EU/ORGANIC FARMING - Working with Nature Published: 12 July 2019 Article Rising demand for organic products in Europe is a market opportunity for producers and the food industry. But farmers need help to switch from conventional to organic, and to stay organic in face of market pressures inducing them to switch back. The Common Agricultural Policy offers some support – but not enough.
EU/BIODIVERSITY - Intensification vs Conservation Published: 12 July 2019 Article People often say that there are fewer birds and insects now than there used to be. That is true, and intensive agriculture is largely to blame. Despite some lip service paid to the necessity of nature conservation, the overwhelming weight of European agricultural policy is to promote yet more intensification.
EU/FARMS - Growing Up Published: 12 July 2019 Article Like all industries, agriculture is subject to economies of scale. But larger farms have a smaller workforce and can be a bigger burden on the environment if they employ industrial methods, compared to the low-input systems that have traditionally dominated rural landscapes. It is time to shift policies towards preserving jobs and communities, being kinder on the environment, and encouraging young people to take up the farming profession.
EU/INTRODUCTION - Hitting Targets, Missing Goals Published: 12 July 2019 Introduction The Common Agricultural Policy is one of the EU’s oldest policies. Despite its extensive funds and regular reforms every seven years, it is poorly attuned to the needs of Europe’s hugely diverse farm sector. Goals to minimize and adapt to climate change, protect the environment and promote rural development are poorly served.
Uncalculated Risks: Threats and Attacks against Human Rights Defenders and the Role of Development Financiers Published: 31 May 2019 Compendium Through 25 case studies, Uncalculated Risks explores the nature of the threats and attacks against defenders in development, and examines the role of development finance institutions (DFIs) in mitigating or exacerbating these risks.
Plastic & Climate: The Hidden Costs of a Plastic Planet Published: 31 May 2019 The plastic pollution crisis is a significant and growing threat to the Earth’s climate. Greenhouse gas emissions from the plastic lifecycle threaten the ability of the global community to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C. pdf
The Tunisian Truth and Dignity Commission: From a Human Rights to a Political Project Published: 3 April 2019 Analysis The final report of the Tunisian Truth Commission (IVD) was presented to the public on March 31, 2019. Yasmin Hajer has followed and researched the process over the years. In her contribution, she explains how the coming to terms with the past was appropriated by the various political parties and how they tried to influence it. By Yasmine Jamal Hajar
Feminist foreign policy - imperative for a more secure and just world Published: 13 February 2019 Introduction Kristina Lunz and Nina Bernarding, who are leading the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy in Germany explain why a peaceful world will remain an utopia without a feminist foreign policy. By Kristina Lunz and Nina Bernarding
"We need to change the ancient structures largely made by men" Published: 12 February 2019 Interview How can Germany promote social justice and gender equality? An Interview with Minister of State Michelle Müntefering on Germany's role during its two year term at the UN Security Council in 2019 and 2020.
