Publication:Report

Cover of the report " zur Verankerung der Thematik Arzneimittelrückstände in der Umwelt in der Lehre medizinischer und pharmazeutischer Berufe"

This report presents a work plan for incorporating the issue of pharmaceuticals in the environment into the education of the medical and pharmaceutical professions in Germany. It first presents an overview of the relevant German structures in the education and training of medical and pharmaceutical professions. In a second step, it provides concrete recommendations for the integration of the topic into teaching (studies and vocational training), continuing education and training.

Arbeitsplan zur Verankerung der Thematik Arzneimittelrückstände in der Umwelt in der Lehre medizinischer und pharmazeutischer Berufe

Year 2023

Publication:Report

The Commission's proposal on the Carbon Removals Certification Framework puts the EU on a dangerous track that facilitates replacing emission reductions with removals. Integrating carbon removals into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme carries similar risks. Effectively, the debate on the role of carbon removals puts EU climate policies at a cross-roads.

Making Carbon Removals a Real Climate Solution

How to integrate carbon removals into EU Climate Policies

Year 2023

Publication:Article

The discussion on the certification of carbon removals seems technical, but it is one of the central debates in EU climate policy. It is primarily intended to pave the way for the integration of CO₂ removals into emissions trading. In doing so, the EU risks to build its most important climate policy instrument on sand, writes Dr. Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf of Ecologic Institute in the Tagesspiegel Background Energie & Klima. He makes suggestions how to mitigate this risk.

Emissionshandel droht mit Kohlenstoffzertifikaten auf Sand zu bauen

Article in the Tagesspiegel

Year 2023

Publication:Book

Cover of "Sustainable development in the European Union. Statistical annex to the EU voluntary review. 2023 edition"

The 2023 edition of the EU SDG indicator set consists of 100 indicators structured along the 17 SDGs and covering the social, economic, environmental and institutional dimensions of sustainability as represented by the 2030 Agenda. Ecologic Institute's authors covered the chapters on Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), Life on Land (SDG 15) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). The publication is available for download.

Sustainable Development in the European Union – 2023 Statistical annex

Statistical annex to the EU voluntary review

Year 2023

Publication:Book

Cover of "Sustainable development in the European Union Monitoring report on progress towards the SDGs in an EU context 2023 edition"

The 2023 publication is Eurostat's seventh regular report monitoring progress towards the SDGs in an EU context. Ecologic Institute's authors covered the chapters on Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), Life on Land (SDG 15) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). The publication is available for download.

Sustainable Development in the European Union – 2023

Monitoring Report on Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Year 2023

Publication:Report

Carbon pricing is gaining traction around the world, as more and more jurisdictions implement emissions trading systems or tax carbon emissions to achieve their climate objectives. The annual "State and Trends of Carbon Pricing" is the flagship report of the World Bank to provide a concise, up-to-date overview of what is happening in this field. With over 70,000 annual downloads, it is one of the most prominent publications on this matter.

State and Trends of Carbon Pricing Report 2023

Year 2023

Publication:Web Application

The INTERLACE Urban Governance Atlas was officially launched on 11 May 2023 at the INTERLACE Cities Talk Nature Conference in Chemnitz. The first of its kind, the online database showcases 250 policy instruments from 41 countries supporting nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration. The interactive design invites policymakers, urban planners, researchers, civil society organizations, and others to explore and learn more about what made the instruments successful, lessons learned in their design and implementation, and their approaches to governance.

Urban Governance Atlas

Year 2023

Publication:Podcast

Our planet is experiencing a biodiversity crisis. And the problem across the EU is also severe, with more than 80% of habitats in the EU now in a bad or poor conservation status. To reverse this alarming trend, the European Commission has proposed the Nature Restoration Law, which aims to restore at least 20% of EU land and sea by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.

Nature Restoration Law: Restoring Europe's ecosystems & protecting biodiversity

Tenth episode of the podcast "Green Deal – Big Deal?"

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy paper aims to inform discussions about the new policy monitoring mechanism by providing an overview of policy consistency and how to assess it. It discusses the specifics of consistency elaborated in the EU Climate Law, considers the academic and policy understanding of policy consistency and examines how this fits with the provisions in the law.

Policy Consistency: What it means, how to measure it, and links with other processes

Considerations on the implementation of the EU Climate Law

Year 2023

Publication:Podcast

In this 1st episode of the "CLIMATE ON AIR – Discussing the future of EU climate policy" podcast, hosts Aaron Best from Ecologic Institute and Bradlie Martz-Sigala from the University of Eastern Finland discuss with Anuschka Hilke, Program Director at the Institute for Climate Economics (I4CE) and Benjamin Görlach, Environmental Economist and Head of Economics and Policy Assessment at Ecologic Institute, what "transformative policy" actually means and how it differs from traditional policymaking.

