Matthias Duwe

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Matthias Duwe

MSc (Development Studies)

Head, Climate

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Matthias Duwe is Head, Climate at Ecologic Institute. He coordinates the institute's climate policy related work strands. His work focuses primarily on the European Union's (EU) energy and climate policies, including their connections to national policy, as well as the international regime. He has more than twenty years of experience in EU climate policy, working in Brussels and in Berlin for more than a decade each, and has developed a rich network of experts and policy-makers. He is an accomplished speaker and facilitator and works in both German and English.

At Ecologic Institute, Matthias serves as senior project leader and expert contributor to a variety of projects looking at EU climate policy and its national implementation, as well as international climate diplomacy. Since 2016, his primary focus has been on various elements of transformative climate governance, involving framework climate laws, long-term climate strategies, national energy and climate plans and advisory bodies – but also progress monitoring systems and policy mainstreaming. He has presented his analyses to decision-makers across Europe.

Beyond that, Matthias also teaches his research topics regularly, for example as part of the Institute's involvement in "Duke in Berlin" or through individual training courses. Matthias also engages in discussions on the role of civil society in climate policy and its decision-making processes.

Prior to joining Ecologic Institute, Matthias Duwe worked with Climate Action Network Europe (CAN Europe), a leading NGO umbrella organization, from 2001 to 2011 – originally serving as Policy Researcher, then taking on the role of Director from 2005, where he led a team of ten in the Brussels Secretariat. During his time in Brussels, Matthias Duwe participated actively in a variety of key political processes, including the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP) and the development of the Climate and Energy Package – with a focus on the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). He also served as an expert on an array of EU working groups, covering topics such as alternative fuels, hydrogen technologies and carbon capture and storage. In addition, Matthias Duwe spent six years on the Board of Directors of Climate Action Network International (CAN International).

Matthias Duwe is a social scientist by training, having studied at Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg (Germany) with a focus on Environmental Politics and Planning. He was also awarded a Master of Sciences from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London in 2000.

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Selected projects by Matthias Duwe
ProjectDialogue on Pathways and Policies for a Climate-neutral EU (Climate Recon 2050)
 

© Ecologic Institute

The EU has agreed to become climate neutral by 2050. Achieving climate neutrality in the next 30 years is a great societal, economic and political undertaking, presenting many challenges and opportunities. The Climate Recon 2050 project addresses the central process of... Read more

Dialogue on Pathways and Policies for a Climate-neutral EU (Climate Recon 2050)

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectHorizon 2020Transformative Policies for a Climate-neutral European Union (4i-TRACTION)
 

© Ecologic Institute

To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, EU policy will have to be reoriented – from incremental towards structural change. As expressed in the European Green Deal, the challenge is to initiate the necessary transformation to climate neutrality in the coming years, while... Read more

Transformative Policies for a Climate-neutral European Union (4i-TRACTION)

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectThe EU Long-term Strategy – the implications of striving for net-zero emissions
 
| Fotolia © bluedesign
A Climate Neutral Europe by 2050 – a possible vision for the future? On 28 November 2018, the European Commission published analysis to underpin a new long-term strategy (LTS) on climate policy for the EU, laying out a vision of how to decarbonize the European... Read more

The EU Long-term Strategy – the implications of striving for net-zero emissions

Duration
-
Funding
Selected publications by Matthias Duwe
PublicationDocumentMaking EU Climate Governance Fit for Net Zero
 
Cover of the scientific opinion paper "Making EU climate governance fit for net zero"

© Federal Environment Agency (UBA)

The paper "Making EU Governance Fit for Net Zero" analyses the current landscape of climate policy governance against eight core parameters at EU level and for Member States, and identifies a number of remaining weaknesses.  Improvements should address several key... Read more

Duwe, Matthias 2022: Making EU climate governance fit for net zero. An analysis of the current landscape of relevant EU climate policy processes and recommendations for alignment with the climate neutrality objective. Scientific opinion paper. Dessau-Roßlau: Federal Environment Agency.

