Green House Think Tank Archives - Green European Foundation

Sep 27 2023

The Geopolitics of Degrowth (London)

By GEF

About the event

Can the UK and the European Union be the first to renounce economic growth but still be global players? What are the tensions, as well as important synergies, in trying to bring about such a transition of our economic systems and international relations at the same time?

This event brings together leading academic and political voices to consider how we might transform our economy away from one predicated on growth, and what this means for our diplomatic and trade relations, as well as defense policy, arms control, and the threats posed by current and future conflicts, including in Ukraine.

Project background

This event is part of GEF’s project Geopolitics of a Post-Growth Europe, which explores the tensions between degrowth/post-growth and geopolitics. The project aims to ignite a conversation between critics of economic growth and progressive thinkers on foreign and security policy, who now often operate in separate circuits. It aims to find solutions beyond naïve anti-militarism and convenient belief in green growth. Find out more about the project and its findings at geopoliticspostgrowth.eu.

Speakers

Casper Wits – Lecturer in East Asian Studies, Leiden University
Frank Meeussen – Diplomatic Advisor to Belgian Deputy-Prime Minister George Gilkinet, Ecolo
Gabriela Cabana-Alvear – Transdisciplinary scholar and degrowth researcher, London School of Economics
Marissa Conway – CEO, United Nations Association UK
Prof. Peter Newell – Professor of International Relations, University of Sussex

Programme:

15:00 – 15:30 Arrivals and welcome (London venue)

Introductions from UK-UNA, Green House and the Green European Foundation

15:30 – 16:30 Session 1: How will a degrowth agenda impact on international relations?

Casper Wits: China-Europe relationships – what will the future look like?
Gabriela Cabana-Alvear: The EU-Chile trade agreement – a degrowth perspective
Prof: Peter Newell: Steering away from extractivism

Short presentations followed by panel discussion.

16:30 – 16:45 Break

16:45 – 17:45 Session 2: Defence policy in a post-growth world

Frank Meeussen: Arms control as a condition for a post-growth world
Marissa Conway: Shifting away from Militarism.

Short presentations followed by panel discussion.

17:45 – 18:00 Closing discussion

Practicalities:

Date and Time: October 17th, 15:00 – 18:00 BST (UK time).

Location: This is a hybrid event. You can join online via Zoom or in person at the United Nations Association of the UK – 3 Whitehall Court, London, United Kingdom.

Language: English

Registration: Please register in advance via this form. Registration is required both for online and in person participants. Spots in the venue are limited, so register quickly and do notify us if you can no longer make it, via events@greenhousethinktank.org.

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green House Think Tank and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.

Feb 01 2023

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Rethinking Heating and Cooling

By GEF Uncategorized

Context

Climate impacts became more apparent within Europe through the record high temperatures in the summer of 2022. This has converged with a cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and consequent shortages of Russian gas and an unprecedented increase in energy prices. Whilst governments in some countries have shown imaginative thinking to deal with the immediate energy crisis, this thinking needs to be extended with a view to long-term changes of behaviour, practices and social norms. Change is essential to limit energy demand in the future as a critical response to the climate crisis.

Ensuring everyone has a living space that they can maintain at temperatures safe for human health should be a government priority.

Objectives

This publication argues for a broad rethink of the demand for heating and cooling buildings that goes beyond calls for widespread retrofit. It draws from the earlier ‘Rethinking Energy Demand’ report (October 2022) and the interviews conducted for that report with academics and thought-leaders across Europe. The earlier report considered the need and means to sufficiently reduce energy demand. This policy briefing invites policy makers to extend their thinking beyond the immediate crisis towards a longer-term strategy for delivering the human need for thermal comfort whilst eliminating carbon emissions. The briefing comprises 6 sections and offers 16 policy recommendations, across both efficiency and sufficiency measures.

Translations

Available in Spanish

Available in Greek

This publication has been realised by the Green European Foundation and Green House Think Tank with the financial support of the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Oct 26 2022

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Rethinking Energy Demand

By GEF Uncategorized

Context

Scientists are clear that Europe must significantly reduce its overall energy demand to meet the targets for carbon reduction necessary to limit climate danger. In its latest report on climate mitigation, the IPCC has, for the first time, included a chapter dedicated to reducing demand. This chapter concludes that calling for individual action is insufficient and that a society-wide approach is needed for significant impact, delivering up to 70% decarbonisation.

