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Ambition For the Future – 100%RE to Accelerate Sustainable Development
Abstract
While the Agenda 2030 set the aim to keep global climate change to 1.5°C, existing policy measures, legal frameworks and initiatives are nowhere near these ambitions. However, research indicates that this target is achievable if we fully decarbonize our economy and society by no later than 2050. This ultimately means a transition to 100% renewable energy (RE) and a complete phase out of fossil fuels.
Therefore, this report highlights how 100% RE is a prerequisite for achieving justice and dignity for present and future generations, including a mechanism to finance this transition. The links between these elements – namely regenerative cities, sustainable agriculture, peace and disarmament and education for sustainable development – and 100% RE underpin the reasoning and strong necessity to transition to 100% RE. The clarification of these interrelationships enables a comprehensive approach to climate action and policy design that disrupts single silo thinking while leaving no one behind.
Financing 100% Renewable Energy for all in Tanzania
Abstract
Tanzania is endowed with abundant, high quality renewable resources which could play a significant role in meeting the country’s energy demand and propel living standards to the level of industrialized countries by 2050. This means however, that an average annual investment of US$9 billion is needed, to reach the 100% RE. In order to provide 100% Renewable Energy which is affordable for all, additional financial means are necessary. A new model focusing on an agreement between MDBs and Central Banks from the industrialized world outlines how to unlock this necessary investment to implement 100%RE for all by 2050.
The meaning of the endogeneity of money for the different kinds of QE and large scale financing of the SDGs
Abstract
Financing large scale climate investments and other SDG duties needs new tools. One tool could be a new kind of monetary finance by the central banks. The future finance department of the WFC developed a theoretical background paper which demonstrated how the new tool works and why it precisely fits with recent findings of economic science.
WEF comment from Dr Matthias Kroll, Chief Economist, World Future Council
For a number of years, climate change has been on the agenda of the World Economic Forum in Davos – but until today, without any notable results, says the World Future Council, and suggests a “climate bailout”, similar to the bank bailout in 2008, to limit global warming to the 1.5°C threshold agreed in Paris. Dr. Matthias Kroll, Chief Economist of the World Future Council, says in his statement…
Implementing a “climate bailout”: How to convert fossil fuel stranded assets into renewable energy investments
Abstract
To comply with the 1.5°C limit agreed in Paris, a significant fraction of fossil resources cannot be used for energy production. The loss of value of fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal will cause considerable uncertainty and instability on the financial markets. Also, the unavoidable transformation of energy companies towards renewable energy generation will be even harder when they are weakened by the accelerated depreciation of their fossil fuel assets.
Therefore, a new financial instrument is required to enable energy companies to convert their de facto “stranded” fossil fuel reserves into renewable energy (RE) assets. Since assets already threatened by “stranding” can only be sold in the private financial markets at a minimum residual value, private actors can be excluded as feasible buyers.
Passing on the losses to taxpayers would be neither politically nor financially realistic. The only institutions that have the economic potential to implement a “climate bailout” are Central Banks, just as they have done in the banking crisis since 2008.
Unlocking the trillions to finance the 1.5°C limit
Abstract
In order to meet the +1.5 ° C limit specified in the Paris Agreement, a shift of the global energy supply to 100% renewable energy is necessary at the latest by 2050. Such a process requires annual investments in the order of $1.5 to $2 trillion. Although the costs of renewable energies (RE) have recently declined sharply and further downturns can be expected, current investments are stagnating at approximately $250 billion. Therefore, additional monetary support must be provided, in order to bring the global expansion of RE to the necessary scale.
This report outlines how it can be established through cooperation between the non-industrialized countries, the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), or other financial institutions, and the Central Banks of the industrialized countries.
‘Degrowth’ alone is not enough
Abstract
Can our production systems become sustainable and balanced within our existing political and economic order? This is, in principle, possible. The expected problems in financing such a transition can be overcome once the analysis is based on actual economic processes.
This paper aims to move beyond the current purely GDP-oriented debate on growth by highlighting the differences between real finiteness and the apparent finiteness of GDP.
Growth and finiteness have to be reconciled if we want peace and sufficiency for possibly over 10 billion people in the future.
Financial Market Reform: Strengthening Public Interest
Abstract
Financial institutions and governments are keen to stress that regulation should not unnecessarily burden the financial sector. However, the key question must be: how can the public interest be effectively protected and strengthened? — This new WFC-brochure shows the urgent need for financial market reform to catch up and highlights new risks as well as methods and routes towards sustainable financial markets. It demonstrates how trade agreements such as CETA, TTIP and TiSA put enormous brakes on reform and contradict the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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