Publications

Publication:Report
 
How do electricity supply, infrastructure, industry and a fair distribution of costs need to work together for the energy transition to succeed? The final report, “The Grand Challenges of the Energy Transition”, brings together findings from six years of research under the Ariadne Kopernikus project.

Die Grand Challenges der Energiewende

Sechs Jahre Energiewendeforschung: Bilanz und Perspektiven

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Publication:Brochure
 
This guide shows how municipalities can systematically identify, assess and compare the costs and NbS. It takes users through a stepwise process on how to go about assessing costs and benefits. Documentation tables and guiding questions help apply each step to a specific project.

Kosten- und Nutzenbewertung von naturbasierten Lösungen zur Klimaanpassung

Ein Leitfaden für Kommunen

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Publication:Report
 
How should economics assess adaptation when responding to climate change, which may require fundamental changes to economies and societies rather than incremental adjustments? This ACCREU technical report examines this emerging research field and identifies eight priorities for developing the economics of transformational adaptation.

Research Priorities and Review Paper on Emergent Co-design

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Publication:Report
 
The paper assesses four policy options for integrating Article 6 credits into the EU ETS through a central intermediary rather than allowing companies to purchase credits directly. It argues that this indirect approach would provide greater oversight of credit quality and supply, helping to preserve the EU ETS's role in driving domestic emissions reductions while offering limited flexibility where appropriate. 

Article 6 Credits in the EU ETS 1

Brief assessment of possible integration options

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Publication:Document
 
Researchers at Ecologic Institute have developed a new tool to help governments to produce socially just climate adaptation strategies. The Just2Adapt tool allows the user to analyse the justice dimensions of Heat Action Plans at the strategic level as well as at the level of individual measures. It is important that heat adaptation strategies integrate social justice considerations because of the unequal way in which the heat-health effects of climate change are distributed across the population.

Just2Adapt Tool: Supporting governments with socially just climate adaptation

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Publication:Report
 
As the European Union considers to reform its Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) by integrating permanent carbon dioxide removals (CDR), this report examines safeguards to support the gradual scale-up of permanent removals whilst keeping their quantity under control to manage risks and ensure incentives for reducing emissions remain

Options for Implementing Limits for CDR Integrated Into the EU ETS 1

Final Report

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Double chat showing the EU LNG imports from non-EEA countries from 2019 to 2025, in bcm and as share
Based on a novel analysis covering the entire European Economic Area (EEA, notably including Norway), this policy brief shows that US gas imports into the EEA sharply surged in 2025. They now account for almost 40% of total EEA gas imports and nearly 60% of LNG imports. This trend exposes Europe to heightened geopolitical pressure, price volatility and the risk of stranded assets.

Europe's Selective Blindness on Gas: US LNG and the Limits of Supply Diversification

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Publication:Report
 
This report presents a strategic, evidence-based approach to support the upscaling of freshwater restoration and implementation of Nature-based Solutions across Europe. Central to the approach is the MERLIN Upscaling Workflow, a flexible decision-support tool that uses Europe-wide datasets to identify high-impact restoration areas.

Scaling up Freshwater Restoration and Nature-based Solutions in Europe

An evidence-informed workflow

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Publication:Report
 
This report contributes to a better understanding of the economic implications of climate change adaptation across the European Union. Its central objective is to analyse three key dimensions: the costs of adapting to climate change, the costs of inaction, and current levels of adaptation funding. The analysis focuses on three climate-sensitive sectors of strategic importance for the EU economy and society: transport, energy, and agriculture.

Knowledge Development and Application Concerning Costs of Adaptation Compard to Costs of Inaction

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Publication:Report
 
The triple planetary crisis is a systemic challenge, not three separate issues: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution reinforce one another through shared drivers and feedback, threatening planetary and human well-being. It is driven by fossil fuel dependence, unsustainable production and consumption, overexploitation of land and resources, and structural inequalities. The analysis concludes that the triple crisis can only be effectively addressed through systemic, cross-sectoral, and justice-oriented approaches. By linking resource governance, NbS, and transformative change, this report highlights how today’s triple crisis can be turned into an opportunity to regenerate ecosystems, reduce inequalities, and build resilient societies within planetary boundaries.

Moving from Interconnected Crises to Systemic Solutions

Resource efficiency, nature-based solutions, and systemic transformation as responses to the complexity of the triple planetary crisis

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
This fact sheet summarizes the information contained in the publication Burgos Cuevas et al. (2025): Moving from interconnected crises to systemic solutions. Resource efficiency, nature-based solutions, and systemic transformation as responses to the complexity of the triple planetary crisis. Interim report, Climate Change 83/2025. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau. https://doi.org/10.60810/openumwelt-8108.

Moving from Interconnected Crises to Systemic Solutions

Resource efficiency, nature-based solutions, and systemic transformation as responses to the complexity of the triple planetary crisis

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
Nature-based solutions are central to climate change adaptation. Urban green spaces and waterbodies can reduce heat in cities, for example. How can local authorities implement such measures despite limited resources? This paper presents financing options based on practical examples – from crowdfunding to green bonds – and assesses which ones are suitable and when. It also provides recommendations on how the federal and state governments can provide support.

