The latest issue of akzente turns the spotlight on renewables: good for the global climate

One in three projects implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH addresses climate issues. On behalf of the German Government and other commissioning parties, we carry out activities in this area in over 100 countries. To coincide with the UN Climate Change Conference that will take place in Bonn this November, the latest issue of akzente focuses on this topic. In addition to providing insights into specific GIZ projects, this issue also features a variety of articles on renewables and their significance for the global climate.

Photovoltaics, solar, geothermal energy and wind power are currently experiencing something of a boom, writes DIE ZEIT journalist Christiane Grefe in her essay. Once again, renewables grew by 9 per cent in 2016 compared with the previous year. Grefe examines how this worldwide development can bring about a global energy transition. Her observations and examples make the case that, alongside providing additional funding and introducing appropriate legislation, industrialised countries need to become more energy frugal.

Patricia Espinosa has also observed an upturn in global commitment to climate change mitigation. In her interview for the magazine, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change speaks of a marked positive development. ‘The speed at which the Agreement came into force and the number of ratifications – currently more than 160, with more being added every month – underlines the unprecedented global support.’ And that is happening in spite of the sceptics, she says.

Like Espinosa, Fatih Birol writes in his guest article how a growing number of developing countries are joining industrialised nations in investing in renewables. Birol is Executive Director of the International Energy Agency. Many countries, Birol explains, are now turning to decentralised systems and mini distribution grids in order to ensure sustainable power supplies even in rural regions.

Other akzente reports from Chile and Morocco highlight how renewables are creating new prospects – not least for economic development and employment.