However, there is a dangerous silence on this matter within the public sphere. Politicians are hesitant to speak on this point, fearing the disruption that this will cause. (2) However, disruption is an inevitable part of any economic change and there is still time to make a choice about the form this disruption takes. Avoiding the topic closes off all options around how to address the impacts.

Objectives

This report explores the need to rethink energy demand in terms of policies, politics and economics. It draws on interviews and round-table discussions with academics researching energy reduction and sufficiency, and post-growth and macroeconomics, and with green politicians.

Energy demand is just a subset of how humanity is exceeding planetary boundaries.

The report focuses on the barriers, opportunities and where sufficient changes could be unlocked through new governance, policies and communication, rather than on specific policies for specific sectors. Whilst this report focuses specifically on reducing direct energy demand, much of the report’s findings could be applied to much wider challenges, including the indirect energy embodied in supply chains, which also need to be reduced if we are to address the interlocking climate and ecological crises. The report is written to inform and provide a resource for policy makers, politicians, climate campaigners and the general public who are motivated to respond to the climate change threat.

Download

Available in Greek

Available in Catalan

Available in Spanish

Sep 28 2022

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The return of the workers: agitating for a just transition (Harrogate )

By GEF

About the event

As the cost-of-living bites across Europe and trade union disputes spread like wildfire, could renewed agency for workers help break climate politics open and deliver a just transition? Speakers include Matthew Hull, newly elected Trade Union Liaison Officer on GPEx, Anne Chapman, former co-chair of Green House, Robert Magowan, author of the aviation chapter in A European Just Transition for a Better World, and more.

Context

This event is organized by the Green European Foundation (GEF) with the support of Green House Think Tank as part of the transnational GEF Just Transition project.

This project tackles the question of a Just Transition – transforming from an extractive to a regenerative economy in a just and equitable way to find the necessary support among the population. It seeks to show that the green family, including GEF in its specific role, is a leading actor in the development of futureproof politics and policies, developed in a sensitive way that keeps in mind local specificities.

Programme

3.15 – Chair: welcome and introductions

3.20 – Matthew Hull, GPEx trade union officer (10 min)

3.30 – Robert Magowan (by video link) (10 minutes)

3.40 – Anne Chapman – agriculture and the food industry (10 minutes)

3.50 – Joaquin Nieto – Just transition processes in Spain (by video link) (15 min)

4.00 – 4.30 – questions and discussion

Practicalities

Time and date: 3.15 – 4.30 pm Friday 30th September

Location: Queens 7 Convention centre (Harrogate ) & online

Registrations: To attend this event you have to book to attend the Friday of the conference. Register here.

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green House think tank and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.

Sep 12 2022

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Rethinking Demand: Realities and Opportunities (Dublin/online)

By GEF

About the event

The Green European Foundations is bringing together Green House Think Tank (UK), Etopia (Belgium) and Green Foundation Ireland at an event hosted with the Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy. This event will launch our Rethinking Demand Framing Paper and explore the complexity of the actions needed to reduce our demand for energy as well as the politics involved in doing so.

As the urgency of the need to limit emissions to prevent further climate harm grows, and the all-encompassing nature of achieving this dawns, the pivotal role of rethinking how our societies deliver wellbeing for all has become ever more critical. During this conference, sessions will explore how social and business practices, infrastructure, and our governance structures can be transformed to reduce the collective demand for energy and unlock a future without fossil fuels.

Context

This event is part of the GEF transnational project Climate Emergency Economy: Rethinking Demand. Building on several years of work exploring what it means to create an economy fit for the climate emergency, GEF and its partners are this year focusing on the crucial question of how to reduce demand for energy and materials. With the support of Green House Think Tank, Etopia, and Green Foundation Ireland, we will explore how to frame rethinking demand politically, and articulate clear plans for demand reduction so green narratives are better grounded in reality and a shared vision of hope.

Programme

Please note that all times are indicated in IST/BST. For participants joining online from a CEST time zone, everything will be one hour later.

