How can regional agricultural and food systems be made more sustainable? This report highlights new models of cooperation that bring together farmers, consumers and civil society actors to improve access to land and strengthen regional economic cycles. A key finding is that such co-operations are not only ecologically beneficial, but also create social and economic synergies for rural regions.
The notion of "not giving the AfD a platform" is a widespread conviction and practice. It has not prevented the AfD's successes. It has failed. Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf discusses what should happen next in the Tagesspiegel.
This policy brief outlines recommendations for sustainable and socially accepted subsoil management in Germany. Subsoil, located below the plowed topsoil layer, holds essential nutrients and water reserves crucial for plant growth and sustainable bioeconomy practices. The Soil³ project (2015–2025) investigated methods to enhance subsoil usage, focusing on increasing plant root access to this layer without compromising its ecological functions.
The final report of the WADKlim project outlines how climate change affects water availability in Germany and what measures must be taken to meet these challenges. Combining analysis of scientific literature, modeling and the development of practical solutions, the report offers valuable ideas for dealing with water scarcity and water use conflicts. The implementation of further measures, such as water retention in the countryside, will be crucial to mitigating the effects of climate change in Germany.
Doris Knoblauch and Felix Nütz (both Ecologic Institute) introduced the Plastics Pirates project to interested visitors at the Danube Festival in Ulm on 10 July 2024. At their own stand, they conducted experiments with children and adults to demonstrate the problem of plastic pollution and microplastics in particular.
To achieve climate neutrality, a whole-of-government approach, increased public funding, and strategic policy support are essential. The 4i-TRACTION project outlined ten policy recommendations for future EU climate action. This infographic, conceptualised and designed by Ecologic Institute, outlines ten policy recommendations for future EU climate action.
On 4 July 2024, an expert dialog on nature-based coastal protection took place at Ecologic Institute in Berlin. This event was intended to foster cross-sector dialogues between experts from different fields and thus contribute to the further development of nature-based coastal protection in order to meet the challenges of climate change and protect biodiversity in coastal regions.
The practical guidance "Green and diverse urban (re)design" shows how local authorities can implement concrete measures to promote ecological diversity in urban areas. From the creation of new green spaces and the naturalization of bodies of water to the greening of roofs and façades, the guide offers practical recommendations and illustrative examples.
In the face of rapidly changing marine environments, innovative strategies are essential to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainability. Gregory Fuchs recently led a series of workshops on the island of Vilm (Baltic Sea, Germany), highlighting how Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) can address complex marine challenges. He also shared insights from research projects like Marine SABRES.
The poster ‘Synergies and Strategies for Marine Protection and Climate Adaptation’ presents key results and approaches of research on the integration of marine protection and climate adaptation. It shows how these two areas can be linked in order to effectively meet the challenges of climate change in marine and coastal ecosystems.
The guidance document "Developing ambitious local long-term climate neutrality strategies", developed as part of the Ready4NetZero project serves as a comprehensive roadmap for administrative staff in small- and medium-sized municipalities as they navigate the complexities of becoming climate neutral. It is structured to facilitate a clear understanding of the necessary cross-cutting measures for developing effective local long-term climate strategies, including realizing a long-term vision, establishing baselines, fostering participation, planning action, financing, monitoring, evaluation, and ensuring a just transition.