What is Transformative Climate Policy?

First episode of the podcast "CLIMATE ON AIR – Discussing the future of EU climate policy"

Year 2023

Publication:Report

Cover of the report "EU requirements for renewable hydrogen and its derivates"

This briefing, co-authored by Raffaele Piria (Ecologic Institute), analyzes the contents of the two Delegated Acts (DA) adopted by the European Commission on 10 February 2023. These provide detailed rules on the conditions under which electricity used to produce hydrogen may be counted as fully renewable according to European Union (EU) law, and on the methodology for assessing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings from hydrogen-based renewable fuels (so-called renewable fuels of non-biological origin, RFNBOs) and for recycled carbon fuels (RCFs).

EU Requirements for Renewable Hydrogen and its Derivatives

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy brief aims to support the work of NGOs and think tanks by developing elements of a green hydrogen agenda for the G20. Based on an analysis of the heterogeneous interests and agenda of the G20 countries, the first part discusses the challenges and opportunities of the G20 as a forum for shaping the emerging markets for hydrogen and hydrogen-based products into a direction that is compatible with climate neutrality. The second section outlines the governance challenge of ensuring the environmental and social sustainability of hydrogen production and use. Finally, it develops options on how to advance a green hydrogen agenda in the G20.

Advancing a Green Hydrogen Agenda in the G20

Challenges and opportunities of the G20 as a green hydrogen forum

Year 2023

Publication:Report

Briefing CAP Strategic Plans Scheid Aaron

This report, co-authored by Aaron Scheid from Ecologic Institute, summarises the results of a series of assessments of the climate and environmental ambition of the Common Agricultural Policy's (CAP) Strategic Plans. It is based on the detailed study of four Member States (France, Spain, Poland and Germany). The analysis suggests that, while the new CAP structure provides more flexibility to Member States, countries did not take this opportunity to significantly increase support for environmental and climate action.

Environmental and Climate Assessments of CAP Strategic Plans

Summary of Impact Based on Four Key Member States

Year 2023

Publication:Article

Hinzmann Mederake EU single use plastics directive article

This article, co-authored by Mandy Hinzmann and Linda Mederake from Ecologic Institute, assesses the potential of the EU "Single-Use Plastics Directive" (SUPD) to reduce litter pollution in the environment with three scenarios. The scenario analysis revealed that the success the current SUPD can be an important first step, yet further legislative actions are needed to effectively prevent plastic waste pollution - bans alone are not sufficient. The success of the Directive is therefore highly dependent on implementation and enforcement.

What Potential Does the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive Have for Reducing Plastic Pollution at Coastlines and Riversides?

Year 2023

Publication:Article

First page of article Ernährungspolitische Strategien und Handlungsansätze zur Förderung pflanzenbasierter Ernährungsweisen in Deutschland by Julia Jägle

What role do policies play in driving plant-based solutions for more sustainable food systems? In this article, Julia Jägle from Ecologic Institute explores policy strategies and approaches to foster plant-based solutions in Germany and offers an international comparison. She shows that Germany has potential for improvement and introduces political instruments to further promote plant-based food systems and diets.

Ernährungspolitische Strategien und Handlungsansätze zur Förderung pflanzenbasierter Ernährungsweisen in Deutschland

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

The paper contains policy recommendations, including the integration of measures into NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) and NBSAPs (National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans), the consideration of a binding water treaty and a UN special representative for water. Synergies between freshwater ecosystems and flood protection should be highlighted, and cross-sectoral cooperation promoted.

Die Wiederherstellung von Süßwasserökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

This paper analyses the outcomes of the CBD COP15, specifically the adoption of the GBF and its implications for the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration. Delving into the GBF's long-term status goals for 2050 and 23 action goals for 2030, the paper highlights the importance of Action Target 2, which calls for initiating effective restoration processes in at least 30% of all degraded terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine ecosystems by 2030. It also explores how the UN Decade's global network, knowledge pool, and expertise can significantly contribute to the successful implementation of the GBF's restoration goals. The paper presents policy recommendations to ensure that the GBF's ambitious targets are met in a timely and effective manner.

Ergebnisse der CBD COP15 und ihre Bedeutung für die UN-Dekade zur Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Podcast

In the latest "Green Deal – Big Deal?" podcast episode, the hosts Ewa Iwaszuk and Aaron Best from Ecologic Institute speak with interview guests Margherita Tolotto (Senior Policy Officer for Air and Noise at the European Environmental Bureau) and Agnieszka Warso-Buchanan (Senior Lawyer in ClientEarth). They discuss the problem of air pollution, the important role that lawsuits have played in forcing action, the current effort to bring the law in line with the science – and what citizens can do to have their voices heard in this debate.