PublicationDocumentCharting a Path to Net Zero – Summary
 
first page of the summary "CHARTING A PATH TO NET ZERO: AN ASSESSMENT OF NATIONAL LONG-TERM STRATEGIES IN THE EU"

© Ecologic Institute

This summary distills the insights from the technical report "Charting a Path to Net Zero: An assessment of national long-term strategies in the EU" commissioned by the European Climate Foundation and written by Ecologic Institute. It summarizes the key findings and... Read more

Velten, Eike Karola, Duwe, Matthias, Evans, Nick (2022): Charting a path to net zero: An assessment of national long-term strategies in the EU. Summary. Ecologic Institute, Berlin.

PublicationPolicy BriefLong-term Strategies: state of play, challenges and possible support through the G20
 
Cover of policy brief

@Climate Recon 2050

The G20 summit 2022 under Indonesia's presidency is a central moment for geopolitics, as representatives of the most powerful economies convene to discuss important worldwide developments. One central topic is the advancement of climate action. As the G20 countries are... Read more

Haase, Isabel; Duwe, Matthias (2022): Long-term strategies in a G20 context. Ecologic Institute, Berlin.

PublicationReportMeasuring Progress towards Climate Neutrality
 
1st page of the summary report "Measuring progress towards climate neutrality" with logos, text and infographic

© Ecologic Institute

Achieving climate neutrality requires structural changes to our economic system, with solutions that work across sectors. Correspondingly, measuring progress and designing policy towards the EU's net zero ambition requires a framework that captures the complexity of the... Read more

Duwe, Matthias; Eike Karola Velten, Isabel Haase, Nicolas Berghmans, Nick Evans and Deyana Spasova (2021): Measuring progress towards climate neutrality. Ecologic Institute, Berlin / IDDRI, Paris

PublicationReportClimate Laws in Europe
 
No two climate laws are the same, but an analysis of nine existing laws in Europe finds that most draw on a set of common design elements to streamline action, align policy goals, establish expert and public review mechanisms and monitor progress towards national... Read more

Duwe, Matthias and Evans, Nicholas (2020): Climate Laws in Europe: Good Practices in Net-Zero Management. Berlin, Den Haag.

PublicationReportClimate Governance Systems in Europe: the role of national advisory bodies
 
Climate governance systems in Europe: the role of national advisory bodies

© Ecologic Institute 2021

The number of scientific climate advisory bodies is growing rapidly across European countries, including the establishment of one at the EU-level. Under the right conditions, such expert councils can help governments not only make the right climate policy decisions but... Read more

Evans, Nick; Matthias Duwe (2021): 'Climate governance systems in Europe: the role of national advisory bodies'. Ecologic Institute, Berlin; IDDRI, Paris.

PublicationCase StudyLong-term Climate Strategies in Europe: Experience from National and EU-wide 2050 Climate Planning
 
This case study, prepared by Ecologic Institute and published by World Resources Institute (WRI) describes the status quo and relevant recent developments at the EU and national levels on long-term climate strategies, detailing relevant insights on legal obligations,... Read more

Matthias Duwe and Ewa Iwaszuk, Ecologic Institute. 2019. "LTS in Europe: Experience from National and EUwide 2050 Climate Planning."

PublicationDocumentResult Oriented Spending for the Climate
 
There are many promising ways in which the next EU budget could help EU Member States achieve their climate and energy targets. Explicitly targeting EU public spending towards climate could send a signal to other investors, creating a shift in financial flows. Existing... Read more

Duwe, Matthias 2018: Result Oriented Spending for the Climate: Creating strong connections between the EU budget and National Energy and Climate Plans. Berlin: Ecologic Institute.

PublicationBook SectionFrameworks for Regional Co-operation: The EU
 
The European Union (EU) is more than the sum of its parts. With the rise of nationalistic ideals and populist sentiment within and outside its borders—now more than ever, it stands for far more than an experiment in regional cooperation. A contentious history... Read more

Görlach, Benjamin; Matthias Duwe and Nick Evans 2016: Frameworks for Regional Co-operation: The EU. In: Robert E. Looney (ed.): Handbook of Transitions to Energy and Climate Security. Routledge: New York. 79-96.

