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Focus topic natural resources

While global demand for natural resources is growing steadily, supply is limited. This holds in equal measure for water, agricultural commodities, fossil fuels, metals and ores – and has far-reaching implications for the world’s climate. In the absence of hard-hitting measures to counter this trend, prices for these natural resources will continue to rise. One of the most important parameters to ensure future supply is to boost efficiency in the utilisation of these resources. The measures required to meet these challenges will trigger fundamental changes harbouring numerous risks and opportunities for market participants.

DB Research publishes a Web 2.0 animated film
on climate change

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Date

Title

Size

18.01.2013

Specific global aviation CO2 emissions decline

Topics:	Economic policy; Energy policy; Environmental policy; Key issues; Natural resources; Services; Sustainability; Transport; Transport policy

85k

04.12.2012

Higher energy efficiency for buildings: important building block for Germany's energy turnaround

Abstract:	The energy turnaround can only be implemented if companies and households use energy more efficiently. This is the political consensus. In the framework of the energy turnaround, there are concrete targets: for example, energy consumption is to be reduced by 50% by 2050. Politicians are seeking to reduce energy consumption in the transport sector by 40% and primary energy consumption in buildings by 80% until 2050. The refurbishment rate of existing building stock is to be raised from currently below 1% to 2% per year. These are ambitious targets.
Topics:	Key issues; Natural resources

101k

13.11.2012

Foreign investment in farmland: No low-hanging fruit

Abstract:	Is there a global rush for farmland? Which countries are of interest, to whom, and what are the main drivers? Can it contribute to food security? What are consequences for host countries? We discuss in this paper risks and opportunities associated with foreign investment in farmland as well as ways forward - at a time when there is a strong case for private investment in agriculture.
Topics:	Emerging markets; Environmental policy; Food and beverages; Key issues; Macroeconomics; Natural resources; Sectors / commodities; Social values / Consumer behaviour; Socio-econ. trends; Sustainability; Trade

1259k

17.09.2012

Germany's energy turnaround: Challenging for municipalities and municipal utilities

Abstract:	Germany's energy turnaround targets objectives that far exceed its legislated, accelerated exit from nuclear power generation. The turnaround will pave the way for municipalities and municipal utilities to enter new spheres of activity in terms of energy provision, the heating market and the transport sector. Considering the immense investment required it becomes obvious that the municipalities' and utilities' budget constraints are the biggest bottleneck for the regionally essential energy turnaround. Therefore, when decisions are made on resource allocation the crucial issue should be which measures do the most to implement the revised energy policy as a whole. In this context it has to be borne in mind that ecological, economic and social objectives are not compatible with one another per se.
Topics:	Construction industry; Economic policy; Energy sector; Environmental policy; Environmental protection; Gas industry; Key issues; Natural resources; Privatisation/liberalisation; Sectors / commodities; Sustainability; Tax policy; Transport; Transport policy

369k

13.09.2012

The German Feed-in Tariff: Recent Policy Changes

Abstract:	German feed-in tariffs (FITs) for the generation of electricity from renewable sources, under the Act on Granting Priority to Renewable Energy Sources (“the EEG”), are entering their third phase of existence. In Phase One (2000-2009) German policy focused overwhelmingly on scaling up domestic renewable electricity generation; during this period, degressions in FIT rates were modest and adjustments to the EEG occurred at regular intervals...
Topics:	Natural resources

692k

27.08.2012

Food prices on the rise again, no major crisis in sight yet

Abstract:	Corn, wheat and soybean prices skyrocketed in June-July although they have slightly decreased in the past few weeks. In July, the cereals price index of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN) went up 17% to reach 260 points, close to the record high of 274 points reached in spring 2008 (the peak in April 2011 was 265). The overall food price index climbed 6% in July to reach 213 points, still far from the peak of 238 reached in February 2011.
Topics:	Chemicals industry; Emerging markets; Environmental protection; Food and beverages; Mechanical engineering; Middle East; Natural resources; Sustainability

114k

01.06.2012

Food prices: Food price index up in Q1 but wheat and rice under downward pressure

Abstract:	Some food prices are on the rise again, especially soybeans and meat. The FAO food price index increased in the first quarter of 2012. While it decreased slightly in April, it is now only 7% lower than the peak of 2011. There are key factors exerting pressures in both directions. Higher oil prices, adverse weather conditions and strong demand from Asia have pushed global food prices up. However strong production outlooks – driven by increased plantings and bumper crops – act in the opposite direction. Africa remains vulnerable. Food prices have sharply risen in the last months in some Asian countries but Africa is the main region of concern, especially the Horn of Africa. A new food crisis is emerging in the Sahel region, with multiple causes including drought, chronic poverty and conflict.
Topics:	Economic policy; Emerging markets; Environmental policy; Environmental protection; Food and beverages; Globalisation; International financial system; Key issues; Macroeconomics; Natural resources; Prices, inflation; Sectors / commodities; Social values / Consumer behaviour; Socio-econ. trends; Supervision and regulation; Sustainability; Trade

283k

13.04.2012

Natural gas as a fuel for road vehicles: The underrated alternative

Abstract:	Natural gas continues to lead a niche existence as a fuel for road vehicles despite offering many advantages. The variable costs for a car that runs on natural gas are much lower than those for petrol or diesel engined cars. Besides, it also causes fewer emissions of CO2 and other pollutants. But, so far, natural gas passenger cars are in short supply. Furthermore, the premium charged is still too high for many customers. The filling station network would need to be expanded. However, the problems can generally be managed. On balance, natural gas vehicles have good prospects of growing their market share in the years ahead.
Topics:	Auto industry; Economic policy; Energy policy; Energy sector; Environmental policy; Gas industry; Key issues; Natural resources; Sectors / commodities; Sustainability; Transport; Transport policy

88k

08.03.2012

State-of-the-art electricity storage systems: Indispensable elements of the energy revolution

Abstract:	This study analyses the extent to which the growing volume of regenerative electricity and thus the disparity between power production and power consumption can lead to the loss of the electricity produced and jeopardise an assured electricity supply. First, the structure and size of the problem will be outlined; and then the requirements for solutions and their possible market potential will be deduced. The basic question to be examined is whether modern electricity storage systems are capable of matching the dynamic structural change to energy supplies. Various technical approaches, including pumped storage systems and pumped storage hydropower stations, compressed air energy storage, and hydrogen and methane storage will be discussed and evaluated against efficiency and cost criteria.
Topics:	Economic policy; Energy policy; Energy sector; Environmental policy; Environmental protection; Innovation; Key issues; Natural resources; Sectors / commodities; Sustainability; Technology and innovation

550k

02.03.2012

The climate conflict – and its economic and political implications

Abstract:	Currently, there is an ongoing debate about the pace, scope and damage potential of climate change as well as about the influence of humankind on this phenomenon. This may come as a surprise to casual observers of the debate, for over the past few years most people have been given the impression that scientists agreed that, first of all, climate change is proceeding rapidly, that, secondly, humankind has been a major contributor because of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and that, thirdly, climate change will bring with it serious damage. This “climate conflict” is not at all new, however. Rather, it as old as the climate debate itself.
Topics:	Economic policy; Energy policy; Environmental policy; Environmental protection; European policy issues; Globalisation; Intern. relations; Key issues; Natural resources; Sectors / commodities; Sustainability; Tax policy