Reflecting on 2024: Advancing Global Environmental Solutions with adelphi

In 2024, adelphi drove the ecological transformation through key energy partnerships, water security initiatives, and efforts to promote peace and reduce waste. adelphi also supported sustainable businesses in accessing finance and advised banks on climate finance strategies.

The 21st century faces three major global crises: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The outlook is concerning, with predictions of a 3.1°C rise in global temperatures and adaptation costs exceeding 187 billion euros by 2035. By 2050, waste-related costs could soar to 748 billion euros, and marine plastic pollution may reach 23-37 million tonnes annually. Around 150 species go extinct every day, with a million more at risk.

These crises lead to additional challenges such as infectious diseases, rising sea levels, climate migration, and unemployment. Throughout 2024, adelphi focused on advancing socio-ecological transformation to secure a sustainable future within our planet's limits. adelphi’s efforts were recognised with the 16th German Sustainability Award for "Companies," Europe’s largest award for ecological and social commitment.

adelphi is dedicated to tackling these challenges and aims to play a crucial role in managing these crises. Let's take a moment to revisit some of the highlights from 2024.

Energy partnerships as drivers for the green transformation

In February 2025, a new German government will be elected. It is clear that effective climate adaptation in Germany can only be achieved with a comprehensive climate protection strategy and international collaboration. The return of Donald Trump to the White House poses a threat to US climate policies. This makes building climate alliances and decarbonisation partnerships even more important, as shown by the successful collaboration between Germany, the USA, and Canada through The Clean Economy Bridge.

This year also brought positive developments in international cooperation. The "Energy Partnership" between Australia and Germany has been elevated to an "Energy and Climate Partnership," Which adelphi supports as a leading member of a consortium. Both governments announced a new 400 million euro H2Global tender, which aims to support the production and export of renewable hydrogen from Australia to Germany. Japan and Korea are also significant contributors to green hydrogen production. An adelphi study examines how these countries can boost hydrogen production through quadrilateral cooperation. Korea has also formed a Green Partnership with the EU, which adelphi also supports as project partner. 

Global Climate Policy and Water Security

COP29 in Baku took place amidst a tense geopolitical climate and ended disappointingly. Although a new climate finance target of $300 billion annually was set, it is still insufficient to fully fund the necessary actions. adelphi research participated in panel discussions on fundamental issues such as climate migration, social tipping points, and climate security. Before COP29, the Berlin Climate and Security Conference (BCSC) was organised by the German Foreign Office and adelphi's Climate Diplomacy and Security Team. The conference had over 280 attendees on-site and more than 2,000 online participants, with 50 speakers. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock highlighted the need to integrate climate risks into peace initiatives, while UN representative Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett urged for the climate crisis to be included on the UN Security Council's agenda. This is crucial for many countries facing crises from conflict, war, and climate change, which require greater international support.

Water security can play an important role in promoting peace. As droughts and drinking water shortages become more common, it's increasingly important to strengthen water resource management through methods like rainwater harvesting, agricultural water treatment, and desalination. In Brazil, adelphi research has organised workshops in the scope of the B-WaterSmart project to improve cooperation among governments, water suppliers, NGOs, and communities to address water scarcity and pollution. Water security also involves improving water treatment and reusing infrastructure and better coordination in water management. Youth engagement in water security is also becoming more significant. Activist Marta Zaragoza Navarro, featured in an adelphi podcast, emphasised, "We are not the future. We are the present."

Biodiversity and Adaptation Strategies

The loss of habitats and species decline in Europe threaten biodiversity and agricultural productivity. adelphi research assists farmers in gaining more support for their ecological contributions. Although many projects protect species and habitats across Europe, they are often not well-known. adelphi aims to change this with the Natura 2000 Awards from the world's largest network of protected areas. The awards ceremony, organised by adelphi, recognises and rewards these important conservation projects. In June 2024, the EU passed the Nature Restoration Law, requiring all member countries to protect ecosystems by 2050. adelphi supports implementation through stakeholder initiatives and dialogue, advancing the Berlin Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

As we face the realities of climate change, more German communities are incorporating climate adaptation measures and appointing climate adaptation managers. A guide by adelphi offers valuable insights and tools for these efforts. During Climate Adaptation Week, these initiatives are highlighted, and their implementation is discussed at events such as the ZEIT WISSEN Congress.

By 2030, 405 million people in the ASEAN region will live in cities vulnerable to climate-related threats. An adelphi research study suggests focusing on sustainable urban development, effective disaster risk management, and stronger collaboration. In the remote central Asian mountains, it's also crucial to protect livelihoods with early warning systems.

Initiatives for fair decarbonisation and sustainable supply chains

The EU elections brought the European Green Deal into focus, particularly the "Fit for 55" initiative, which aims to cut emissions by 55% by 2030 and extend the EU emissions trading system to buildings and transport. adelphi is dedicated to ensuring a fair transition, reducing social impacts so no one is left behind. adelphi strongly supports global efforts in emissions trading as a cost-effective way to cut emissions, with 36 systems now running and 22 more being developed.

Waste reduction is increasingly becoming a central topic in the global discourse. adelphi research works on projects to combat marine litter, raises awareness about pollution, and provides waste management training. adelphi also promotes sustainable living by organising challenges for citizens and has created a study with 50 lifestyle options to reduce household carbon footprints.

During the fourth round of negotiations for the global plastic treaty in Ottawa, adelphi research's "Plastic Pollution Treaty Financing Toolbox" was frequently referenced, shared on social media, and downloaded by many delegations. Despite some progress, disagreements over the best ways to combat plastic pollution meant the talks ended without a final agreement, requiring another round of negotiations. adelphi research will continue to support the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica in these discussions.

Strategies for Successful Sustainable Economic Transformation

Businesses play a crucial role in driving sustainable transformation. In Germany, a new Energy Efficiency Act mandates that public institutions and energy-intensive businesses enhance their energy efficiency. The adelphi research project Audit2Measure aids in implementing these measures across six EU countries by identifying obstacles and promoting best practices.

adelphi research is also involved in multiple projects to support environmentally friendly businesses through innovative financing solutions. For example, by the end of the year, they supported 206 businesses in Uganda. adelphi also works on developing a climate strategy for the Nile Basin and helps with Green Climate Fund accreditation. In Malawi and Zambia, adelphi collaborates with SMEs to grow their biodiversity-friendly business models and improve access to green financing, leading to a 32% increase in the agricultural land they manage this year.

All these initiatives rely on secure climate financing. In 2024, sustainable finance became more important globally, with increased focus on climate-related risk management, net zero target setting and upscaling of climate finance. adelphi is right in the middle of it, collaborating with financial institutions on numerous projects. For instance, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), through its subsidiary PROPARCO, enlisted adelphi to support the mainstreaming of climate considerations into the decision-making frameworks and practices of partner financial institutions. adelphi supported several banks in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Kenya and Mauritius developing climate risk management tools and policies, building capacity on climate finance, developing climate strategies, and defining eligibility criteria. 

The challenges of 2024, especially with the climate crisis and political changes, demonstrate that collaboration and innovation are crucial. We are committed to continue making a positive impact on the global economy and politics.