A Paradigm Shift in Energy Policy

Is it all just about electrons and molecules? Far from it. Anyone who believes that energy policy is defined by technical boundaries alone is …

The dangers posed by trade-off deniers

Harry Lime, the villain of the classic movie The Third Man, is an early example of the kind of smart movie villain who is not …

Poland needs to tap into its wind power potential

Poland’s geographic potential for wind energy development is similar to that of industry leaders; yet, the interference of the Polish government continues to block …

Should profits on electricity and gas be taxed?

At first glance, the EU Commission’s suggestion that above-normal returns in the energy sector be taxed may seem like a reasonable and timely initiative. …

Is a common EU energy policy feasible?

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February 2022, questions about energy independence in the EU and the various ways this could …

When market failure attracts rent-seekers

Market failures are not simply outcomes you do not like. They are institutional inefficiencies such as externalities (where a proportion of the cost or …

Energy price hikes: less moralising, more economics

The energy-price crisis is an economic problem.
It is not a moral problem. It is a matter of bringing supply and demand for various …

Market mechanisms are the silver lining of COP26

While COP26 seems to have had lukewarm effects on the global approach towards more sustainable policies, a key takeaway is the promotion of market …

Can the CBAM ensure a cost-efficient energy transition?

The Carbon Borders Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is one of the key regulations to compliment the EU’s existing ETS scheme in tackling carbon leakages. As …

Time to finish fishing subsidies

Historically the EU has subsidised certain industries, especially those in the agricultural sector. EU fisheries are no exception, with the European Maritime and Fisheries …

Decarbonisation through technological freedom

Most countries are not on track to meet their promises made under the Paris Agreement, as impactful climate action is often hindered by the …

CBAM: The Devil is in the Detail

The EU Commission launched a public consultation on the adoption of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), i.e. a fee to be levied on …

Rejecting Mercosur would be a lose-lose

Nearly a month ago, “Fridays for Future” speaker Luisa Neubauer met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. According to Neubauer, Merkel assured her that she …

Carbon tax – an idea whose time has come

I was sitting in a hot tub in Leningrad in the summer of 1990 when I realised the Soviet Union would fall.
There were …

What the EU can learn from Swiss and Scandinavian carbon tax policies

The EU has established a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions through a €1tn European Green Deal. It aims to make the entire bloc …

Decentralisation of the Climate Crisis: Introducing Green Visas

Neoliberals often criticise governments for overly centralising the decision making process . They argue that this makes it difficult for individual actors to intervene, …

Climate Crises: The myth of eco refugees

On 2nd December 2019, delegations from the United Nations convened in Madrid for COP25, the 25th annual Climate Change Conference. They gathered to discuss …

If we want to be green, trains should be taxed and not subsidised

The argument made by many such as George Monbiot that the protection of the environment requires the destruction of capitalism has no credibility given …

Achieving a carbon neutral economy by 2050

The new European Green Deal plans to make the EU carbon neutral by 2050 while opening up new possibilities for development and employment. The …

The Thunberg phenomenon, Extinction Rebellion, and the denial of trade-offs

When it comes to environmental problems in general and global warming in particular, I empathise with those who take the issue seriously. I like …

CETA’s long journey. Any end in sight?

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has had a long journey to today’s vote of consent in the European Parliament. Most of the …

How could the world’s biggest exporter oppose freer trade?

On September 17th, more than 100,000 people took to the streets of several German cities to protest against both the Transatlantic Trade and Investment …