Jenseits öffentlicher Gelder: Wie Kommunen naturbasierte Lösungen für die Klimaanpassung finanzieren können

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Publication:Report
 
The present report discusses criteria that could reasonably be applied to prioritise downstream products for inclusion in CBAM. It examines the significance and suitability of different criteria, as well as the availability and reliability of data to operationalise these criteria.

Inclusion of Downstream Products in CBAM

Assessment and operationalisation of relevant criteria

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Publication:Report
 
This study investigates instruments that could generate revenue for international climate finance. Through a mixed-methods approach, including desk research and interviews with 23 experts from diverse professional backgrounds, the study evaluates four proposed levies: a Fossil Fuel Extraction Levy, a Levy on Windfall Fossil Fuel Profits, a Levy on Plastic Polymers, and a Levy on Jet Fuel.

Study on Potential New Sources of Climate Finance, Including Taxation

Final report

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Publication:Report
 
carbon removals in the EU
While cutting emissions remains the primary objective of EU climate policy, achieving climate neutrality and eventually net-negative emissions will also require large-scale deployment of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions. This report provides an overview of the current state and future potential of permanent CDR in Europe.

Carbon Removals in the EU

Review of current carbon removal projects and early-stage financing

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Publication:Report
 
cover page
This report explores options for an EU purchasing programme for permanent carbon removals to address a critical gap in climate change mitigation. While emissions reductions remain the primary objective of EU climate policy, achieving climate neutrality and eventually net-negative emissions necessitates the large-scale deployment of carbon removals. This requires the swift development and deployment of cost-effective and socially beneficial carbon removal technologies.

An EU Purchasing Programme for Permanent Carbon Removals

Assessment of policy options and recommendations for short-term policy design

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Publication:Report
 
Cover page of the report “International Oil Extraction Levy – Design recommendations and impact analysis,” published by Ecologic Institute and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Authors: Prof. Dr. Luan Santos, Dr. Michael Jakob, Jonathan Gardiner, Flora Dicke, and Benjamin Görlach. Publication date: 27 June 2025.
This report explores the design and implications of an international oil extraction levy as a mechanism to mobilize new sources of climate finance. The assessed levy places a price on the embedded CO₂ in extracted crude oil, increasing production costs and likely raising oil prices for final consumers. By internalising part of the climate costs of fossil fuels, the mechanism aligns with the polluter pays principle.

International Oil Extraction Levy

Design recommendations and impact analysis

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Publication:Report
 
This report published under the EU-funded GoNaturePositive! project offers a comprehensive baseline assessment to support the transition toward a nature-positive economy. The report provides an in-depth analysis of EU policy instruments and co-operative initiatives, identifying their alignment with nature positive principles and opportunities to reduce environmental harm, restore ecosystems, and foster systemic change.

Mapping Policy and Co-operative Initiative Landscapes for Systemic Change Towards a Nature-positive Economy

GoNaturePositive! Report

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
This brief explores how transitioning to a Nature-Positive Economy requires transforming tourism from a driver of environmental degradation into a force for ecosystem restoration. It was developed under the EU research project GoNaturePositive!

Tourism

Sectoral Brief

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
This sectoral brief examines how EU policy and practice can steer forestry toward a nature-positive economy. It was developed under the EU research project GoNaturePositive!

Forestry

Sectoral Brief

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
This brief examines how policymakers, industry and practitioners can steer the built environment toward a nature-positive future by integrating ecological resilience and quality of life with economic development. It was developed under the EU research project GoNaturePositive!

Built Environment

Sectoral Brief

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the reporrt with flag of the European Union in the background
This report presents the conclusions of the study titled "Macro-economic / Top-down Assessment of Climate Impacts on the EU Economy." Commissioned to assist the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), the study explores how climate change-induced hazards may influence the EU's socio-economic landscape. Its central aim is to deliver both qualitative and quantitative perspectives on the broader macro-economic effects of significant climate hazards. It also investigates how these climate-related shocks ripple through different sectors of the economy. By compiling and analysing relevant data, the study provides a knowledge base to help the European Commission assess how such impacts could potentially challenge the EU’s ability to meet its climate mitigation objectives.

Macro-economic / Top-down Assessment of Climate Impacts on the EU Economy

Final Report

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Publication:Document
 
The analysis by Ariadne project partners examines Germany's climate foreign policy during the current legislative period. Beyond the international context, they also consider the organizational structure within the German government and the responsible ministries. The researchers conclude that Germany has been able to set the pace for international climate policy by transferring the responsibility for international climate policy to the Foreign Office and creating the role of Special Envoy for International Climate Policy. In contrast, the record of Germany's engagement in bilateral and plurilateral formats has yielded mixed results.

Deutschlands Klimaaußenpolitik: Kontext – Rückschau – Weiterentwicklung

Ariadne-Analyse

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Publication:Article
 
In this article, the authors, including Anthony Cox of Ecologic Institute, highlight there is little appetite among WTO members for modernizing multilateral subsidy rules at a time when many countries are introducing new forms of support that could potentially exacerbate existing policy disincentives for globally sustainable economic and environmental outcomes.

