Publication:Report

This report assesses how far the Czech authorities have implemented Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 on the reduction of methane emissions in the energy sector (EU-MER) on the basis of publicly available information and information obtained directly from Czech authorities and companies.

How the EU Methane Regulation Is (Not) Being Implemented in Czechia

Evidence shows a wide gap between obligations and practice

Year 2026

Publication:Policy Brief

The brief links these findings to concrete recommendations for implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 more effectively. These include updating EFSA guidance and the data requirements under Regulations (EU) No 283/2013 and 284/2013, expanding the use of sensitive species and endpoints, improving assessments of pesticide mixtures and environmental fate, and better integrating non-dietary exposure and vulnerable life stages into regulatory testing. Many of these improvements could therefore be introduced within the existing EU approval framework.

Strengthening Pre-Market Pesticide Risk Assessment

Lessons from SPRINT

Year 2026

Publication:Policy Brief

Strengthening Pesticide Post-Market Surveillance

Lessons from SPRINT

Year 2026

Publication:Article

This paper argues that there is no plausible basis for the introduction of a “grace period” in respect of infringements of Article 27 of the EU Methane Emissions Regulation (EUMR), as proposed in a recently leaked draft European Commission Recommendation.

EU Methane Regulation Article 27: the Case Against a Grace Period

Why the ordinary enforcement regime does not endanger EU energy security

Year 2026

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.

Year 2026

Publication:Infographic

Black-and-white illustration showing urban nature-based solutions, including trees, water management, and green infrastructure, alongside a city map with marked locations.

Cities are increasingly facing challenges from heat, heavy rainfall, and drought. Nature-based measures offer a wide range of approaches to address these developments while simultaneously improving quality of life in urban areas. This infographic series developed by Ecologic Institute illustrates ten key nature-based adaptation measures and highlights their effects on the urban climate, water balance, and biodiversity.

Naturbasierte Maßnahmen für klimaresiliente Städte – Infographic series

Zehn Ansätze für die kommunale Praxis

Year 2026

Publication:Infographic

Infographic illustrating nature-based solutions for climate risks such as heat, drought, and heavy rainfall, with icons representing sun, dry conditions, and rain.

Climate change is affecting cities in various ways: heatwaves are becoming more frequent, flooding is occurring more often, and prolonged periods of drought are putting pressure on water resources. This series of infographics provides an overview of key climate-related risks and shows how nature-based solutions can help mitigate them.

Hitze, Starkregen, Trockenheit: Klimarisiken in Städten und die Rolle naturbasierter Maßnahmen – Infographic series

Year 2026

Publication:Article

This article examines how innovations in stakeholder engagement can contribute to sustainability transitions in water governance. Based on a systematic review of 61 studies, the paper shows that engagement approaches take diverse forms and often combine multiple governance modes. Public authorities frequently act as initiators, while civil society actors play a central role in many cases.

Innovations for Stakeholder Engagement in Water Governance

A Systematic Literature Review From a Sustainability Transition Perspective

Year 2026

Publication:Infographic

Infographic showing assessment of progress along the clean industrial value chain in Europe, covering upstream inputs, production, and demand side, including clean energy access, industrial decarbonisation, electrification, circularity, energy efficiency, and clean technology supply, with cross-cutting factors like finance, skills, and trade highlighted (ECNO 2026).

The infographic underscores a central insight of the Clean Industrial Transition Monitor: Europe has put in place many of the necessary building blocks for a clean industrial transition. However, achieving scale will depend on addressing remaining bottlenecks and ensuring coherent implementation across all parts of the value chain.

Year 2026

Publication:Website

The toolkit brings together tried-and-tested instruments and organises them along a typical municipal workflow: from initial orientation and planning through to implementation, maintenance, monitoring and evaluation. Local authority departments, planners and other stakeholders will find concise fact sheets outlining each tool, advice on how to apply it at different project stages, as well as links to further resources and practical examples.

