It’s time: MCC will be part of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research from early 2025
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
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”
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
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
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
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
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
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”
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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”
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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”
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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”
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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”
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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”
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The MCC Director receives the "Arthur Burckhardt Prize 2021" as a "pioneer and expert in the field of carbon pricing".
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