Ecologic Institute is hosting a group of students from the University of Colorado Denver for a multi-week course on environmental policy and governance in Germany and the European Union. Over the course of several weeks, students engage with key topics including the structure of EU institutions, Germany’s federal political system, and the historical development of environmental policy. The programme combines academic input with practical insights into how environmental policy is shaped and implemented in real-world contexts.

From Institutions to Implementation: How Policy Works in Practice

A central component of the course is the role of environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Through sessions with experts from organisations such as WWF, NABU, and the German Environment Agency (UBA), students gain firsthand perspectives on advocacy, policy processes, and the interaction between civil society and government. The course also offers participants the opportunity to explore how environmental policy evolves over time: From early conservation efforts and social movements to contemporary challenges such as climate change, the Energiewende, and the coal phase-out.

Learning from Practitioners and Experts

Beyond lectures and discussions, the program emphasizes exchange and dialogue. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on European approaches to environmental governance and to engage directly with researchers and practitioners at Ecologic Institute. By combining academic perspectives with hands-on insights, the course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental policy in Germany and the EU, while strengthening transatlantic exchange and collaboration.