Toolkit for Nature-Based Climate Adaptation

Year 2026

Publication:Infographic

Infographic on climate-ready marine protected areas (MPAs) outlining research questions, transdisciplinary methodology, analytical dimensions, and 11 policy recommendations for climate adaptation, governance, and sustainable ocean management.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are key to conserving biodiversity and strengthening the resilience of marine social-ecological systems. As climate change intensifies, their effectiveness increasingly depends on integrating climate considerations into design, management, and governance. The infographic, "Towards Climate-Ready Marine Protected Areas: Challenges and Strategic Pathways," visualises the conceptual approach of the underlying study. It combines ecological, governance, and socio-economic aspects and shows how they work together to evaluate and improve the climate-readiness of MPAs.

Towards Climate-ready Marine Protected Areas

Challenges and strategic pathways

Year 2026

Publication:Article

Drawing on structured expert workshops across Europe, this study identifies key scientific, governance, and socio-economic conditions for making MPAs “climate-ready”. The findings highlight that resilient MPAs must be ecologically robust, socially inclusive, supported by coherent governance frameworks, and adaptable to changing ocean conditions.

Towards Climate-ready Marine Protected Areas

Challenges and strategic pathways

Year 2026

Publication:Report

This publication provides a quantitative overview of the development and status of environmental crime in Germany between 2013 and 2024, based on data from the police crime statistics ("Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik") and the Federal Statistical Office's criminal prosecution statistics ("Strafverfolgungsstatistik"). The report provides both an overview of general trends and an in-depth account of individual environmental offences. The report was prepared by a team from Ecologic Institute on behalf of the German Federal Environment Agency.

Umweltdelikte 2024

Auswertung von Statistiken

Year 2026

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

Year 2026

Publication:Report

The aim of the analysis is to assess stormwater management measures not only in terms of their hydraulic performance and costs but also to systematically capture their additional ecological, social and economic benefits.

Sozioökonomische Bewertung für Maßnahmen zum Management von Regenwasser: Kosten und Nutzen blau-grüner Infrastrukturen

Year 2026

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy brief offers recommendations for EU and national policymakers to enable diversified funding for nature restoration. It draws on lessons from four Horizon 2020 projects – MERLIN, REST‑COAST, SUPERB, and WaterLANDS – that together worked across Europe to test how restoration projects can attract broader support and financing.

Mobilising Diverse Funding for Nature Restoration in Europe

Year 2026

Publication:Postcard

Two information postcards have been developed for the Market Information Talks for the Organic Sector 2026. The postcards support communication for the dialogue series and draw attention to key challenges along organic value chains in Brandenburg.

Market Information Talks for the Organic Sector 2026 – Postcards

Information postcards for the Market Information Talks 2026

Year 2026

Publication:Article

Coastal wetlands deliver critical ecosystem services but remain highly degraded by anthropogenic and climatic pressures. This study presents an integrated structural, functional, and socio-economic assessment of Marjal dels Moros, a managed Mediterranean brackish marsh in eastern Spain, to evaluate restoration effectiveness and inform climate-based management. Six subsites representing well-preserved, altered, and restored conditions were analyzed for water and sediment properties, microbial community composition, and greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes, alongside a multi-criteria socio-economic evaluation of restoration scenarios.

Marjal dels Moros: a model site for the structural, functional, and socioeconomic assessment of managed Mediterranean marshes

Year 2025

Publication:Book Section

The chapter “International climate finance: institutions in the climate regime” by Dr. Ralph Bodle appears in the Research Handbook on Climate Finance and Investment Law. The volume is part of the Research Handbooks in Climate Law series and was published by Edward Elgar Publishing in 2025.

Publication:Report

Climate change is exacerbating drought, low water levels, and heavy rainfall in German river basins, posing new challenges for agriculture, forestry, water management, ecosystems, and municipal planning. Against this backdrop, the project KliMaWerk investigated how the landscape water balance can be made climate-resilient through integrated, practical strategies and measures. The KliMaWerk final report summarises the key findings and strategic conclusions.

Nachhaltige Bewirtschaftung des Landschaftswasserhaushaltes zur Erhöhung der Klimaresilienz (KliMaWerk)

Management und Werkzeuge

Year 2025

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.