PublicationReportBringing Paris into the Future EU Budget
 
UNFCCC – Paris Agreement Cycle
The European Union is currently pursuing two important processes that can mutually support one another: implementing its 2030 climate and energy targets and defining the EU budget for the years 2021-2027. An Ecologic Institute analysis points out several ways to... Read more

Duwe, Matthias 2018: Bringing Paris into the future MFF: how to maximise the benefits of EU funding for the achievement of EU climate objectives. Integrating the 2021-2027 MFF and the new 2030 energy and climate target governance. Ecologic Institute: Berlin.

PublicationPolicy BriefProfessionalizing Climate Policy via Legislation
 
publication's cover

© Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

Governments around the world are seeking to improve the way they organize their climate policy-making. Many countries are adopting national framework laws to do so. Choosing the right design is key for making these laws effective. This paper provides an update on the... Read more

Duwe, M. & Evans, N. (2021). Professionalizing Climate Policy via Legislation: Good Practices in Long-Term National Climate Framework Laws. Policy Paper Series "Shaping the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy: Perspectives from Israel and Germany". Israel Public Policy Institute and Heinrich Böll Foundation Tel Aviv.

PublicationReportTurning Points for the Ambition of European Climate Targets
 
A new paper by Öko-Institute and Ecologic Institute contributes to the upcoming discussion on the EU climate target for 2030 and the accompanying review of central policy instruments and governance structure. A successful implementation of a climate-neutrality... Read more

Gores, S., Fallasch, F., Siemons, A., Duwe, M., Evans, N. 2020: Turning Points for the Ambition of European Climate Targets. Getting granular on the process and identifiying cornerstones for discussion, Studie im Auftrag des Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit, Berlin: Öko Institut and Ecologic Institute.

PublicationReport"Paris Compatible" Governance: long-term policy frameworks to drive transformational change
 
Governments around the world have already adopted long-term climate frameworks, many in legal form. Many others are in the process of developing similar laws or strategies. These overarching long-term frameworks are critical to effectively implementing the Paris... Read more

Duwe et al. (2017) "Paris compatible" governance: long-term policy frameworks to drive transformational change. Ecologic Institute. Berlin.

PublicationPolicy BriefPlanning for Net-zero: Assessing the Draft National Energy and Climate Plans
 
A report by Ecologic Institute and Climact shows that the draft National Energy and Climate Plans presented by governments at the start of 2019 are in acute need of improvement. They suffer from inadequate targets and insufficient details on the policies and financing... Read more

Duwe, Matthias; Eike Karola Velten, Nick Evans, Mona Freundt, Julien Pestiaux, Benoît Martin, Pascal Vermeulen (2019): Planning for net-zero: Assessing the Draft National Energy and Climate Plans. Berlin, Louvain-la-Neuve, Bruessels.

PublicationReportThe Innovation Fund: How can it support low-carbon industry in Europe?
 
| iStock_© TommL_M
The long-term transformation to a low-carbon economy requires innovation in technology and existing practices in all sectors of the economy. The Innovation Fund under the EU Emissions Trading System is meant to support such innovation projects in industry and energy.... Read more

Duwe, Matthias; Ostwald, Robert (2017): The Innovation Fund: how can it support low-carbon industry in Europe: Design recommendations for the successor instrument to the NER 300 in Phase 4 of the EU ETS. Ecologic Institute, Berlin.

PublicationFact SheetEU 2050 Strategic Vision "A Clean Planet for All"
 
In late November 2018, the European Commission published a "strategic vision" for a European economy with net-zero emissions by 2050 – this factsheet provides an overview of those documents. It explains, summarises, and evaluates the scenarios, proposals, and... Read more

Federal Environment Agency (2018). Fact Sheet: EU 2050 strategic vision "A Clean Planet for All". Brief Summary of the European Commission proposal. Berlin: 10 December 2018.