The Fight for Better Air Quality in the EU

Nineth episode of the podcast "Green Deal – Big Deal?"

Year 2023

Publication:Podcast

What does EU climate policy need to look like to achieve the transformation to a net-zero emissions economy by 2050? Tune into our podcast and learn about the four essential cross-cutting challenges on this path.

CLIMATE ON AIR – Discussing the Future of EU Climate Policy

The 4i-TRACTION Podcast

Year 2023

Publication:Article

screen shot of the online article's header

The German CAP Strategic Plan has the potential for an ambitious CAP 2023 to 2027. While the debate on the next CAP post-2027 is already starting, in this article Aaron Scheid and Sophie Ittner from Ecologic Institute argue that the German government needs to exploit all potential in the current CAP to increase the ambition towards more climate change mitigation and the protection and enhancement of natural resources and biodiversity. The coalition agreement gives them the mandate to do so.

The German CAP Strategic Plan

The ambition has yet to come

Year 2023

Publication:Book

The transport sector is one of the main emitters of greenhouse gases. To meet the demands of the Paris Climate Agreement, a radical transition in transport policy needs to be initiated. In this book, Dr. Michael Jakob (Ecologic Institute) discusses the opportunities and challenges involved in the transport transition from the perspective of ecological and social sustainability.

Wege zu einer sozial gerechten Verkehrswende

Wie wir Mobilität nachhaltig gestalten können

Year 2023

Publication:Infographic

This infographic shows, color-coded for the three developmental stages of domestic fish, body proportion-based bar spacing of rakes that can prevent fish from swimming into the high-risk areas.

Body Proportion Based Bar Spacing for Racks to Prevent Fish Passage into High-risk Areas

Year 2023

Publication:Report

This report summarizes the results of the Hydromorphology workshop series (2008, 2012, 2016, 2021) of the German Federal Environment Agency in the form of a synthesis.

In der Diskussion: Hydromorphologie.

Ergebnisse der UBA Workshopreihe

Year 2023

Publication:Report

On 30 November 2022, the Commission proposed an EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF). The Commission's proposal is an important initiative for promoting the implementation of carbon removals within the EU. It aims to help generate additional funding for removal activities. But, the proposal remains vague on crucial regulatory aspects.

Certification of Carbon Dioxide Removals

Evaluation of the Commission Proposal

Year 2023

Publication:Document

The EU has just updated its climate target for 2030 and most of the policy instruments in place to achieve it. Does this toolbox have all the items needed to achieve the shift to net-zero emissions by 2050? This discussion paper by Oeko-Institut and Ecologic Institute addresses and analyses the main pillars of the EU's climate policy identifies crunch issues on the path towards climate neutrality and offers potential solutions.

Can Current EU Climate Policy Reliably Achieve Climate Neutrality by 2050?

Post-2030 crunch issues for the move to a net zero economy

Year 2023

Publication:Flyer

The NICHES project flyer illustrates the main project objectives and case-study cities. An overview of the project process is illustrated, together with details of the partner cities implementing the project. The flyer is styled according to the project style-guides and contains contact information.

Nature's Integration in Cities' Hydrologies, Ecologies and Societies (NICHES)

Year 2023

Publication:Article

This blog post shows why the EU Renovation Wave should link environmental and social issues. EU member states are currently facing three crises: the climate crisis, an energy security crisis and a social crisis. The EU Renovation Wave has a key role in responding to all three crises. However, it can only fulfill this key role if the implementation of the renovation wave is socially fair.

Kein Pfusch am Bau! Verteilungspolitische Effekte der EU-Renovierungswelle

Blog Post

Year 2023

Publication:Document

1 page of the summary of the Online Expert Dialogue on Reusable Transport Packaging

Almost one third of all packaging in Germany is so-called transport packaging, which becomes waste after its single use. Despite the factual relevance of this packaging group, it is strongly underrepresented in the public perception as well as in the political discourse. During the online expert dialogue "Reusable Transport Packaging" on 27 February 2023, good examples from practice were presented and potentials, challenges and necessary elements for the expansion of reusable transport packaging were discussed together with experts from trade, logistics industry, civil society and politics. The summary is available for download.

Online-Fachdialog "Mehrweg-Transportverpackungen"

Year 2023

Publication:Report

This assessment identifies the likely contribution of Poland's CAP Strategic Plan to climate mitigation and adaptation, natural resources, and biodiversity protection. Overall, the findings are that the Plan is insufficient to respond to the country's needs in relation to environment and climate challenges.

Environment and Climate Assessment of Poland's CAP Strategic Plan

Year 2023

Publication:Report

This report identifies and assesses the likely contribution of Poland's CAP Strategic Plan to climate mitigation and adaptation, natural resources, and biodiversity protection.

