New impetus for cooperation with the Indo-Pacific
Germany and the EU attach great strategic importance to the Indo-Pacific region. This is demonstrated by Germany’s adoption of policy guidelines for the Indo-Pacific in 2020 and the EU’s adoption of an Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2021. In recent years, the region has grown in economic and political significance. It is home to the world’s fastest-growing economies, and it produces 60% of global CO2 emissions. At the same time, it is the major stage on which China and the United States fight out their increasing superpower rivalry. At the invitation of the French Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Foreign Ministers of the EU and Indo-Pacific states, as well as representatives of international organisations, are meeting on 22 February. The aim is to give new impetus to cooperation between the two regions. The core matters to be discussed include security issues, the digital transformation and connectivity, climate change, biodiversity and global health. Global challenges can be resolved only through joint action. This is particularly true when it comes to tackling global warming and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Five of the ten biggest carbon dioxide emitters are coastal states on the Indian and Pacific Oceans. At the same time, climate change is endangering the key life resources of millions of people in the Indo-Pacific region. In countries such as Bangladesh and Viet Nam, no less than half the population is in jeopardy because of coastal erosion caused by rising sea levels. Natural disasters like the tsunami in late January that destroyed the livelihoods of 80% of Tonga’s population are becoming more frequent, and more devastating. These developments exacerbate poverty and social inequality, stoke conflict and stir up instability. That is why Germany is working closely with countries in the region to cut emissions while also cushioning the effects of climate change. Furthermore, Germany is committed to protecting the region’s biodiversity and oceans. To this end, in the run‑up to the Ministerial Forum, the EU has launched two new initiatives designed to promote connectivity for sustainability in the ASEAN region and to ensure better protection for the oceans. Germany is contributing projects totalling at least 24 million euro to the two initiatives.
India targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, says Modi
India’s economy will become carbon neutral by the year 2070, the country’s prime minster has announced at the COP26 climate crisis summit in Glasgow. The target date is two decades beyond what scientists say is needed to avert catastrophic climate impacts. India is the last of the world’s major carbon polluters to announce a net-zero target, with China saying it would reach that goal in 2060, and the United States and the European Union aiming for 2050.
COP26: What climate summit means for one woman in Bangladesh
China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries. Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change. In 2020, China's President Xi Jinping said his country would aim for its emissions to reach their highest point before 2030 and for carbon neutrality before 2060. His statement has now been confirmed as China's official position ahead of the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow. But China has not said exactly how these goals will be achieved.
Why China's climate policy matters to us all
China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries. Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change. In 2020, China's President Xi Jinping said his country would aim for its emissions to reach their highest point before 2030 and for carbon neutrality before 2060. His statement has now been confirmed as China's official position ahead of the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow. But China has not said exactly how these goals will be achieved.
Deliver on promises, developing world tells rich at climate talks
A crucial U.N. conference heard calls on its first day for the world's major economies to keep their promises of financial help to address the climate crisis, while big polluters India and Brazil made new commitments to cut emissions. World leaders, environmental experts and activists all pleaded for decisive action to halt the global warming which threatens the future of the planet at the start of the two-week COP26 summit in the Scottish city of Glasgow on Monday. The task facing negotiators was made even more daunting by the failure of the Group of 20 major industrial nations to agree ambitious new commitments at the weekend.