PublicationConference PaperThe Paris Agreement: Analysis, Assessment and Outlook
 
Ecologic Institute's new research paper provides a comprehensive overview and assessment of the Paris Agreement, including the agreed next steps, an outlook on implementation and key political messages. It is now available for download. Key messages are: The... Read more

Bodle, Ralph, Lena Donat and Matthias Duwe (2016). The Paris Agreement: Analysis, Assessment and Outlook. German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) Research Paper. Dessau-Roßlau: Umweltbundesamt.

Selected events by Matthias Duwe
EventConferenceCharting a Path Towards EU Climate Neutrality in Turbulent Times
 

Photo taken by Paula Schöberlein

The EU's toolbox on climate action has been significantly expanded since the adoption of the Paris Agreement: targets have been increased and the climate neutrality goal is legally binding. New planning processes have been started and new institutions created. And with... Read more

Conference:Charting a Path Towards EU Climate Neutrality in Turbulent Times

Date
Location
Brussels, Belgium
EventDigital EventA Climate Neutral Europe by 2050
 

○ A Climate Neutral Europe

On 26 March 2021 the Climate Recon 2050 Platform hosted an online debate with the European Commission and national government experts, discussing the impact of the climate neutrality target on EU climate policy and national planning processes. The virtual discussion,... Read more

Digital Event:A Climate Neutral Europe by 2050

Date
Location
online
EventDigital EventThe EU Climate Law: Holding the EU Accountable for Delivering on the Paris Agreement
 
The Ecologic Institute and the European Climate Foundation (ECF) hold an online conference on the forthcoming EU Climate Law. The European Commission's proposal for a European climate law was discussed  with insight from experts and policy-makers and followed up by... Read more

Digital Event:The EU Climate Law: Holding the EU Accountable for Delivering on the Paris Agreement

Date
Location
online
Selected presentations by Matthias Duwe
PresentationSpeechProfessionalizing Climate Policy
 

© IPPI

Countries around the world are considering the introduction of national framework laws to make their climate policy more effective. A debate is underway in Israel on the adoption of such a climate law, to establish a clear institutional set-up and regular processes for... Read more

Speech:Professionalizing Climate Policy

Date
Location
online
PresentationSpeech"Paris Compatible" Governance: insights from climate law case studies
 
| © Gonzalo Escribano
On 4 December 2017, Matthias Duwe presented insights on national climate laws to inform Spanish debate gained from a joint research effort on long-term climate frameworks at a roundtable discussion organized by the renowned thing tank Elcano Royal Institute. He joined... Read more

Speech:"Paris Compatible" Governance: insights from climate law case studies

Date
Location
Madrid, Spain
PresentationSpeechHow to Integrate European Lessons Learned on Climate Laws in the Slovenian Context?
 
slides

Ecologic Institute

In the webinar series "Why do we need a climate law?" Matthias Duwe, Head Climate at Ecologic Institute, presented three key elements of a sound climate law: (1) the coordination of long-term planning and short-term policy, (2) monitoring progress, and (3) mechanisms... Read more

Speech:How to Integrate European Lessons Learned on Climate Laws in the Slovenian Context?

Date
Location
online, Slovenia
PresentationChairingClimate Protection and Artificial Intelligence – How can AI help us reach the Paris Agreement?
 
Climate change and artificial intelligence (AI) are two intensely debated topics, but mostly treated by separate communities. While climate change is one of the most urgent and pressing challenges the world is facing, AI is creating new opportunities for all sectors,... Read more

Chairing:Climate Protection and Artificial Intelligence – How can AI help us reach the Paris Agreement?

Date
Location
Berlin, Germany

Recent content by Matthias Duwe

Event:Digital Event
 
The EU's carbon-neutral future
On 6 March 2023, participants joined webinar hosts Ewa Iwaszuk and Aaron Best from Ecologic Institute and their expert guests Claire Dupont, Professor at the Department of Public Governance and Management, Ghent University, and Matthias Duwe, Head of the Climate Team at Ecologic Institute. Together, they discussed the central role climate policy plays in the European Green Deal and explored how policy can spur innovation and reduce net emissions to zero in the European Union.