Practical First Steps Towards Comprehensive Subsidy Reform

Expert View

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Publication:Case Study
 
Cover page of the 'M3.1 BUSINESS BRIEFS - BELGIAN PILOT' document with a top-down view of a marine vessel. A person in a red safety suit is climbing a yellow ladder, symbolizing active marine operations. The bottom section invites readers to 'Visit United website' and lists authors Manuel Lago - ECOLOGIC, Youssef Zaiter - ACTeon, and editor Ivana Lukic from Submariner Network for Blue Growth EWIV.
This UNITED project business brief examines the legal and environmental aspects of a Belgian project using offshore wind farms in the North Sea for the cultivation of flat oysters and seaweed. Particular attention is paid to environmental benefits, such as improved water quality and biodiversity, as well as potential challenges, including permitting procedures.

Belgian Pilot

Business Brief

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Publication:Case Study
 
"Cover page of the 'M3.1 BUSINESS BRIEFS - DANISH PILOT' document with a top-down view of a marine vessel. A person in a red safety suit is climbing a yellow ladder, symbolizing active marine operations. The bottom section invites readers to 'Visit United website' and lists authors Manuel Lago - ECOLOGIC, Youssef Zaiter - ACTeon, and editor Ivana Lukic from Submariner Network for Blue Growth EWIV.
This Business Brief of the UNITED project examines the legal and environmental aspects of a project that successfully combines offshore wind energy production with innovative tourism activities.

Danish Pilot

Business Brief

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Publication:Case Study
 
Cover page of the 'M3.1 BUSINESS BRIEFS - German PILOT' document with a top-down view of a marine vessel. A person in a red safety suit is climbing a yellow ladder, symbolizing active marine operations. The bottom section invites readers to 'Visit United website' and lists authors Manuel Lago - ECOLOGIC, Youssef Zaiter - ACTeon, and editor Ivana Lukic from Submariner Network for Blue Growth EWIV.
This UNITED project business brief discusses the legal framework and environmental impacts of a project in the German North Sea that combines offshore wind energy and aquaculture, including the laws and regulations that apply to offshore installations in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

German Pilot

Business Brief

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Publication:Case Study
 
Cover page of the 'M3.1 BUSINESS BRIEFS - GREEK PILOT' document with a top-down view of a marine vessel. A person in a red safety suit is climbing a yellow ladder, symbolizing active marine operations. The bottom section invites readers to 'Visit United website' and lists authors Manuel Lago - ECOLOGIC, Youssef Zaiter - ACTeon, and editor Ivana Lukic from Submariner Network for Blue Growth EWIV.
This UNITED project business brief discusses the legal framework and environmental implications of a project in the Greek Aegean combining aquaculture and tourism, including laws and regulations, particularly in relation to marine conservation, permitting and marine spatial planning.

Greek Pilot

Business Brief

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover page of Policy Paper No. 5 from a series on the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), titled 'The Role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, Women and Youth in Ecosystem Restoration.' It features the logo of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection at the top. Below, there’s an image of a misty rainforest. The authors listed are Rebecca Noebel and Gregory Fuchs from the Ecologic Institute.
In an increasingly interlinked and globalized world, indigenous peoples and local communities are essential for the preservation of their rights, cultures and access to land and resources. What role do they play in the dialog around environmental protection and social justice? This policy paper sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for indigenous peoples and local communities and explores how their voices can be heard and respected in international forums.

Die Rolle von Indigenen Völkern und lokalen Gemeinschaften, Frauen und Jugendlichen für die Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover page of a policy brief dated September 19th, 2023, titled 'POLICY BRIEF: Assessment on the added value of Marine Multi-Use within UNITED pilots'. The background features a soft-focus image of wind turbines at sea. The EU flag is present with a disclaimer about funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Authors Manuel Lago - ECOLOGIC, Youssef Zaiter - ACTeon, and editors Ivana Lukic, Agnese Cosulich from Submariner Network for Blue Growth EWIV are credited.
As competition for, and interest in, use of ocean space increases, a need for management arises to optimize activity in marine areas. This policy brief provides a comprehensive consideration of the economic efficiency of marine multi-use (MU) by weighing the pros and cons of individual use options against potential MU combinations.

Assessment on the Added Value of Marine Multi-Use within UNITED Pilots

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Publication:Case Study
 
Cover of the country briefing paper Germany "Who took the burden of the energy crisis?
Households across Germany felt the weight of 2022's energy crisis, grappling with a dramatic increase in energy prices. Overall energy costs in Germany surged by 31% in 2022 compared to the previous year. To combat the adverse impacts of the 2022 energy crisis, Germany passed three major relief packages in 2022. This country briefing paper describes Germany’s policy response to the energy crisis of 2022 and provides a microsimulation-based summary of the distributional effects of energy price shocks on German households.

Who Took the Burden of the Energy Crisis?

Country briefing paper: Germany

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