Older generations make up an overwhelming majority of eligible voters in the upcoming German federal election. Many young people feel that their interests are being ignored in the three leading parties’ campaigns. IF intern Carlotta Hartmann examines younger generations’ democratic deficit, and what it might mean for policy in the future. Population-ageing leaves young voters… Read more »
Category: Environment
Young people, climate change and political power: comparing Germany and the UK
With the upcoming election marking a potential turning point in Germany’s future environmental policy, the country’s demographics give older generations more political power, says Deutsche Welle. If older generations are less concerned about climate change and less supportive of policies to change it, this is disillusioning for those hoping for more ambitious government action against… Read more »
The climate crisis requires solidarity between generations
Throughout the pandemic crisis, younger generations have taken a large hit to their quality of life in order to protect older generations who are most at risk of dying from COVID–19. IF senior researcher, Melissa Bui, explains how older generations can repay young people for their demonstration of intergenerational solidarity by taking essential and urgent… Read more »
Intergenerational equity: Covid-19 recovery within planetary boundaries
As Europe slowly emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, Agata Meysner, Director of Generation Climate Europe, argues that we have a unique opportunity to redesign our economic system to fit within the Earth’s planetary boundaries and that the EU needs to move beyond the growth-oriented fossil fuel economy to create a green and just transition for… Read more »
The government is failing younger generations on air pollution
Recent statistics have revealed that a quarter of schools in the UK are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution. IF senior researcher Melissa Bui explains how the rise in calls for the lowering of legal limits on air pollution are yet to lead to concrete government action.
How is the climate crisis being tackled in UK courts?
The success of the landmark climate lawsuit against fossil fuel company Shell serves as a reminder that companies and governments can be held accountable for their failure to protect the environment. IF senior researcher Melissa Bui outlines a number of ongoing climate lawsuits that are bringing forward similar legal challenges upon the government and key… Read more »
German government ordered to protect future generations
Germany’s highest court has ordered its government to revise its climate change legislation by the end of the year, ruling that current targets do not sufficiently protect the rights of future generations. IF senior researcher, Melissa Bui, explains the importance of framing intergenerational fairness as a rights issue and urges other high courts to follow… Read more »
Earth Day 2021: Time to restore our earth
April 22 is Earth Day and the theme for this year’s event is “Restore Our Earth”. IF senior researcher, Melissa Bui, discusses the need for long-termism in policy-making in order to be able to shift our approach towards restorative strategies rather than mitigation or adaptation.
Carbon emissions are declining despite economic growth in 32 countries
Recent figures released by the Breakout Institute suggest that 32 countries around the world have been able to reduce their emissions whilst achieving economic growth since 2005. IF researcher, Melissa Bui, explains what it means to “absolutely decouple” emissions from economic growth and how the UK is performing in this respect.
New report finds no sign of a Green Brexit
Greener UK, a coalition of environmental organisations in the UK, have recently released their final report which outlines how far the UK has progressed with implementing a “Green Brexit”. The conclusion of their results is clear: not much overall. Why has there been so little progress in environmental policy since 2016? IF researcher, Melissa Bui,… Read more »