Our FULL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS is available here. Please see below a short overview:

14:00 Address by Dublin’s Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy.

Presentation and discussion of Green House Think Tank’s framing paper “Rethinking Energy Demand” by two of its authors, Jonathan Essex and Peter Sims.

Panel discussion facilitated by Michael Smith (Editor of The Village magazine) with keynote speaker John Gibbons (Environmental journalist and commentator) and Claire Downey (Rediscovery Centre), Davie Philip (Cultivate) and Rosalind Skillen (Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful).

“Circular Economy and Demand Reduction” with Minister Ossian Smyth.

17:00 Closing reflections and drinks reception.

Practicalities

Date and Time: Wednesday, October 26th from 14:00 – 17:30 IST (15:00 – 18:30 CEST)

Location: In person at the Mansion House in Dublin, Ireland. Please note that you can also follow this event online, via Zoom.

Audience: Open to all registered participants. The event will be in English.

Registration: Whether you are joining in person or online, please register in advance via THIS LINK. Spots for in person attendees are limited, so if they fill up you may be placed on a waiting list. With any questions regarding registration, please contact info@greenfoundationireland.ie.

Rethinking Demand: EU Roundtable

By GEF

About the event

As Russia’s war in Ukraine puts pressure on energy supplies across Europe, governments are preparing for an uncertain winter, with concepts like rationing and controlled blackouts suddenly on the table.

Yet the need to structurally rethink our demand for energy and other key goods is not new. Amid the multiple crises facing Europe and the world, not least the climate emergency, there is a continued failure to acknowledge the role of reducing demand in the rapid and fundamental change needed. Mainstream understanding of demand management focuses on improving efficiency and engaging consumers, which tends to reproduce existing consumption levels with marginally less energy and resource use. This is insufficient to deliver the reduction in energy use needed as part of a rapid shift to zero carbon and to remain at 1.5°C warming.

A better understanding of the realities of demand change is required, and exploring how to frame this difficult topic is critical to reaching climate targets and energy independence goals. This expert roundtable will bring together academics, politicians, activists and NGO/foundation representatives to discuss to what extent we need to reduce energy demand and how we can go about it in a just yet decisive manner. Results of this discussion will inform a framing paper to be published in the autumn.

Context

Programme

More details on the programme will follow.

Practicalities

Date and Time: Thursday, 15th September (15:00 – 17:00 CEST)

Audience: This is a closed roundtable. For more information please contact sien.hasker@gef.eu.

This expert roundtable is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green House Think Tank and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.

Jul 01 2022

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Just Transition Essay Competition

By GEF

Context

The competition coincides with the publication of our new book, ‘A European Just Transition for a Better World’, a collection of chapters revolving aorund the transformation from an extractive economy to a regenerative one in a just and equitable way. As described by Dirk Holemans, co-President of the Green European Foundation and the book’s editor, the just transition marks “the meeting of necessity and ethics“.

About the Competition

Entries should engage with this collection, referencing chapters and applying the concepts, history and political analysis it develops to the political economy of the UK (a free e-book will be shared on request). While the proposed essay can be academic or persuasive in style, it should be rigorous in its argumentation and references. It may make use of previously submitted (but unpublished) work. Entrants do not need to have, or be in tertiary education, and we welcome entries that can engage personally as well as conceptually with the subject (for example, those written from the perspective of workers, organisers and activists).

The winner’s essay will be published in print and promoted by the Green European Foundation and Green House ahead of the UK book launch event, which the winner will be offered travel expenses to attend. The event will take place on 20th September at Bookmarks bookshop in Bloomsbury, London, chaired by former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett.

Essays are encouraged to take a broad interpretation of the subject, and to provide an overview across different themes, which could include:

Just transition in the context of the cost-of-living crisis, rising labour agitation and lower growth futures (see for example this webinar), and how these factors could impact the political and policy landscape.
The electoral appeal of just transition-related policies and agendas (Green New Deal, Green Industrial Revolution) with reference to recent UK national and regional elections.
Devolved nation initiatives around the just transition, referencing recent progress in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The role of ‘place-based just transitions’: local and democratic engagement in planning through e.g. Local Authorities and Citizens’ Assemblies (e.g. Bristol).
Critical perspectives on the just transition, for example on the strategic role of the labour movement in the ecological transition relative to youth (e.g.
The Hidden Pitfalls of the “Just Transition”).
The role of sectoral transition plans (e.g. energy, manufacturing, transport, advertising) versus economy-wide planning and policies.

