While natural gas has been heralded in recent years as a ‘bridge’ energy source supporting the growth of renewables, MPP student Kimberly Liu argues that the fuel is more environmentally harmful than we think, and… [Read more]
Energy, Environment & Infrastructure
Highlights current topics of contention and provides recommendations for governance in regard to climate mitigation and energy policies.
Interview with His Excellency Mr. Gurjit Singh, Ambassador of India to Germany
Last month, as the International Relations Club organised the first event of its Ambassador Series, Executive Editor Nathan Appleman sat down with His Excellency Mr. Gurjit Singh to discuss politics, energy, and structural domestic reforms in India.… [Read more]
Volkswagen and Fuel Economy Standards in the EU: in Desperate Need of an Overhaul?
Truth in Engineering,’ proclaimed Audi proudly in billboards all over the world. Ironic, considering Audi’s parent company, Volkswagen (VW), has found itself deeply mired in an emissions cheating scandal that has implicated an estimated… [Read more]
Why Berlin Needs To Prevent Nord Stream II to Get Eastern Member States Back on Board
Despite a mild winter, the heated discussions at this year’s Munich Security Conference over a return of Cold War-like disputes ensure that Russian gas supply will remain on the agenda. During the recent years, Moscow… [Read more]
Why Nord Stream II is Part of the Solution for European Gas Supply
The recent announcement of a multinational industry consortium to build a second Nord Stream pipeline from Russia to Germany provoked massive protest from Central and Eastern EU Member States as well as from the European… [Read more]
A US Perspective: the Need for Counter- Cyclical Energy Policy
Our recent research demonstrates that the continuation of society’s historical pattern of addressing energy problems only in times of crisis is insufficient to provide the necessary incentives for a transition to an energy system with… [Read more]
The Challenges of Financing the Costs of Climate Change
Nina Hall, a post-doctoral fellow at Hertie School of Governance offers insight into the financial changes felt at the COP 21. As the world has met in Paris to discuss a more inclusive and accountable… [Read more]
The Japanese Energy Transition: Distinguishing Realistic Targets from False Hopes
Four years after the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear accident and the subsequent shutdown of all nuclear plants in Japan, the Abe government announced earlier this year that it would gradually restart its nuclear energy production, sparking criticisms both… [Read more]
Smart Commitments in Europe
Our “things” are becoming smarter — smart phones, smart cars, and smart meters. Smart technology has extended its reach to almost every corner of the modern lifestyle, whether it be communication, travel, or providing these… [Read more]
Why is Open Government Data Needed to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?
Adopted on September 25th 2015, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) drive an ambitious post-2015 development agenda for the coming 15 years. Building on the 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of 2000, the SDGs go… [Read more]