News

Halting the flood of waste

SOUTH-EAST ASIA Increasing amounts of plastic waste are ending up in our seas. If this does not stop soon, then it is estimated that by the middle of the century, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans. To try to halt the deterioration, GIZ is working on behalf of the EU and BMZ with seven Asian countries. It is involved in around 20 pilot projects with the objective of improving waste management, reducing plastic and changing consumer behaviour. The aim is to create a circular economy.

Leave no one behind

TURKEY Almost four million refugees live in Turkey. This places a huge burden on the country but particularly on those directly affected. To enable individuals and families in greatest need to survive day to day, GIZ is providing support on behalf of the EU, for example with bureaucratic procedures, legal advice and, where necessary, psychosocial support. The principle of ‘leave no one behind’ applies here too.

Supporting climate action

WORLDWIDE Setting up climate councils in Brazil, supporting Russia with its decarbonisation process and promoting exchange with South Africa on energy policy – all these initiatives and more are taking place on behalf of the EU and BMU as part of SPIPA, a programme supporting non-European G20 countries with the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement. Efforts to reduce emissions within Europe are crucial, but the EU produces less than 10 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Slowing down global warming requires other major emitters to reduce their own emissions as well. SPIPA is cooperating in this area with 15 countries.