Interested?

Contact info@greenhousethinktank.org to confirm your interest and eligibility, and to receive the e-book of A European Just Transition for a Better World.
Prepare a 300-word pitch on the political potential of the concept of a just transition in the UK. The pitch should make clear its interactions with the book and the proposed scope and style of the essay.
Provide an example of previous writing– academic or otherwise – on a related topic (e.g. climate crisis, labour movement, political economy), around 1,500-3,000 words in length.
Send your pitch and previous writing to info@greenhousethinktank.org by midnight on Sunday 24th July.
The winner will be notified by 28July and asked to submit a 2,500-word essay by 21st August. Runners-up will also be invited to submit full-length essays for publication by Green House.
The winner will receive prize of £500 upon publication; have their essay designed and published by the Green European Foundation and Green House; and receive travel expenses to attend the UK launch of ‘A European Just Transition for a Better World’ in London on 20th September.

Practicalities

Entrants should be under the age of 30 or in full-time education at undergraduate or masters degree level. Please note that the Green European Foundation and Green House will retain the editorial control of all publications.

This contest is run by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green House think tank and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this contest.

Jul 01 2022

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“Just Transition For A Better World” Book Launch (London)

By GEF

Context

This event is organized by the Green European Foundation (GEF) with the support of Green House Think Tank as part of the transnational GEF Just Transition project.

About the event

As we argue in this book, a just transition requires a new social contract. A new contract for Europe – this time a social–ecological contract – can only be written from a global perspective, taking into account human rights and respect for nature worldwide. At the same time, this major transformation will need to be very context specific. The event will feature chapter authors introducing the concept of just transition, describing the Spanish experience, sectoral initiatives in agriculture and aviation, and the role of youth and climate justice movements.

Speakers

Chair: Natalie Bennett, former Green Party leader

Dirk Holemans, coordinator of Think Tank Oikos & Co-President of GEF
Joaquin Nieto, Former Director of the ILO Office for Spain
Anne Chapman, Green House Think Tank
Sean Currie, co-Spokesperson for the Federation of Young European Greens

Practicalities

Date: Tuesday 20^th September

Time: Doors and drinks served from 17:00

Event starts at 18:00 and ends at 20:00

Location: Bookmarks bookshop, 1 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3QE

Registration: Sign up here

Additional Reading

Just Transition Is About Systemic Change

Just Transition Time for a Rethink

Coronavirus Recovery and Just Transition in Spain: A Unique Opportunity

“We should approach this transition as an opportunity”: An interview with Adam Tooze

Apr 06 2022

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A guide to engaging aviation workers and trade unions

By GEF Uncategorized

Context

Climate campaigners are coalescing around an agenda of no expansion of airports and the need for a long-term reduction of aviation. However, not all of these campaigns have incorporated worker perspectives to better understand the impact on jobs and changes to local and national economies.

We don’t just want to get the industry back to where it was in 2018, but decarbonised. Because that wasn’t a good industry for workers. Transport had become too cheap, it was market driven. There is a need to embark on a huge transformation of the industry.

Objectives

This short guide explores how campaigns can connect better with aviation workers and the trade unions that represent them – to build mutual support, win those campaigns and advance a rapid and just transition for workers in the sector.

About the project

This publication is part of the project “Just Transition in the Aviation Sector” that explores how the concept of a just transition could look like when applied to the aviation sector in the UK. It focuses on the loss of jobs in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the potential of the green job creation. In this context, a case study of the Gatwick airport was conducted.

Just Transition in the Aviation Sector explored the topic of the Aviation sector adaptation through several formats, including the development of infographics, events with an inclusive European dimension. As a part of the project, GEF implemented an online event called Green jobs and airport expansion campaigns, gathering experts and politicians to debate the topic in a panel format.

The initial research and debates within the project scope culminated in this report.

