The precautionary principle is used in arguments both for and against climate engineering: On the one hand, the principle can suggest caution against climate engineering so as to minimize the (unknown) risks of proposed techniques to the environment and health. On the other hand, arguments can be made that climate engineering is a precautionary measure against the (known) risks of climate change. This article, written by Elizabeth Tedsen and Gesa Homann, provides an overview of this debate and what the precautionary principle means in a climate engineering context.

This policy brief contains recommendations for action from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) that would enhance existing efforts and achieve more rapid black carbon reductions and climate benefits. The policy brief is available for download.

This study by Ecologic Institute examines the current landscape of lighting efforts and initiatives, as well as market growth and development for modern, sustainable off-grid lighting alternatives. The study considers the benefits and costs of upgrades in target regions, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Policy recommendations are given for action from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) that would enhance existing efforts and achieve more rapid black carbon reductions and climate benefits. The study is available for download.

At an Ecologic Institute Dinner Dialogue on 27 November 2013, Co-founder and CEO of the Rockey Mountain Institute (RMI), Armory Lovins, discussed successes and challenges of the German Energiewende with a group of German energy and climate experts.

The SimRess project analyzes the potential effectiveness of policy measures and mixes in the field of resource policy. Considering a time horizon through 2050, the project will interpret model simulation results from both a system dynamics model and an econometric model. The modeling process will inform policy recommendations, and might, therefore, contribute to further developing the national resource efficiency program ProgRess.

On Earth Day 2013, the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Ecologic Institute officially launched the 2013 Arctic Summer College. Following successful programs in 2011 and 2012, the Arctic Summer College 2013 again created a network of emerging leaders and experts that are brought together for 8 weeks in web-based seminars (webinars) from 8 July to 26 August 2013. The program aimed to build a lasting, policy-oriented network of Arctic professionals to strengthen communication between peoples and nations, scientific disciplines, policy areas, and across the science-policy field to improve environmental governance in the Arctic region.

Dr. Wolfgang Urban, Fellow at Ecologic Institute, contributed to the 7th VDI conference reader "Biogas 2013". He informs about the objectives and guidelines as well as the current status of discussions on the funding framework for renewable energies. He also discusses the possible contribution of bioenergies to future energy supply and future challenges.

At the workshop "Marine litter in the Baltic Sea: challenges and opportunities" on 14. November 2013, Susanne Altvater gave an introductory presentation on marine litter in the Baltic Sea and introduced the project CleanSea. The presentation slides are available for download.

On 14 November 2013, a workshop on marine litter in the Baltic Sea took place at the Ecologic Institute's offices in Berlin. Susanne Altvater, a Fellow at Ecologic Institute, gave an introductory presentation on the topic and on the Clean Sea project in general to German representatives of the relevant industries. Subsequently, Matthias Mossbauer presented the first results of the project MARLISCO. Dr. Ingo Sartorius presented activities of the plastic associations regarding marine litter. All presentation slides are available for download.