The 3rd episode of the 4i-TRACTION podcast series uncovers the essential role of infrastructure in climate policy by examining the EU's role in rolling out the infrastructure for a resilient climate-neutral economy. The hosts, together with infrastructure and energy experts Bettina Kampman (CE Delft) and Katharina Umpfenbach (DENA, the German Energy Agency), discuss how recent EU policies are proving to be a good driver to speed up the energy transition and how more attention to infrastructure as a separate topic is needed.

A coherent German foreign climate policy is essential for the success of the national and European energy transition, as well as for the effective support of ambitious climate policies outside the European Union. This Ariadne background paper provides cornerstones and discusses options for the elaboration and further development of Germany's foreign climate policy. To this end, it distinguishes four categories of relevant goals: traditional climate policy goals, industrial policy goals, security and trade policy goals, and broader foreign policy goals. For each goal, it is necessary to identify appropriate means by which it can be achieved and barriers that stand in its way and need to be considered accordingly.

In this article, some of the several economic benefits entailed by digital solutions are estimated with a focus on leakage reduction in water distribution networks, reduction of combined sewer overflows and on the improvement of hydropower generation and operation. The benefits are calculated for each EU Member State and the UK, and then aggregated at the EU scale. Benefits were quantified in EUR 5.0, 0.14 and 1.7 billion per year (EUR 13.2 per person per year, on average), respectively, excluding environmental and social benefits, which may play a non-negligible role.

This project identifies and develops EU policy opportunities to mitigate methane (CH4) and hydrogen (H2) emissions from the energy sector.

This report presents an approach to studying the EU’s procedural climate governance, namely the frameworks, instruments and institutions that shape and support the climate-related decision-making process of the EU.

Ecologic Institute provided editorial and graphical support for the update of the adaptation strategy in Baden-Württemberg. Using graphical elements and a well-designed reader guidance, the reading orientation was improved and the visual quality of the document was increased. In addition to the graphic design, Ecologic Institute provided support for the drafting of several chapters, e.g. on climate change impacts, summarized sectoral adaptation challenges and developed an abridged version of the update of the adaptation strategy.

Due to changing climatic conditions, the state government of Baden-Württemberg committed to update its adaptation strategy in 2023. This compact information highlights the measures from the state strategy in which municipalities have an important role to play. It is intended to help them define and implement, or work towards implementing, the measures necessary for their local conditions and risks. It provides a compact overview for municipalities on their way to adapt to the consequences of climate change.

The adaptation strategy provides the framework for the adaptation activities of the state of Baden-Württemberg and serves as a basis for implementation, especially for administration, municipalities and the economy. Due to changing climatic conditions, the state government of Baden-Württemberg committed to update its adaptation strategy in 2023. This short version summarizes the contents of the adaptation strategy.

This report investigates how public procurement can be used as a strategic policy instrument to accelerate the transformation to climate neutrality.

The 87th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Short Course focuses on ecosystem restoration for the SDGs. Gregory Fuchs of Ecologic Institute was invited to deliver a lecture on marine and coastal ecosystem restoration. The course is specifically aimed at experts who prepare and implement political decisions and practical measures towards the goals of ecosystem restoration and sustainable development.

This edition of the policy brief represents the 2023 updated and content-revised version of the original document, thereby integrating the latest insights and developments in the field of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and ecosystem restoration.

This report by Ecologic Institute and the Oeko-Institut discusses the level of ambition of a 2040 EU climate target. The report analyses the implications of a 2040 climate target for Member States and sectors. It also discusses the political context in which the EU 2040 climate target will be negotiated.

Since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, global efforts towards achieving net zero emissions have been intensifying. However, progress has been sluggish, and current pledges and commitments fall far short of what is needed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 °C by 2050. To achieve net zero emissions worldwide, a substantial deployment of renewable energy technologies and resilient supply chains is essential. This policy brief examines the critical role that the G20 can play in promoting cooperation and coordination to enhance the resilience of renewable energy supply chains.

Dr. Stephan Sina, Senior Fellow of Ecologic Institute, gave a lecture on Germany's Federal Climate Change Act (KSG) as part of the TOP Executive Development (TED) Program of the Otto Group in Berlin. He presented the main features of the KSG, the impact of the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court of March 2021, and challenges in achieving the targets of the KSG. . After the presentation, there was a discussion with Dr. Stephan Sina and the audience.

How does climate change affect water quality and quantity, and thus human health and well-being? What adaptation measures can be taken to avoid or reduce the negative consequences? How can we use the best available information and tools to make informed decisions? These questions are at the heart of a new project, carried out by Ecologic Institute together with partners from Ramboll, Climate Analytics, EREDA Consultants and OIeau.