Download

Available in Spanish

This publication has been realized with the support of Green House Think Tank and the financial support of the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Feb 15 2022

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Dare to Care: Ecofeminism as a source of inspiration

By GEF Uncategorized

Context

The concept of care has become increasingly important as COVID-19 continues to make its way through populations worldwide. However, care extends beyond the strictly medical: it encompasses everything we do to preserve and restore our planet. The erosion of the welfare state, the continued plundering of the Global South, the lack of solidarity, and the persistent crossing of planetary boundaries is alarming to say the least. We can only turn the tide if we leave the instrumental view of nature and humans behind and radically care for all earthlings.

Can care offer us a fresh start based on interconnectedness, and generosity? How can care, as an emancipatory principle, underpin politics and the economy?

Objectives

In this booklet, we offer you a crash course in ecofeminism and invite you to get inspired by different people and movements across the world. Ultimately, these lessons, which relate to the many challenges we face today, aim to encourage us all to question ourselves about what truly means to build an “economy of care” in Europe and beyond.

Translations

Available in Polish.

Available in Turkish.

Available in Greek.

Available in Serbian.

Available in E-Reader format or to order in German.

About the authors

Dirk Holemans is the coordinator of Oikos think tank and co-president of the Green European Foundation (GEF). He is a researcher, lecturer and the author of Freedom & Security (EPO, 2016).

Philsan Osman studies African languages and cultures at the University of Ghent, Belgium and is a writer, activist and community builder.

Marie-Monique Franssen is staff member of Oikos think tank and co-author of The Ecological Compass (EPO, 2020). She has a master’s degree in cultural anthropology.

These translations have been realised with the support of Oikos, FREDA, and Strefa Zieleni and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Nov 08 2021

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Global Public Investment Requirements for Zero Carbon

By GEF Uncategorized

Context

Sufficient and appropriately directed global public investment is critical to shift our economies to zero carbon. Currently such investment is inadequate, and still funds additional fossil fuel dependent transport infrastructure. This report explores UK and EU global public investment in transport.

This publication strengthens the calls for climate finance agreed at COP26 to be sufficient to address the climate emergency. Global fossil fuel subsidies of $450 billion dwarfed additional international climate finance of $43 billion in 2020. Arbitrary funding targets, dubious accounting and outdated ideas about how funding should be spent perpetuate the status quo. European governments must lead in ensuring public investment in zero carbon is provided internationally on the same basis as domestically.

About the project:

This report is part of a project led by the Green European Foundation exploring what a climate emergency economy would look like through a rethinking of trade, industry and infrastructure investment. The project is supported by Green House Think Tank in the UK alongside green foundations in the Netherlands, Ireland, Bulgaria, Poland and Finland. It is organised with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.

Objectives

Global Public Investment Requirements for Zero Carbon examines how international aid, loans from development banks and export finance all continue to fund fossil fuel-dependent developments. This is particularly true in the transport sector, which soaked up around 20% of global official development assistance from 2014-2019. And rather than zero carbon transport systems to serve local populations, much of this aid is funding new roads, airports, ports and rail projects that support export-orientated economic growth.

The report sets out three clear recommendations the following:

Climate finance must be additional to the meeting of existing 0.7% target for aid;
All countries must stop financing infrastructure that locks in fossil fuel use and align aid and public expenditure to tackling the climate and ecological emergency;
Global public investment must be more accountable, equitable and effective.

“As we approach COP26, all countries must commit to stop double-counting climate finance with pre-existing official development assistance commitments, and ensure both are sufficient and fully aligned with the Paris Commitment to avoid dangerous climate change. That means that financing of infrastructure that accelerates must end now, both at home and abroad.”

Audiovisual material

This publication has been realised with the support of the Green House Think Tank, and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Oct 25 2021

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Climate Emergency Economy at the Green Hub

By GEF

About the Event

Alongside several partners, GEF has been investigating the requirements of a so-called Climate Emergency Economy. We’ve focused on the questions and sectors that pose a particular challenges such as agriculture, transport infrastructure and trade, and hydrogen for the green transition.

