Podcast: #14 Talking about Markets and the Environment

In today's episode of IAF TALK Bettina Solinger has gathered the experts from our seminar "The Future of Market Economy" around a big table in the Academy to have an intensive talk about markets and the environment, and to tackle some important questions: why property rights are important for innovation, why some ideas that are brilliant on the paper but won't work in reality, how developing countries are dealing with climate change and, of course, if the economy is actually able to protect the environment.

In this talk we are meeting Arpita Nepal, Rainer Heufers, Dr Tom G. Palmer and Prof. Dr Andrew Morriss who are not only bringing lots of expertise to the table but also present different perspectives from their experiences. We are learning from many practical examples from around the world why the protection of the environment and fighting climate change is such a complex task - and why we are still optimistic.

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IAF Talk - Podcast #14 Guests — Our podcast guests in today's episode (from left to right): Dr Tom G. Palmer, Arpita Nepal, host & director of IAF Bettina Solinger, Prof. Dr Andrew Morriss and Rainer Heufers
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Because Private Property Matters

Together with its partner Audace Institut Afrique, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation initiated a land rights project in Côte d'Ivoire. In five model villages, land rights were documented through the use of innovative technological approaches. The publication explains how the project works and gives an outlook on how blockchain technology can be used for the certification of land rights.

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Climate Change and Migration

Climate variations in the regions, climate change as a source of human displacements and as a risk multiplier in human displacement in West Africa, Maghreb and the Sahel region, are the central themes addressed by the publication by FNF Madrid and IEMed “Climate change: understanding factors, developing opportunities in the Sahel Zone, West Africa and the Maghreb”, which will be presented during the event. The project developed together with IEMed explores new perspectives on one of the main drivers on migration flows for the upcoming decades in the region.

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Climate Resilience

Heat, drought, heavy rainfall: The effects of climate change are already noticeable all over the world. Cities are particularly affected by this development. In our new study, we present innovative ways for cities to address the challenges of climate change. The study focuses specifically on activities in the Global South, providing extensive experience with extreme events such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall.

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Indonesian Youth and Climate Change

Indonesian Youth and Climate Change reported various youth perspectives on their understanding and involvement in combating climate change. The book was designed by compiling and collaborating correspondence from various stakeholders: government officials, businessmen, academics, and civil societies which significantly influence youth's participation in climate change. Moreover, we also propose Indonesian youth's attempts at climate change adaptation and mitigation action, either as individuals or agents of change. We believe the book reflects the real situation from the Indonesian youth's perspective in tackling climate change challenges.

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Climate Change and Security Dynamics in Southeastern Europe

In recent years, climate change has increasingly come to
the forefront of public discourse and has climbed policy
agendas across the globe. Yet, its direct impact and implications
for the security sector remain a relatively novel area
of policy-oriented research, expanding the scope of defence
and security policy beyond traditional military operations.
Climate-related risks not only pose new challenges but also
aggravate existing threats to security. They can change the
dynamics and response strategies in existing conflicts or
lead to breakouts of instability, especially in regions marked
by significant diversity, latent insurgency and competing
geopolitical forces. Southeastern Europe (SEE) is one such
region often described as the contact point between East
and West, North and South. It also serves as a gateway to
Europe from regions such as North Africa and the Middle
East. Furthermore, its geopolitical significance has turned it
into the playground of global competition where the transatlantic
activity of the European Union (EU) and NATO meets
the economic interests as well as security aspirations of
Russia, and increasingly China.

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Navigating climate politics

Climate change's global impact necessitates multilateral commitments on a large scale, especially considering its differentiated and disproportionate effects on countries, regions, ecosystems and marginalized groups like women. Climate change as a subject of international politics, deals with debates over responsibilities and capabilities for environmental protection dividing the Global North and Global South countries. The Global South countries demand financial assistance, technology transfer and capacity-building support from the Global North countries for low-carbon transitions and climate resilience. Global South countries argue that the North bears the onus of historical emission while possessing resources to address climate change and hence, it should lead and support the Global South. India, which is a Global South country, has always been on international platforms, actively voicing concerns of developing countries. India has consistently advocated the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), highlighting the historical emissions of developed nations and emphasizing equity and climate justice in climate action. The country is already experiencing severe climate impacts that affect agriculture, the economy and human health. While the country has ambitious renewable energy plans and aims for Net-Zero emissions by 2070, its reliance on coal power presents a challenge. Extreme heat events and rising energy demand call for just energy transitions and resilient policies. Thus, India's bid to balance its economic growth and carbon reduction requires technology transfer and climate finance.

India's G20 presidency provides a platform to champion inclusive climate multilateralism and push for just energy transitions for developing countries. It should leverage this opportunity to enhance North–South cooperation, present itself as a credible voice of the Global South and promote climate diplomacy, energy access, and disaster relief. It has already showcased its leadership in climate action through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). These can be utilized by India at the G20 to provide a framework for climate finance and technology transfer for climate-resilient actions.

This paper further suggests that to address climate challenges, the G20 should focus on gender-inclusive climate risk resilience, climate finance, and technology transfer. Disaster risk resilience must incorporate gender and indigenous knowledge, while climate finance should include grants-based support for developing countries and endorse gender-inclusive energy transitions. India must also take the lead in reviving regional organizations like SAARC and integrating BIMSTEC for stronger climate action. Inclusivity, climate justice and equitable burden-sharing are essential for effective climate action.

The paper suggests that India has a pivotal role in advancing climate multilateralism and driving inclusive climate action emphasizing the significance of North–South cooperation and aligning regional organizations' efforts, which will foster sustainable development and address the global climate crisis. By actively advocating for just energy transitions, climate finance and technology transfer, India can lead the way towards a more resilient and sustainable future for all nations.

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Economic concepts in children's and young adult literature

Books for children and young adults have a decisive influence on cognitive development and shape their view of the world. This study examines the extent to which economic facts appear in these books. It concludes that there is a wide range of approaches. They include clichés and stereotypes but also balanced and pedagogically valuable treatments of economic topics.

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