This report focuses on the assessment of the status of the marine environment, the definition of environmental objectives and the development of programs of measures to achieve good environmental status. It provides guidance to Member States on the assessment of marine waters, identifies key pressures and pressures factors and offers approaches for setting environmental targets. It supports the development of monitoring programs and the implementation of measures to reduce pollution and conserve biodiversity. The technical assistance aims to promote cooperation between Member States and create a coherent framework for maritime policy in the EU.

The KOPOS criteria set serves to make the sustainability and transformation impacts of initiatives in the food sector measurable and visible. It provides a basis for evaluating and improving the sustainability of projects, and is useful both for initiatives themselves and for institutions wishing to promote sustainability projects. In addition to the actual set of criteria, this working paper provides an introduction and a derivation of the criteria.

In the article "Lang lebe der Rohstoff" (available in German), Susanne Langsdorf provides an overview of Germany's use of raw materials, its dependence on sometimes problematic trading partners and what tools Germany has to reduce this.

Doris Knoblauch, Senior Fellow at Ecologic Institute and Coordinator for Urban and Spatial Governance, gave a presentation on 23 February 2024 at the event "Climate Protection through Nature-based Solutions", organized by Verbraucherzentrale Sachsen. She gave an introduction to the effects of climate change in Germany and Leipzig and presented the concept of "nature-based solutions". She also showed which nature-based solutions can help to adapt to which climate change challenge. Finally, Doris Knoblauch presented examples from Leipzig.

The book and e-book "Climate Change in Germany" was republished in March 2024 by the Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS). The open access book is a comprehensive presentation of climate change and the consequences of climate change in Germany. The interdisciplinary work brings together specialist areas and topics from 165 experts from the climate, natural, environmental, social and human sciences. The work highlights various options for action for adaptation and climate protection activities in individual regions in Germany and across different sectors. Dr. Grit Martinez from Ecologic Institute is co-author of the article "Further development of climate change adaptation strategies".

This report analyzes the challenges and opportunities arising from the phase-out of coal in Germany, with a specific focus on the three major coalfields: the Central German, Rhenish and Lusatian coalfields. It offers a detailed insight into the challenges and strategic approaches and emphasizes the need to develop regional infrastructures in a targeted and sustainable manner in order to meet the economic, social and ecological challenges of the three major German coalfields. Innovative technical solutions and a stronger integration of different infrastructure sectors can support the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a sustainable and resilient regional development.

To achieve the ambitious climate targets of the Federal Climate Change Act a rapid expansion of renewable energies, particularly wind and photovoltaics (PV), is crucial. In this context, achieving 215 GW of installed PV capacity by 2030 has become a specific target of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). This report deals with the central role that buildings play in meeting PV expansion targets, with the potential to cover up to 25% of EU electricity consumption through rooftop PV.

This fact sheet summarizes the recommendations for action of the corresponding KOPOS Policy Brief for the Berlin-Brandenburg region, which focus on the integration of regional diet and land development. The document contains five central recommendations, each of which includes concrete measures.

Climate protection is losing political clout. The climate movement is no longer seen by many as a broader societal concern. There are many reasons for this. Strong polarization is one. Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf discusses in the Tagesspiegel what could be done.

This postcard promotes the MoorNet project, a platform for the protection of peatlands in Germany. It provides information about projects, institutions and events in the field of peatland protection and thus makes it possible to follow current developments in this area. The postcard offers interested parties the opportunity to register for mailings and receive further information via the peatland protection database moor-net.de.

This policy brief offers a nuanced analysis of the outcomes from CBD COP15. It particularly focuses on the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and its ramifications for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The document articulates policy recommendations designed to ensure the GBF’s ambitious restoration targets are achieved efficiently and on schedule.

Securing agricultural land is a relevant challenge. The authors of the policy brief see a number of different approaches to safeguarding agricultural areas against other land use claims and are primarily addressing the state and municipal levels. The authors argue that the topics of agriculture, food, sustainability and rural development should be more closely integrated. They also recommend using spatial planning instruments to curb the current consumption of agricultural land and thus protect it from conversion.

During a parliamentary evening, Aaron Scheid presented an analysis of the environmental economic impacts of animal-based food production on 12 December 2023. Focusing on external environmental costs, particularly greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions, and with quantitative evidence of costs in the billions, Scheid proposed tax incentives to internalize these costs. His presentation emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy that considers political, social, and economic aspects, and provided policy options for a sustainable food policy.

The status conference "Biodiversity and Climate Change – Exploring Synergies" offers the opportunity to exchange on current research questions at the interface of biodiversity and climate change. Knowledge gaps and further research requirements shall be identified.

How can companies and societies effectively design the shift towards greater sustainability? This policy brief highlights the importance of sustainable production methods, investments, and nature-positive supply chains for the restoration of ecosystems and outlines action approaches for a sustainable future.