The new year can be a time of hope, of fresh starts. But given the state of our world, the continuing genocide in Gaza, Russia’s war in Ukraine, war in Sudan, the right-wing backlash against vital climate action, hope is in short supply. And when we start to feel hopeless, that is surely intertwined with a sense of powerlessness. And yet, we have phrases that push us forward – … [Read more...] about Hope and powerlessness: the world in new year 2025
Environment
Paying the price for net zero
European countries are reneging on their climate commitments and scaling back investment in the new green industrial deal. After January 20, when the second Trumpian dystopia begins, the White House will systematically shred the plans - and undermine the achievements - of Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act that promised investment of up to $3trn in clean energy and … [Read more...] about Paying the price for net zero
Welcome to a dark future under Trump 2.0
The world has been upended in just a week since Trump's sweeping victory - or at least for "liberal progressives." Many of these read the runes of Trump's recapture of the US presidency and Senate and retention of the House as giving "liberal elites" a deserved bloody nose. In explaining his triumph they excused or at least glossed over his excesses and accused Biden, Harris … [Read more...] about Welcome to a dark future under Trump 2.0
The EU and UK under Trump 2.0
Almost a week after Donald Trump’s election victory, are European leaders any clearer on their strategic reaction to the ever-deteriorating geopolitical environment and the implications of his victory? Or, amidst EU divisions on a range of issues, is the EU – not very strategically – just waiting to see how bad Trump 2.0 proves to be? After the flurry of congratulations from … [Read more...] about The EU and UK under Trump 2.0
EU climate challenges – and politics
How will the EU tackle the climate and biodiversity crises in the coming crucial years? Europe is the fastest-warming continent, globally, and its nature and biodiversity is in a state of serious decline. Yet, leading climate experts are warning the EU is likely to miss its own 55% target for emissions reductions by 2030 unless it rapidly steps up – possibly not even hitting … [Read more...] about EU climate challenges – and politics