Which sectors should be prioritised for limited “green hydrogen” and what are the geopolitical implications of hydrogen imports? How does zero carbon relate to food sovereignty and the EU’s Farm to fork strategy? And what needs to change in transport infrastructure investments in Europe and overseas (e.g. through foreign aid) to ensure a zero-carbon future?

Join our sessions at the COP26 Green Hub to engage in this debate and learn more about our findings!

Context

This webinar is part of the project Climate Emergency Economy–organised by GEF with the support of Green House Think Tank, Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks, Green Foundation Ireland, and the Foundation for Environment and Agriculture. The project explores policies required in the most difficult sectors to decarbonise for Europe to reach net-zero emissions.

Practicalities

These sessions will all take place at GEF’s COP26 Green Hub. They are open to the general public and you can join both in person or online. To learn more and register in advance, please check out this link.

Programme

Wed 3rd Nov 11:00am-12:30 pm: Hydrogen in the Climate Emergency Economy

The Scottish Green Party (SGP) is hosting the Hydrogen in the Climate Emergency Economy (hybrid) panel discussion in collaboration with GEF and Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLink to make space for a global conversation on the role of hydrogen in achieving net-zero by 2050 through a just transition. We will be joined by an inspiring panel of experts and decision-makers to hear about the debate on hydrogen followed by an in-person & digital audience-led Q&A.

Location: Garnethill Room, Green Hub at Renfield Centre, 260 Bath St, Glasgow G2 4JP

Speakers:

Evert Nieuwenhuis (Wetenschappelijk Bureau Groenlinks)
Alex Lee (FoES)
Dominic Eagleton (Global Witness)

Chair: Mark Ruskell, member of the Scottish Parliament.

With the support of Scottish Greens and Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks

Thurs 4th Nov 4:30-6pm: Reshaping our global economies for the Climate Emergency 

Location: Chapel – Green Hub – 260 Bath St – Glasgow

Recording: Can be accessed after the event via this link.

Speakers:

Natalie Bennett (chair) – Green Peer
Harold Mugozi – Kenyan Global Young Green
Jonathan Glennie – ODA global think tank

With the support of Green House Think Tank

Sun 7th Nov 3-5pm: Climate Emergency Economy — What’s missing from the agenda at COP26?

Location: Blythswood Room – Green Hub – 260 Bath St – Glasgow
Recording: Can be accessed after the event via this link.

Speakers:

Carla Denyer – Co-leader of Green Party of England and Wales
Professor Julian Allwood, Professor of Engineering and the Environment at the University of Cambridge, and Head of the Use Less Group and UK FIRES
Laline Paul – Author, playwright, screenwriter
Jean Blaylock – Global Justice Now
Frank Habineza – MP Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
Natalie Bennett – Green Peer

With the support of Green House Think Tank

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green House Think Tank, Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks, and Green Foundation Ireland, and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation

Sep 08 2021

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International Development Finance and the Climate Emergency

By GEF

About the event

This webinar is part of the project Climate Emergency Economy. It is organised by GEF with the support of Green House Think Tank, Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks, Green Foundation Ireland, and the Foundation for Environment and Agriculture. The project explores policies required in hard-to-decarbonise sectors for Europe to reach net-zero emissions. In 2021, we identify three industries that are among the most difficult to decarbonize: agriculture, hydrogen, and transport infrastructure and trade.

Context

Governments and other investors are moving away from directly financing fossil fuel extraction–in response to successful campaigning in the Global South and North. Yet they are still funding governments to develop their economies in ways that depend on fossil fuels and worsen the climate emergency.

Aid, export credit and other finance mechanisms are pushing mining and resource extraction, fossil fuel-based development and forms of trade that exacerbate both the climate crisis and global inequity. Meanwhile, there is an urgent need to help countries in the Global South mitigate and adapt to climate change. This is a simple matter of climate justice.

Please join us to share ideas on how we can redirect policy to make it fit for a climate emergency economy.

