EPICO KlimaInnovation is accompanied by a broad-based, independent Advisory Board with high-level members from politics, business, science, and civil society. The Board advises EPICO’s experts on guidelines and the fundamental orientation of the think tank.
With this interview series, we want to introduce the work, expertise, and motivation of each Member of the Advisory Board, as we delve deep into the main questions concerning the future of Europe’s energy transition.
We introduce Christoph Bals, a founding member of Germanwatch in 1991, who has served as the organisation's Political Director since 2006. His unwavering commitment to ambitious climate policy has played a crucial role in driving forward numerous initiatives focused on climate protection and global justice
Christoph, what inspired you to join EPICO as a board member?
All of our great democratic traditions have a foundation of values which allows them to contribute with very relevant impulses to a sustainable future. EPICO can fill a gap here. A bifurcation is ahead of the Christian Democratic/conservative and liberal parties: Do they indulge in the populist temptation or, from their own basis of values, drive forward the necessary transformation of society, which ensures human dignity, freedom rights, and suitability for the grandchildren of our society? I am happy to be available as a constructive conversation partner in this debate.
How can the EU strike a balance between achieving a sustainable and just transition while maintaining its competitiveness?
In recent years, the competitive situation for the EU has changed significantly. On the one hand, industry had become very dependent on relatively cheap Russian gas. The first phase of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine in 2015 did not lead to the consequence of systematically reducing this dependence. After the second Russian attack, the farewell to Russian gas had to be organised very quickly. Electricity and gas prices rose sharply.
On the other hand, for some years now, the major competitors, the USA and China, have been driving forward the struggle for leadership roles in ecological future technologies with massive subsidy strategies. China has taken the lead in the transition to electrification and the use of renewable energies, as well as in most of the necessary technologies. The United States is trying to counter this with the Inflation Reduction Act. For companies that want to invest in these future technologies, the framework conditions in the USA and China are more favourable. As a result, the EU, a long-time pioneer, is in danger of being left behind in the competition for leadership in the global energy transition. Greenhouse gas neutrality and the circular economy are target points for this global race.
The EU and Germany must decide whether they want their companies to lead in future technologies and industries in close cooperation with partner countries around the world. What is needed is a combination of clear frameworks, effective incentives, and focused regulatory law. Competitiveness also includes acceptance by the population. The measures must be effective, fair, and affordable.
The public sector is not allowed to invest and the private sector does not want to. At the moment, it is crucial that this investment blockade is broken up. It is exciting to see that this challenge is recognised by business, trade unions, and civil society. This is a great basis for unusual social alliances.
In your opinion, what key outcomes at COP29 in Baku would signify real progress in the global fight against climate change?
In the context of negotiations, it is about thoroughly increasing international climate financing for the poorer countries. This is in the interest of all of us, because it is the only way to avert a far more dramatic crisis cascade. It is important that everyone is moving - both the industrialised countries and the major issuers among emerging nations, such as the oil states, Singapore, and China. New sources of finance, such as taxes on international shipping and air traffic, must complement these efforts.
It is also crucial that project-related emissions trading (Art. 6) is designed in such a way that it serves climate protection and does not, like its predecessor CDM, open a giant loophole that undermines serious climate protection.
Through initiatives, there may be progress in reducing methane emissions as well as progress for rainforest protection, collaborating together with indigenous peoples in Brazil, Congo, and Indonesia. Finally, an initiative should be launched to break the solar paradox in Africa. The continent has the best conditions for solar energy – but the least investment. Overall, less PV has been installed in Africa than in Bavaria.
At EPICO, we are actively addressing key energy transition challenges. We believe that climate and energy policy driven by competition and innovation is essential to efficiently reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gases, while also balancing environmental protection, sustainable economic growth, and socially just equitable outcomes. Discover our latest publications, and upcoming events, and stay tuned for more Advisory Board interviews.