Environment and Climate Assessment of Germany's Cap Strategic Plan

Year 2023

Publication:Article

Carbon pricing is a policy instrument that is very popular with researchers and many policy makers as well. To be implemented effectively, it requires widespread acceptance by society. This paper presents an empirical study carried out in Germany directly before the implementation of its new carbon-pricing scheme for fuels in 2021.

Using the Revenues from Carbon Pricing

Insights into the acceptance and perceptions of particularly burdened groups

Year 2023

Publication:Article

This article reviews the role of ponds and pondscapes in delivering Nature's Contributions to People and provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities for their broader implementation as Nature-based Solutions. The authors, among them Manuel Lago (Ecologic Institute) propose a conceptual framework that can help the implementation of pond Nature-based Solutions, and that outlines future research needs.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Use of Ponds and Pondscapes as Nature-based Solutions

Year 2023

Publication:Podcast

In the latest "Green Deal – Big Deal?" podcast episode, the hosts Ewa Iwaszuk and Nick Evans from Ecologic Institute discuss these questions, together with their interview guests Claire Dupont (University of Ghent) and Sharon Turner (independent expert associated with European Climate Foundation and University of Sussex). The two guests explain their understanding of EU governance, how it has evolved over the years, and its crucial role in shaping Europe's future.

The European Green Deal Symphony: Conducting the net-zero transition

Eight episode of the podcast "Green Deal – Big Deal?"

Year 2023

Publication:Report

Pay as you eat meat Report Aaron Scheid CE Delft

Animal products are an essential part of today's German diet, but they are associated with a variety of environmental problems, such as global warming, eutrophication of soils and waters, etc.. These cause external costs. The study, co-authored by Aaron Scheid and Benjamin Görlach of Ecologic Institute, estimates these external costs for animal products and examines policy measures to address them.

Pay as You Eat Dairy, Eggs and Meat

External Cost Estimates and Policy Options to Internalise Them in Germany

Year 2023

Publication:Document

This document provides country specific information on key elements from the 22 national long-term climate strategies extracted for the cross-country analysis in table format. It allows for selection of specific criteria as well as for the selection of specific countries.

Charting a Path to Net Zero: Country specific information

Year 2023

Publication:Document

Indicators measuring progress towards climate neutrality must address the often structural, sectoral, and cross-sectoral changes implied by the transition, covering both the economic and social dimensions. To address this, Ecologic Institute developed this working document, testing an indicator framework for assessing the progress to climate neutrality by 2050. The document offers a glimpse at areas where developments are currently headed in the right direction or lagging behind.

A Look Under the Emission Curve: Setting up a Net Zero Scoreboard

Testing a progress measurement framework on a sample of indicators

Year 2023

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Adaptation
Agriculture
Arctic
Biodiversity
Bioeconomy
Cities
Climate
Climate Foreign Policy
Coastal + Marine
Communication
Consumer Policy
Culture + Ecology
Digitalization
EU
Economics
Education
Energy
Environmental Law – Ecologic Legal
Evaluation
Events
Finance
Food
Foreign Policy
Governance
Health
Indicators
Industry
International Development
Land Use
Mobility
Nature-based Solutions and Green Infrastructure
Plastics
Public Diplomacy
Resource Conservation + Circular Economy
Trade
Water

Article
Book
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Document
Fact Sheet
Flyer
Infographic
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Postcard
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Publications

How to integrate carbon removals into EU Climate Policies

Article in the Tagesspiegel

Statistical annex to the EU voluntary review

Monitoring Report on Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Tenth episode of the podcast "Green Deal – Big Deal?"

Considerations on the implementation of the EU Climate Law

First episode of the podcast "CLIMATE ON AIR – Discussing the future of EU climate policy"

Challenges and opportunities of the G20 as a green hydrogen forum

Summary of Impact Based on Four Key Member States

Nineth episode of the podcast "Green Deal – Big Deal?"

The 4i-TRACTION Podcast

The ambition has yet to come

Wie wir Mobilität nachhaltig gestalten können

Ergebnisse der UBA Workshopreihe

Evaluation of the Commission Proposal

Post-2030 crunch issues for the move to a net zero economy

Blog Post

Insights into the acceptance and perceptions of particularly burdened groups

Eight episode of the podcast "Green Deal – Big Deal?"

External Cost Estimates and Policy Options to Internalise Them in Germany

Testing a progress measurement framework on a sample of indicators

Recent Multimedia Publications by Ecologic Institute

Tenth episode of the podcast "Green Deal – Big Deal?"

First episode of the podcast "CLIMATE ON AIR – Discussing the future of EU climate policy"