Speakers

Natalie Bennett – Green Party peer and former leader of the Green Party of England and Wales
Jonathan Essex – chartered engineer and environmentalist
Dorothy Grace Guerrero – head of Policy & Advocacy at Global Justice Now
Silvia Brugger – coordinator Climate Governance at GIZ
CONCORD Europe, speaker TBA

Programme

19:00 Welcome and introduction with Natalie Bennett and Peter Sims

19:05 Jonathan Essex: key findings from forthcoming report

19:20 Dorothy Grace Guerrero: how aid and international finance contribute to the climate emergency and climate injustice

19:30 Silvia Brugger: how donors can support governments to address the threat of climate change – examples from GIZ’s work

19:40 CONCORD Europe: tbc

19:55 Summary and Q&A

Practicalities

This event will take place online on Wednesday, September 29th (19:00 – 20:30 CEST).

Admission is free but please register in advance via this link.

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green House Think Tank and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.

Image: Railway construction in Azerbaijan (credit: Asian Development Bank)

Aug 26 2021

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Transport Investment: The Zero Carbon Challenge

By GEF Uncategorized

Context

“Transport Investment: The Zero Carbon Challenge” is part of a project led by the Green European Foundation exploring what a climate emergency economy would look like through a rethinking of trade, industry and infrastructure investment. The report exposes the uncomfortable truth that a major shift in transport infrastructure investment is needed. It quantifies the massive scale of transport infrastructure investment plans across the UK and EU and how this fails to align to existing climate targets. This highlights that whilst heavy goods transport, shipping and aviation are some of the hardest to decarbonise, demand for these transport modes are not being managed or constrained in line with climate commitments.

Objectives

The report calls on transport to have far stronger carbon targets so that it is able to help drive down carbon emissions across the rest of the economy, rather than holding back the transition to zero carbon. A radical overhaul of transport infrastructure spending plans is needed so that funding is redirected from expanding capacity, to decarbonising existing transport. The report is framed ,using the Zero Carbon Policy Toolkit introduced in GEF and Green House’s August 2020 report, Trade and Investment Requirements for Zero Carbon.

“Facing up to climate reality requires governments to stop driving transport growth. It is just as irresponsible to expand transport – which leads to burning of more petrol, diesel, kerosene and heavy fuel oil – as to dig a new coal mine in Cumbria. In both cases new infrastructure stands in the way of phasing out the burning of fossil fuels. Governments must ensure investment is redirected from expanding transport to decarbonising what we have already. Continued transport capacity growth should also be classed as Ecocide.”

Download

Available in Spanish

Visual material

Jun 10 2021

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REACHING ZERO CARBON TRANSPORT: WHAT WILL IT TAKE?

By GEF

About the Event:

The UK and EU are planning investments in transport infrastructure – airports, seaports, new roads and railways – which will lock in future carbon emissions and make their ‘net zero’ targets impossible to meet.

How can we achieve zero carbon emissions from transport of freight and passengers? What needs to change to make net zero carbon transport a reality? Where should public money be invested? And what obstacles are blocking this?

Please join us to explore these questions – and share ideas on how we can redirect policy to make it fit for a climate emergency economy .

Context:

This webinar is part of the project Climate Emergency Economy – organised by GEF with the support of Green House Think Tank, Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks, Green Foundation Ireland, and the Foundation for Environment and Agriculture. The project explores policies required in ‘hard-to-reach’ sectors for Europe to reach zero carbon. In 2021, activities are centred around three key pillars: agriculture, hydrogen, and transport infrastructure and trade.

Speakers:

Natalie Bennett – Green Party peer and former leader of the Green Party of England and Wales
Prof. Julian Allwood – Professor of Engineering and the Environment at the University of Cambridge, and Head of the Use Less Group and UK FIRES
Jonathan Essex, chartered engineer and environmentalist

Andrew Murphy, Aviation Director, Transport & Environment

Programme:

19:00 – Welcome

19:05 – Prof. Julian Allwood: The Big Picture (what needs to change in the transport of goods and people in order for us to meet real zero carbon in the UK and EU)

19:30 – Jonathan Essex: key findings from upcoming GEF report on transport infrastructure investment

19:40 – Andrew Murphy: the aviation perspective

19:50 – Natalie Bennett: the political response

20:00 – Moderated Q&A

This programme is provisional and may be subject to change. There will be interactive audience polling throughout this event.

Practicalities:

This event will take place online on Monday, July 12th (19:00 – 20:30 CEST).

Admission is free but please register in advance via this link.

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green House Think Tank and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.

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