The climate crisis is coming to a head. Scientists are increasing their prognoses of the severity of the situation with new findings. Experts doubt if it is still possible to keep global warming under two degrees from pre-industrial levels. Beyond this threshold – und probably considerably below – the crisis will become a catastrophe.

On the international level the search for ways to come to a productive agreement is shifting into high gear. A global climate agreement for Copenhagen in 2009 will be a decisive step on the road to a global climate governance regime under the umbrella of the United Nations. But an ambitious agreement alone will not solve the whole problem. National, regional, bilateral and multilateral projects and strategies are required to limit dangerous climate change and to secure adaptation programs for the poorest and most vulnerable.

Public awareness is increasing due to the conglomeration of the climate crisis, the energy crisis and the finiteness of our fossil resources, but as of yet this has not led to a radical policy change. The basis of climate and energy policy is the responsible handling of the earth’s natural resources. And yet resource production is characterized by global dependencies, the massive violation of human rights and conflicts in resource producing regions. Furthermore extremely unequal power dynamics between multinational companies and local populations aggravate the problem.

Climate, energy and resource policy is a central cornerstone of the Heinrich Boell Foundation domestically and abroad. Only a coherent climate, energy and resource policy which recognizes firstly the interconnectedness of the climate crisis in its causes as well as in its search for solutions and acts in accordance with this recognition will be able to deliver sustainable solutions.

We are “On the road to Copenhagen”, where the next Climate Change Conference will take place from December 7th -18th. In this dossier you can find more information, articles, publications and events of the Heinrich Boell Foundation worldwide as well as background information and links to other important actors, forums and websites.

More information can be obtained from head office website.

............................................................................................................................................................................

Synthesis Report: Climate Change - Global Risks, Challenges & Decisions
Copenhagen, 10-12 March 2009-06-20
The report presents an overview of research on fundamental climate science, the impacts of a changing climate on society and environment, and the many tools and approaches available to deal effectively with the challenge of climate change.
Download the report (pdf, 39 pages, 5,6 MB)

...........................................................................................................................................................................

A Copenhagen Climate Treaty - Version 1.0
Climate change experts from leading NGOs have published a blueprint for a legally binding Copenhagen agreement.This will serve as the benchmark for governments negotiating a new climate deal this year and shows how major differences between rich and poor nations can be overcome.
Download the report (PDF, 61 pages, 1,4 MB)

...........................................................................................................................................................................

The Role of the Heinrich Böll Foundation in International Climate and Energy Policy
By Lili Fuhr, Barbara Unmüßig, Tilman Santarius, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
We are witnessing an unprecedented concentration of global problems: In addition to the crises of climate and resources, of poverty and malnutrition, there are now also the consequences of the global economic and financial crisis. As a Green-allied political foundation with a presence in all of the world’s regions, we support efforts to bring about a just form of globalization.
Download the Paper (PDF, 4 pages, 132 KB)