Rhein on Energy and Climate

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The week of February 27th to March 3rd is likely to write history in the short annals of European diplomacy. For the first time, the EU has played tit for tat with Belarus, its annoying Eastern neighbour country that excels above all by its authoritarian, repressive regime. On February 28th the EU foreign ministers condemned… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

As expected after the demonstration of power by major airline countries in Moscow February 28-29th China has not waited long before taking retaliatory action against the EU imposition of emission caps on Chinese carriers` flights to EU airports. Two multi-billion Chinese orders for Airbus planes are at stake. The Chinese government has blocked the authorisation… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

Syria finds itself in an increasingly murderous civil war. The majority of the people is suffering from repression and brutal onslaughts by the military and security apparatus, while the Free Syrian Army (FSA). essentially composed of deserted soldiers, is fighting desperately to weaken the regime, blowing up gas pipe-lines and vital infrastructure or killing security… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

Europe’s prosperity is at risk! European companies, small or big, are falling behind their American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Canadian and Australian competitors in terms of the innovation. They are less creative and slower to adapt to ever new international market conditions. The fates of once successful companies like Nokia, Vestas or major investment banks demonstrate… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

The European winter 2011-12 will go down in history as divided into two unequal parts: very mild until mid-January and in the first half of February. It is therefore appropriate to draw a few lessons. The 2011-12 winter offers no evidence that climate change is a chimera. It is there more than ever, marked by… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein

The forthcoming Presidential and Congressional elections in the USA will also be of crucial importance for the future of our planet. Traditionally, Republican Administrations and Congressional majorities have cared more about oil and coal interests than about energy efficiency and renewable energies. President Obama`s ambitious climate legislation programme has been foiled by a Republican majority… » read more

Posted by Eberhard Rhein