Erik Molnar Jr., Author at EUDNE

Carbon inequality

Posted by Erik Molnar Jr. | Feb 16, 2023 | Economics

The richest 1% of the world’s population produce 15% of the world’s carbon emissions, double the emissions of the poorest 50%. On average, they emit more than 70 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person per year, 30 times more than we can afford to emit if we try to avoid exceeding the 1.5 degrees of global warming. If we consider individuals rather than industry, 10% of European citizens are responsible for 27% of the continent’s total pollution. One of the billionaires’ favourite toys, a superyacht—which is kept on constant standby—emits around 7,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The 77th anniversary of the United Nations

Posted by Erik Molnar Jr. | Oct 24, 2022 | Diplomacy

24 October marks United Nations Day, the anniversary of the day in 1945 when the UN Charter entered into force. In the past 77 years, the UN has worked to maintain international peace and security, promote social progress, improve living standards and support human rights. There is no other global organization with the legitimacy, convening power and normative impact of the United Nations. No other global organization gives hope to so many people for a better world and can deliver the future we want.

Making cars and aircrafts from the byproducts of petroleum refining

Posted by Erik Molnar Jr. | Sep 20, 2022 | Beyond

Cars are getting heavier. In the same category, the change compared to 30 years ago is dramatic: the weight of cars has increased by more than 15 percent. This goes against the principle of making vehicles more efficient to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the range of electric vehicles. The solution to this problem would be to use lighter materials that also meet safety requirements.

Winter is coming: The price of independence

Posted by Erik Molnar Jr. | Jul 29, 2022 | Economics

What would be the price for Europe to become independent from Russian energy? Since the end of February, the world’s most advanced economies have been imposing harsher and harsher sanctions against the Putin regime, and global brands have been leaving the Russian market of 144 million people. In addition, there is one measure that would hurt the Russians very much, that is the trade embargo on Russian energy. Over decades, there could be scenarios where the EU becomes independent from Russia.

The economic shock of 2022: Is the global economy at risk of stagflation?

Posted by Erik Molnar Jr. | May 11, 2022 | Economics

Last year, many economists were expecting 2022 to be a period of strong economic rebound. Instead, stagflation is again on the cards. After the double shock of COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, inflation rates have exceeded expectations, while economic growth forecasts are rapidly deteriorating. Therefore the prospect of stagflation’s return strikes fear – because there are few monetary tools to address it.
But what is stagflation?