The EU's Carbon-neutral Future: Achieving net zero by 2050


online, Germany

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Publication:Document
 
Cover of the discussion paper "Can current EU climate policy reliably achieve climate neutrality by 2050? Post-2030 crunch issues for the move to a net zero economy"
The EU has just updated its climate target for 2030 and most of the policy instruments in place to achieve it. Does this toolbox have all the items needed to achieve the shift to net-zero emissions by 2050? This discussion paper by Oeko-Institut and Ecologic Institute addresses and analyses the main pillars of the EU's climate policy identifies crunch issues on the path towards climate neutrality and offers potential solutions.

Can Current EU Climate Policy Reliably Achieve Climate Neutrality by 2050?

Post-2030 crunch issues for the move to a net zero economy

Year

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Event:Digital Event
 
This webinar presents and discusses the findings of a report by SEI Tallinn. The analysis, conducted as part of the Climate Recon 2050 project, analyses the role of the LULUCF sector in Member States’ Long-Term Strategies (LTSs). Although the majority of LTSs published so far address the topic, the extent to which countries with significant potential in the sector explore its contribution to climate neutrality varies, even among Member States with significant needs for modernization of their existing legacy networks.

The Role of the LULUCF Sector in Reaching Carbon Neutrality in 2050

Visions for the LULUCF sector in EU Member States’ Long-Term climate Strategies


online

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Event:Conference
 
This event discussed how stable long-term policy direction can be maintained despite uncertainties, and in this context will zoom into the role of long-term strategies and scientific climate advisory councils. To exchange views on these tools with each other and the audience, Climate Recon 2050 and ARIADNE have brought together several experienced practitioners.

Charting a Path Towards EU Climate Neutrality in Turbulent Times

Tools and institutions that can support stable long-term climate policy


Brussels, Belgium

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Event:Conference
 
With the Fit-for-55 package about to be put into law, and the RePowerEU plan adopted in response to the energy crisis, EU climate and energy is undergoing the most profound change in years, getting the EU on track to a post-fossil energy system. In a three-day series of events, partners from the Ariadne research project presented key insights from their work that is relevant for the further development of EU climate and energy policy, and discussed these with representatives from political institutions, academia, civil society and business. The events served to share research insights, to discuss and validate findings and their relevance for EU policy process, and to gather inputs for further research.

Shaping EU Climate and Energy Policy: Insights from and for the Ariadne Project

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Brussels, Belgium

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the 4i-traction report "Policy Avenues towards a Climate-Neutral Europe"
The report maps out four policy avenues for how the EU could attain climate neutrality. The policy avenues consist of a mix of policy instruments sequenced over time, and the institutional arrangements to deliver them. Each policy avenue embodies a different paradigm, i.e., a different approach to (climate) policymaking. They thus sketch different paths that the EU could follow to align its climate policy with the goal of climate neutrality by 2050.

Policy Avenues towards a Climate-Neutral Europe

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Event:Digital Event
 
Social media card of the event
All Member States have the same obligation to produce national LTSs under EU law. A team of researchers has now analysed the state of these documents and their relevance in national policy-making for the first time across the EU. This event presents the most important insights from this analysis and seeks to start a conversation with all relevant stakeholders on how to improve their effective use.

Resilient Pathways to Climate Neutrality

Lessons from Member States' long-term climate strategies


online

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Event:Digital Event
 
This webinar presents and discusses findings of a report by Energy Policy Group. The analysis focuses on the role of district heating in Member States' Long-term Climate Strategies (LTSs). The report describes the current situation, highlights key challenges and shortcomings of published LTSs, and proposes a way forward for integrating efficient, low-carbon and reliable district heating systems into climate neutrality strategies.

Getting to Low-carbon District Heating


online

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