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

Ein Slum aus vielen aneinander und aufeinander gebauten Hütten, die auf Pfählen an einem verschmutzen Kanal stehen

“Without the Environmental Redesign of Society and Economy Global Justice will be Impossible”

Interview

The Agenda 2030 is at its half-way point, yet the 17 goals for sustainable development remain a distant proposition. In the following conversation, Imme Scholz discusses the causes and points out how the global community may speed up their realisation.

By Imme Scholz

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

Debt Relief by Multilateral Lenders

E-Paper

As the sovereign debt crisis in the Global South continues to unfold, the lack of involvement of multilateral development banks (MDBs) in debt relief efforts has become a contentious issue among major creditors. This report aims to contribute to the ongoing debate over debt relief negotiations and MDBs and makes policy recommendations how to include MDBs better in debt relief.

pdf

Another Lost Decade or a Decade of Action?

Policy Brief

Climate-related shocks are becoming more frequent and severe. More than ever, countries must invest in climate resilience and just transitions, but for many emerging market and developing economies, high debt burdens put achieving climate and development goals out of reach. A new policy brief explains the proposal advanced by the Debt Relief for Green and Inclusive Recovery (DRGR) Project.

Download (PDF)

Debt Relief for a Green and Inclusive Recovery

Report

The report analyzes new data on the level and composition of sovereign debt for emerging markets and developing economies and its relationship to climate vulnerability. It estimates the size of debt restructuring and suspension necessary for countries in or at high risk of debt distress to achieve debt sustainability and put them on a path towards meeting their development goals and climate commitments.

Download (PDF)

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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