Globalisation and Transformation

The way our economy currently works is destroying the foundations of life on this planet. Climate change is accelerating and biodiversity is under massive pressure. At the same time, the income gap is widening and inequality is growing. A “great transformation” (WBGU) worldwide is needed to bring our global economy in line with planetary boundaries while ensuring a good life for all. The work of our department focuses on projects concerning international infrastructure, investment, economic and fiscal policy as well as the promotion of new economic and development policy ideas.

Recent contributions

The Debt-Climate Nexus

Commentary

As central banks tighten monetary policy, dozens of climate-vulnerable, highly-indebted countries teeter on the edge of a financial abyss. To address the confluence of economic and environmental disasters ravaging the Global South, the international community must provide immediate debt relief in exchange for green investments.

By Ulrich Volz, Kevin P. Gallagher, Jörg Haas, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Yueven Li, Anzetse Were and Shamshad Akhtar

The AIIB Fails on Public Access to Information

Background

Starting from October 2021, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will begin using a newly revised but still problematic environmental and social framework. This framework contains the right words and appears to tick all the boxes, but it includes too many loopholes and caveats that undermine early disclosure of environmental and social risks.

By Korinna Horta and Wawa Wang

Climate change and global finance: Is the financial sector reaching a tipping point?

Analyse

The financial industry also sees the climate crisis as a threat to future speculation profits. Industry giants like BlackRock are calling for an end to fossil fuels and siding with the environmental movement.

By Jörg Haas and Barbara Unmüßig

Thematic focus

Debt Relief for Green and Inclusive Recovery

Green Hydrogen

Ein Kompass liegt auf einem Blatt Papier

Transformative Economy

Infrastructure and Investment policy

Commons

Development Policy

Publications

Summary - Green hydrogen: Key success criteria for sustainable trade & production

Two-pager of the detailed synthesis report "Green hydrogen: Key success criteria for sustainable trade & production"

pdf

Front Cover of the Publication, a green background

Technical potential & challenges of REnewable hydrogen

This report provides the technical background of processes of renewable hydrogen production and its applications in key sectors and discusses factors which will determine the costs reductions for the commercialisation of renewable hydrogen to reach economies of scale.

PDF (English)

Green Hydrogen: Key success criteria for sustainable trade & production

Report

Based on national consultations in African and Latin American countries, this report examines benefits and risks for local communities and the envisaged exporting countries located in the Global South. It outlines international policy recommendations for how a human-rights based, equitable, just, and environmentally sound trade should work.

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Making the Great Turnaround work

Study

The long-term challenges have lost none of their significance – be it climate breakdown, species extinction, the increase in inequality, or demographic change. The challenge is to craft a strategic approach that can set the course for long-term success.

pdf

Team

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