Search Climate Insights Directory

The Green European Journal Volume 4 examines the intersection of social equality, economic stability, and environmental sustainability in Europe. It argues that rising inequalities are both a cause and consequence of the economic crisis and a driver of unsustainable consumption. The collection includes analyses of the 'precariat' in Poland, the humanitarian crisis in Greece, and the limitations of equality legislation in the UK. Several authors advocate for a shift toward supranational solidarity, suggesting a 'European welfare state' or a universal basic income to replace failing national models. The journal also debates the future of European federalism, calling for a more transparent, democratic 'European Republic' to recover political sovereignty from financial systems.

The document examines the debate over whether economic growth can be decoupled from environmental degradation or if a transition to 'degrowth' and post-consumerism is necessary. It contrasts 'ecological modernisation'—which relies on green technology and efficiency—with 'green radicalism,' which advocates for sufficiency and cultural shifts. The text applies these theories to specific national contexts, arguing that while some developed nations may be entering a post-consumerist era due to economic instability, others, like Croatia, still require green growth to ensure social stability. It concludes that a sustainable future requires redistributing wealth, sharing work, and moving beyond the 'productivist compromise' of the post-war era.

The author analyzes the electoral performance of European Green parties following the 2009 financial crisis, noting a trend of decline in several countries. To counter this, the text proposes five strategic challenges: focusing on societal needs over internal struggles, embracing diversity in leadership and membership, transitioning from 'whistleblowers' to 'solution providers', establishing credibility on economic issues by promoting alternative green economic concepts, and asserting a strong commitment to social justice and equity. The author advocates for a 'Green New Deal' as a practical first step toward a radical paradigm shift in the development model, emphasizing that proposed efforts must be effective, fair, and legitimate to restore public trust.

The Greens in the Bundestag and European Parliament call for a transition from a currency union to a comprehensive economic union to resolve the Eurocrisis. They argue that the Treaty of Lisbon and the 'new fiscal policy pact' are insufficient because they rely on intergovernmental cooperation rather than democratically legitimised EU institutions. The document proposes a 'Green Convention on the Future of the European Union' to debate treaty amendments, including the creation of a European Economic and Finance Minister, a European financial transaction tax, and a 'social progress clause' to protect workers' rights. The authors advocate for a 'Green New Deal' to ensure sustainable and socially equitable growth, alongside greater harmonisation of tax systems to prevent tax avoidance and dangerous competition.

The German Greens propose a Green New Deal to transition Germany toward a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. The plan rests on three pillars: re-regulating financial markets to end speculation, implementing green industrial policies to promote renewables and efficiency, and ensuring social justice through a 'new social balance' and fair wealth distribution. The authors argue that Germany's industrial success depends on this transformation and that it must be coordinated at the EU level to be effective.

The document argues that the Eurozone crisis is a symptom of a failing 'liberal-productivist' economic model and a lack of democratic legitimacy in EU governance. It proposes a 'Green New Deal' focusing on renewable energy, financial re-regulation, and social justice to replace GDP-centric growth. Specific analyses cover the structural failures of austerity in Portugal, the political shift toward majoritarian nationalism in Hungary, and the need for a transnational European public sphere to foster solidarity and democratic reform.

The report analyzes a disinformation campaign that falsely blamed wind energy for the February 2021 Texas power outages. It finds that while mainstream media debunked these claims, right-wing outlets and fossil fuel-funded politicians used social media to spread the narrative, with very few high-performing posts receiving fact-check labels. The authors conclude that current platform moderation is insufficient and recommend a 'two-strike' policy for repeat disinformers and the removal of climate disinformation from organic and paid content.

The document outlines a collaborative journalism initiative focused on the climate emergency, providing a list of republishable stories, social media strategies, and guidelines for partner outlets.

The report examines the Jawa 9 and 10 coal-fired power plant projects in Cilegon, Banten, highlighting severe risks to public health and the environment. It argues that the projects are economically flawed, citing a Korean Development Institute (KDI) study that predicted a negative Net Present Value (NPV) for KEPCO. The document details the prevalence of acute respiratory infections (ISPA) among children in Cilegon and the broader ecological damage caused by coal transport and mining. It specifically calls for South Korean financiers, such as K-Exim and KDB, to withdraw funding to align with the 'Green New Deal' and global climate goals, noting that Indonesia's emission standards are significantly lower than those in South Korea.

The report examines the Java 9 and 10 Coal Power Plant (CPP) projects in Cilegon, Banten, funded by South Korean institutions including K-Exim, KDB, and K-Sure. It argues the investment is 'forced' and 'unprofitable,' citing a KDI pre-feasibility study showing a negative NPV for KEPCO. The document highlights severe health impacts in Banten, where Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is prevalent, and notes that the projects exacerbate air pollution and increase vulnerability to pandemics like Covid-19. It further criticizes the use of Ultra Super Critical (USC) technology as insufficient for carbon reduction and points to the risk of natural disasters, such as tsunamis, given the plants' coastal locations. The report concludes that the investment violates South Korea's 'Green New Deal' and calls for the Indonesian government to cancel the projects in favor of renewable energy.