Hi ,

In the July newsletter we celebrate two decades of the IKEM Academy "Energy and Climate"! For this year's edition, 38 participants from 21 nations came together in Berlin at the beginning of the month to jointly develop ideas for a climate-neutral world. In this newsletter, we look back on a week full of inspiring experiences and exciting discussions.

We are looking forward to the engagement of the 30 members on our newly appointed Scientific and Strategic Advisory Board. Over the next three years, their support will be instrumental in identifying new thematic priorities and driving concrete research projects - for example, on the reconstruction of the Ukrainian energy sector.

Another focal point is shipping: Most recently, the International Maritime Organisation increased its climate protection ambitions. While we appreciate this decision, we advocate for additional efforts to align with the 1.5-degree target, as outlined in our position paper. In parallel, we have published several studies on the potential of green ammonia for decarbonising shipping as part of the CAMPFIRE project.

We hope you enjoy the read! 

Until next time, 

The IKEM Communications Team

— Anika Nicolaas Ponder, Head of the IKEM Academy since 2011. 

The 20th annual IKEM Academy "Energy and Climate" brought together 38 participants from 21 countries in Berlin on 3-7 July to develop common ideas for paths towards a climate-positive planet. The workshops, lectures and excursions unpacked innovative ideas and strategies to reach our climate targets on time, from policy and litigation to participation and science communication.

IKEM has appointed new members to its scientific and strategic advisory board. Thirty distinguished representatives from politics, business and academia will work with the Institute over the next three years to help identify research topics and implement projects – such as the development of a roadmap for the reconstruction of the Ukrainian energy sector.

In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has revised its climate protection strategy. With the 2023 strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, the IMO is setting more ambitious targets than before. IKEM welcomes this decision, but in the following position paper urges additional efforts towards the 1.5 degree target.

In the CAMPFIRE project, IKEM has published studies on the potential of green ammonia for the decarbonisation of various sectors in Germany and Europe, and on the approval of ammonia-powered inland vessels.