The EU agri-food sector contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions while being highly vulnerable to climate risks. A report by the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change finds that current policies are insufficient and calls for a systemic transformation across the entire value chain. Ecologic Institute supported the work together with partners through analyses of mitigation and adaptation options, the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and policy instruments such as pricing agricultural emissions and addressing international emissions leakage. The report provides concrete recommendations for coherent EU policies that better integrate climate mitigation and adaptation in the agri-food sector. 

Restoring freshwater ecosystems is essential for achieving Europe’s environmental, social and climate goals. The MERLIN flagship report shows how restoration efforts can be prioritised, ecosystem service benefits assessed and funding sources diversified across Europe. It provides an evidence-based approach that offers practical guidance for planning and implementation. 

Delivering the EU Nature Restoration Regulation requires additional and more diverse funding sources. A policy brief from the Green Deal Restoration Horizon Research Project Cluster shows how public and private funding can be combined to scale up freshwater restoration across Europe. 

Three new guides support municipalities in communicating nature-based climate adaptation and engaging different target groups. They provide practical guidance on inclusive outreach to reach underrepresented groups, strategic media work to strengthen public awareness, and the use of city maps to make measures visible and encourage participation. 

Interview: Arne Riedel

The idea of recognising the rights of nature is gaining increasing attention worldwide. In several countries, rivers, forests and lagoons have already been granted legal personhood to strengthen ecosystem protection, and similar approaches are now being discussed for the Arctic. In the science section of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Arne Riedel discusses current debates on how Arctic sea ice could be better protected. 

Panel discussion and speech: Doris Knoblauch

At the 2026 conference of the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) in Oulu, Doris Knoblauch presented results from the project “Plastic Pirates – German Coast". The focus was on experiences from the long-running campaign as well as initial findings from focus groups with participating students. The contributions show how citizen science supports research on plastic pollution and strengthens environmental awareness among young people.

Speech: Mandy Hinzmann

At the 18th Klett Symposium on Geography, Mandy Hinzmann presented the citizen science project “Plastic Pirates – German Coast". The focus was on how students investigate plastic pollution using scientific methods and what insights can be derived from the data they collect.

Speech: Doris Knoblauch

At the German Nature Conservation Day (DNT) in Berlin, Doris Knoblauch presented the Urban Governance Atlas, developed in the EU-funded INTERLACE project. The collection offers an overview of governance and policy instruments that support cities in implementing nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and biodiversity. 

At the 6th EU Blue Parks Community Workshop during the European Ocean Days, more than 100 representatives from policy, research, public authorities and civil society came together to discuss progress in marine protection across Europe. The focus was on advancing the EU Blue Parks Initiative and its contribution to the 30/30 target. 

On 24 March 2026, the European Climate Neutrality Observatory (ECNO) will present its new Clean Industrial Transition Monitor and discuss whether current EU policy creates the enabling conditions needed for a successful industrial transformation. Interested participants are invited to register for the event to gain insights into the monitor’s key findings and discuss which policy steps are needed to advance a climate-neutral industry in Europe.

What did the ecosystems of the North Sea and Baltic Sea look like over 100 years ago? To explore this question, the Ecologic Institute project team visited the Museum of Natural History in Berlin in February 2026. The visit was part of the project “The German North Sea and Baltic Sea over 100 Years Ago", funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. Historical specimens, handwritten inventory books and scientific collections opened up new perspectives on the marine past – and provide valuable insights for today’s marine conservation.

RISE UP for the Ocean is a global network connecting civil society initiatives with international decision-making processes. R. Andreas Kraemer has been elected as its inaugural chairman. The network advocates for ambitious ocean policy, including the BBNJ Agreement, sustainable small-scale fisheries, deep-sea protection and ocean-based climate action.