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.

Report

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.

Report

The Meaning of the Endogeneity of Money

Abstract

The meaning of the endogeneity of money: 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.

Report

China Urban Development Review

Abstract

China is undergoing one of the fastest and largest urbanisation processes in the world. This process has two facets, one is the incremental expansion of urban populations and cities, while the other is that urban quality is increasingly gaining people’s attention.

With this paper we wish to call together observers to review the urban development process, and we want to be advisors and facilitators for urban development through collecting cases and igniting people’s passion for improving our cities. We live and work in cities, there is no reason to sit and do nothing when our cities deserve more care.

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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.

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‘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.

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German Version
 

100% Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Sustainable development can only be reached by transitioning to 100% Renewable Energy (RE). This paper describes the vital relationship between renewable energy (RE) and sustainable development. In particular, it demonstrates how supporting the transition to 100% RE is both a necessary condition and a driver for sustainable development that leaves no one behind.

In fact, 100% RE is more than just replacing fossil with renewable sources in today’s energy system. It can serve as a means for socioeconomic development and help create an equitable society for today’s and future generations.

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Policy Roadmap for 100% Renewable Energy and Poverty Eradication in Tanzania

HBS Report Study Cover

Abstract

In November 2016 at the UN COP22 in Marrakesh/ Morocco, 48 countries committed to strive to meet 100% domestic renewable energy production as rapidly as possible while working to end energy poverty, protect water and food security, taking into consideration national circumstances. These 48 countries are among the most vulnerable countries and are united as the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). Tanzania is one of these countries.

This report suggests concrete political measures and outlines necessary governmental action to operationalize the target. It captures reflections, experiences and concrete recommendations articulated by Tanzanian stakeholders to scale up Renewable Energy (RE) while spurring sustainable development and eradicating poverty in the East African country.

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Scenario: 100% RE for all in Tanzania

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Abstract

By deploying 100% renewable energy, Tanzania can provide access to reliable energy for all its citizens, while increasing living standards to the level of industrialized countries by 2050. This is the conclusion of a scientific study that is released today in Dar Es Salaam by the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Climate Action Network Tanzania (CAN Tanzania), Bread for the World and the World Future Council (WFC).

The study also reveals that generating electricity from renewable sources is about 30% cheaper than from fossil resources.

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Enhancing Regional Renewables Cooperation in the EU

HBS Report Study Cover

Abstract

In five days in September 2016, 13 policy-makers and -shapers from 8 countries travelled 1,500 kilometres from Denmark via Germany and the Netherlands to Belgium.

Their mission? Exploring what regional cooperation means in practice and
how it can boost renewable energy in Europe.

This report presents their key insights, presents the learnings from the visited projects and summarises the main policy recommendations for decisionmakers on local, national and European level.

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Policy Recommendations for European policy makers:

Policy Recommendations

Beyond fire: how to achieve sustainable cooking

Abstract

Across the world, 3 billion people rely on traditional biomass fuels, such as firewood, charcoal or animal dung to meet their energy needs for cooking, causing serious adverse consequences for the environment, health, and economic development of the population.

Reliance on wood and charcoal for cooking has a number of well-recorded negative effects, including deforestation, soil erosion or loss of biodiversity. Exposure to household air pollution from cooking with solid fuels causes 4.3 million premature death according the World Health Organisation.

We need a breakthrough transition towards truly long-term, sustainable solutions which do not leave anyone behind. To inform and push the discussion beyond wood and charcoal-based solutions, this broad analysis on sustainable cooking suggests how the various renewable energy technologies could help accelerate this transition. The goal of this report is not to prove that a particular pathway will ever fully or exclusively replace the use of traditional biomass for cooking purposes: rather, the goal of the report is to critically evaluate the various different technological pathways and the barriers along the way.

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