MCC provides important research on negative emissions
Negative emissions are becoming increasingly important for achieving the Paris climate targets. MCC group leader Sabine Fuss plays a crucial role in coordinating the research results.
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A coalition for the minimum price
The German climate targets for 2020 could be achievable with a minimum price in the EU ETS. Europe can learn from California and others in this respect, a new MCC policy paper recommends.
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Statement on the end of COP23
The UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, is going to end today. MCC Director Edenhofer warns of the "coal trap" and calls for effective carbon pricing in Germany and worldwide.
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Germany, China and the low-carbon transition
Just before the start of COP23, Brigitte Knopf discusses in “Science” how China and Germany together can lead the global energy transition to success.
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Stiftung Mercator funds MCC with a further €12 million
The evaluation shows that the Berlin-based think tank provides excellent research for scientific policy advice.
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United Nations report: Current commitments not enough
Leading MCC scientists contributed to the new UNEP "Gap Report". It shows that even if the countries meet their Paris targets, global temperature could rise by 3°C.
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Climate policy underestimates moral responsibility of polluters
A new study by MCC und WZB shows: moral responsibility plays a more important role for environmental policy than previously thought.
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Jan Minx appointed professor in Leeds
MCC Group leader assumes chair of “Climate Change and Public Policy” at the Priestley International Centre for Climate in addition to his position at the MCC.
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New German government: Experts recommend carbon prices
In the run-up to the coalition talks in Berlin, MCC Director Edenhofer and 14 energy and climate experts call for higher CO2 prices.
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Ending tax breaks after the diesel scandal
A new MCC study shows: Diesel drivers are more price sensitive than thought. Without tax breaks, carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions would decrease by ten percent.
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Become a “policy-maker” with interactive subsidy map
If countries abolished financial support for coal, oil and gas, they could invest in new infratructures. An interactive MCC map illustrates just how much could be achieved.
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Solar energy underestimated by a factor of three
According to a new MCC study, the growth of solar energy has been grossly underestimated in the results of the models of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
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MCC scientists contribute to UNEP Gap Report
Jan Steckel, Sabine Fuss and Jan Minx were appointed lead author and contributing authors for an assessment also adressing coal use as well as carbon removal.
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Why Climate Policy matters for the G20 finance ministers’ agenda
In "Nature Climate Change", the MCC and others recommend using carbon prices to deal with declining tax revenues and the need to finance infrastructure around the globe.
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MCC Europe’s best climate think tank
The International Center for Climate Governance (ICCG) has ranked the MCC among the top ten think tanks worldwide for the fourth consecutive year. In Europe, the institute has been ranked number one.
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Environmentally sound biomass potentials
MCC group leader Sabine Fuss contributed to the first ever global map of certified forest areas. It shows how to ensure forest protection and sustainable forest biomass production simultaneously.
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Award for MCC group leader Creutzig
For his excellent climate research, in particular on possible solutions, MCC group leader Felix Creutzig is awarded the 1000-pound Piers Sellers Prize.
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Global carbon pricing for more effective climate cooperation
Achieving the Paris climate goals requires better international cooperation. A new book, to which MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer has contributed, explains how this can be done.
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G20 engagement partners: Trump's decision "irresponsible"
After the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the G20 engagement groups call on the international community to cooperate even more closely on climate protection.
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"Now is the time to limit the damage"
MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer comments on the United States' withdrawal from the Paris climate accord as announed by US President Donald Trump on Thursday.
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Responding to the demand for solutions
Experts around MCC scientist Martin Kowarsch recommend a reform of environmental assessments to meet sustainability goals and counteract populism.
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Global land requires international cooperation
In “Nature”, MCC group leader Felix Creutzig advocates treating land and atmosphere alike and ensuring access to land by all.
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Hendricks receives T20 policy brief
The MCC’s group of G20 think tanks has officially handed over their new policy brief to the German environment minister. It recommends to link growth, development and climate goals.
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More efficient technology can reduce CO2 emissions by up to one quarter
A new MCC study shows: Even with todays production technologies emissions could be reduced considerably.
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Carbon price of at least 40 US dollars compatible with Paris goals
MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer comments on the new report of the High Level Commission on Carbon Prices: "The G20 should lay the foundation"
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Lower labor tax to compensate for climate policy
A new MCC study shows: Strengthening climate policy need not penalize the energy-intensive sector.
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Combating poverty and promoting development with land taxes
A recently published MCC report on land tax shows that the taxation of land can help combat poverty and finance sustainable development in developing countries.
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Development Goals: What drives the access to infrastructure?
MCC researchers explored the drivers of access to basic infrastructure services. Economic development plays a key role, but there are outliers—positive and negative ones.
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Benefits of mitigation leadership 'spill over' to other countries
Germany should use its G20 presidency to set a good example in climate protection. New MCC research suggests that climate policy pioneers can positively affect others.
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G20 engagement groups plead for sustainable energy transition
The Energy and Climate Task Forces of the Think20, together with Business20 and Civil20, published a joint statement to support a sustainable energy transition.
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G20 growth agenda against Trump’s scalpel climate policy
In a panel discussion at MCC, Harvard Professor Robert N. Stavins explained concerns about the new US climate policy. The institute’s director Ottmar Edenhofer pointed out some proposed solutions.
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“Climate change underestimated risk to financial market”
In view of the G20 finance ministers’ meeting the MCC publishes a T20 Policy Brief. MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer calls for a stop of fossil fuel subsidies.
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CO₂ pollution rights: The curse of climate money
International trade in carbon permits could harm growth in developing countries, and thus jeopardize international cooperation—even though they would benefit financially.
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How to deal with the literature explosion on negative emissions?
The literature on carbon removal is expanding rapidly—much faster than the field of climate change as a whole. This poses significant challenges for upcoming IPCC assessments.
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Felix Creutzig appointed professor
MCC group leader assumes the chair of Sustainability Economics of Human Settlements at TU Berlin. A former MCC researcher is also appointed to professorship.
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Tracking the Paris goals – indicators for progress
A new method developed with MCC participation tracks the progress of climate protection. The bottom line: The 2°C target might still be achieved—but there are reasons for concern.
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"Trump has substantial potential to cause trouble on climate policy"
Shortly before the inauguration of Donald Trump, MCC Director Ottmar Edenhofer explains the possible consequences – also with respect to the economy.
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Former MCC researcher awarded with renowned Köppen Prize
Linus Mattauch, the first to finish his dissertation at MCC, is awarded with climate research prize that comes with 5,000 Euros prize money.
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Political map for the energy transition
Studies of the energy transition mostly take sides. But they make the scientists' positions and values transparent and thus improve conditions for compromises.
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Urbanization to convert 300,000 km² of prime croplands
MCC researchers show: Urbanization eats up most fertile farmland—in this article, you can interactively experience the future transformations.
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