In this study, Ecologic Institute researchers Timo Kaphengst and Lucy Smith summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the increasing share of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in developing countries. The accrued benefits and/or disadvantages vary widely across the reviewed countries and depend on the governance structures of each country. On the one hand, GM crops can increase export revenues; on the other hand, developing countries' resulting dependency on Western biotechnology companies could grow and threaten local farmers, especially smaller ones. Moreover, GMOs are leading to a reduction in biodiversity. In light of this, the authors recommend that GM crops no longer be promoted in developing countries. The study is available for download.

Which lessons for future projects can be learned from earlier stormwater management schemes in Germany? The authors of the report "German Experience in Managing Stormwater with Green Infrastructure" – among them Ecologic Institute's alumnae Darla Nickel, Wenke Schoenfelder and Melissa Keeley – specifically address this question. Based on two case studies, the authors examine policies, strategies and instruments integrating grey and green infrastructure. The article can be downloaded on the publisher's website.

Kuikman, P.J., E. Andersen, B.S. Elbersen, A. Frelih Larsen, P.J. Jones, S. Naumann, J.J. Oñate, I. Staritsky (2013). EU wide Farm-level Carbon Calculator: data availability at farm level for farms across EU-27. A report on Deliverable 1 to the Institute of Environment and Sustainability (JRC/IES) by Alterra - WageningenUR, Wageningen, The Netherlands. 73 pp.

This report for the City of Hamburg highlights that climate change adaptation is a dynamic process with many uncertainties. A core message for public sector institutions is to "bear climate adaptation in mind," especially through the integration of climate change concerns in upcoming decisions and the implementation of measures that have co-benefits today. Furthermore, adaptation activities should begin today if the costs of adaptation potentially remain constant over time or tend to rise. The case studies investigated also indicate that the evaluation of measures must take into account local conditions.

Jenny Tröltzsch and Max Grünig presented the project results together with the project partner Hamburgische WeltWirtschaftsInstitut (HWWI) in Hamburg.The final presentation showed that still large knowledge gaps on the costs of climate change and the costs and benefits of adaptation measures exist. The cost-benefit analyses of adaptation measures in Hamburg show a large bandwidths for local case studies. But nevertheless the results suggest that higher benefits than costs exist for several adaptation measures, for example a green roof program. Furthermore, it is important to initiate adaptation activities of private actors, to reduce damages, e.g. from heavy rain events.

The aim of the ATLANTIC FUTURE FP7 research project is to study the rationales of cooperation in the Atlantic area and identify EU strategies for engaging in a wider transatlantic relationship within the Atlantic space.

On the EU Water Blueprint Conference 2012 different stakeholders, member states, and the European Commission discussed the implementation of the policy proposals of the Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's Water Resources. The summary report of the conference is available for download. Also available are key findings in five other languages.

For the third time, Ecologic Institute conducted a study on the role of local and regional authorities (LRA) in the Europe 2020 National Reform Programmes (NRP) of the EU member states. The new results and their comparison with the 2011 and 2012 studies (for the core set of questions) permit a number of conclusions. While progress is made in many countries and areas, greater progress still needs to be made concerning the involvement of LRAs in the preparation of NRPs. The study is available for download.

In his presentation, Dr. Wolfgang Urban, picked out the future expansion of renewable energies. He presented, from the perspective of the German federal government, the challenges and prospects for biogas. After the placement of bioenergy in the "orchestra of renewable energies" he examined the contribution of biogas and biomethane in order to achieve the policy objectives. He ended his remarks with a presentation of the latest developments and the conveyor frame. The presentation slides are available for download.