By 19 October 2023, Zimbabwe had recorded 115 suspected cholera deaths — 34 confirmed — and 5,256 suspected cases according to a situational report from the country’s Health and Child Care ministry. Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration and death if untreated. It is most likely to occur and spread in places with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene. Kennedy Nyavaya reports.
Year: 2024
Africa’s tripartite condition requires careful considerations on spending Official Development Assistance
Africa is facing a tripartite problem that often require access to foreign funds. But Official Development Assistance flows from developed to developing often come with a caveat – donors often express how their concessional loans must be spent, such as on a specific climate project. But such preference sometimes conflicts with national priorities. This often leaves politicians choices between implementing policies for international agreements, such as for the Paris Accord, which requires climate mitigation and adaptation projects, and fostering economic and social development. Considering the centrality of energy in the history of human development, Michael Davies-Venn argues that capitalizing on the continent’s unique opportunities for renewable energies provides an added benefit by complementing decarbonization gains being made in other regions, but that this requires coordination between donors and recipients.
The unintended consequences – How protectionist policies in Europe and the United States undermine the energy transition in the Global South
The global race to become a leader in the manufacturing of green technologies is well underway. Many developed countries are pumping huge amounts of money into their respective green economies. How could this influence green economic growth in the Global South? Rebecca Bertram reports.
100% renewables: the way forward to fix Europe’s energy and climate issues
When confronted with energy price explosions and the climate crisis, the EU cannot waste time and money on castles in the air. Instead of betting on unproven solutions far from market introduction, such as small modular reactors and the broad deployment of all kinds of carbon removal technologies, the EU should build on what works right now. Renewable energy sources have proven to be by far the most relevant and reliable solution. In our new 100% Renewable Action Plan for the next European Commission, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and Environmental Action Germany (Deutsche Umwelthilfe) describe what needs to happen after the 2024 European elections to harvest the benefits of renewables. Jörg Mühlenhoff reports.
Why Mexico is lagging behind in the energy transition
Mexico could be a renewable energy champion yet wind and solar make up only about ten percent of the country’s electricity mix. Rebecca Bertram has taken a closer look to find out why Mexico’s energy transition is lagging behind.
The US gets serious about climate protection: Biden’s IRA at one
In August 2022, the US Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), ultimately the Biden administration’s climate protection package. The investment into the hundreds of billions was billed as a “moonshot moment,” and applauded almost everywhere. Let’s take a look at what’s happened thus far. Paul Hockenos reports.
Why Latin America’s mining industry is embracing renewables
The Latin American mining industry has historically been a cornerstone of the region’s economy, providing essential resources for global development. However, it has faced mounting criticism due to its significant environmental impact. Recognizing the need for change, many mining companies in Latin America are beginning to take proactive steps to mitigate their environmental footprint. Rebecca Bertram reports.
Hikers and bikers beware: Climate breakdown has hit Europe’s Alps hard
Central Europe is among the fastest warming locations on Earth. In the Alps, this has ramifications for nature, outdoorspeople, and tourist infrastructure. Paul Hockenos reports.
Challenges to Latin America’s geothermal boom
Geothermal energy prospects remain largely untapped in many parts of the world. Latin America with its numerous volcanos and seismic activities along the Pacific Ocean has a particularly high potential to develop this renewable resource. What is holding it back? Rebecca Bertram reports.
Climate protection? Yes please, but not in my cellar!
Opinion polls show Germans worried about the climate crisis and in favor of more climate action. The fallout of global warming is one of their most pressing concerns, indeed as it is across Europe. And yet, when it comes to modifying lifestyles or paying higher prices to curb emissions, most say they’re not willing, or only as much as it doesn’t sting. Paul Hockenos reports. Read More