On 25 September 2025, the Sowing Solutions: Science & Policy for a Sustainable and Thriving EU Agriculture event, organized by the Environmental Defense Fund Europe, explored these challenges. A dedicated session on "livestock methane in CAP Strategic Plans" brought together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to share evidence and discuss how the CAP can drive real impact. The goal was to spark fresh thinking, informed debate, and practical pathways forward.

Leveraging the Common Agricultural Policy to Accelerate Livestock Emission Reductions

Year 2025

Publication:Policy Brief

Cover featuring purple graphic elements and misty forest photo

The European bioeconomy has great potential to support climate, biodiversity, and development goals. Yet rural actors – farmers, SMEs, and local authorities – often face barriers to participation, from lack of knowledge to limited funding access. Four EU projects – RuralBioUp, SCALE-UP, BioRural, and MainstreamBIO – have released joint recommendations for an updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy.

From Strategy to Action for a Regional, Participatory, and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy

Evidence and recommendations from RuralBioUp, SCALE-UP, BioRural, and MainstreamBIO

Publication:Report

Infographic showing three phases of the SCALE-UP community-driven bioeconomy development framework: (1) Design, which includes contextual analysis and regional platform establishment; (2) Implementation, with stakeholder engagement, innovation support, and pathway realization; and (3) Monitoring, which involves setting indicators and mechanisms for tracking progress. Themes of competitiveness, resilience, and social dimension guide the process toward sustainable, small-scale bioeconomy solutions.

This report presents the evidence-based guidance framework developed in the SCALE-UP project to support the design, implementation and monitoring of small-scale bio-based solutions in rural areas. The framework draws on the experiences of six regional platforms established under the SCALE-UP project – in Mazovia (Poland), Northern Sweden, Strumica (North Macedonia), Upper Austria, the French Atlantic Arc, and Andalusia (Spain) – each reflecting distinct geographical, socio-economic, and institutional contexts.

Evidence-based Guidance Framework for Designing, Implementing and Monitoring Small-scale Bio-based Solutions in Rural Areas

Year 2025

Publication:Report

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

Year 2025

Publication:Article

Aquatic insects that emerge from streams are a crucial energy subsidy for riparian predators such as spiders. When streams are disturbed by human activities, these impacts can cross ecosystem boundaries, disrupting aquatic–terrestrial food web connectivity. This study, co-authored by Dr. Benjamin Kupilas from Ecologic Institute together with international partners, explores how such connections function and how they are shaped by human disturbance.

Fatty Acid Biomarkers Reveal Landscape Influences on Linkages between Aquatic and Terrestrial Food Webs

Year 2025

Publication:Report

How can the EU stay on track to climate neutrality – despite tightening budgets and rising geopolitical pressure? A new Ariadne background paper reviews the Fit for 55 package, discusses open questions for the post-2030 period, and outlines options for a more coherent EU policy architecture.

Staying the Course in Turbulent Times

Insights on the current state and ways forward for the EU's climate, energy and finance policy architecture

Year 2025

Publication:Article

Anthropogenic litter poses a growing threat to aquatic ecosystems worldwide. While the EU's Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) addresses this pollution as an environmental status indicator, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) lacks such a measure.The publication, jointly authored by researchers from the European Plastic Pirates initiative, illustrates how citizen science can address this issue by using existing litter data from related initiatives. Members of the author team included Doris Knoblauch and Mandy Hinzmann from the Ecologic Institute.

Public Participation in EU Legislation?

Recommendations for Involving Citizen Scientists in Anthropogenic Litter Research Within the Water Framework Directive

Year 2025

Publication:Book Section

Cover of the book " A research agenda for environmental crime and law"

As part of the section on new and emerging themes in the book A Research Agenda for Environmental Crime and the Law, Stephan Sina, Senior Fellow at the Ecologic Institute, contributed a chapter titled "Climate Change and Criminal Justice". In this chapter, he explores why criminal law currently plays only a marginal role in discussions on climate change mitigation – and whether this should, and could, be changed.

Climate Change and Criminal Justice

Chapter in A Research Agenda for Environmental Crime and the Law

Year 2025

Publication:Policy Brief

Der Policy Brief zeigt, wie sich pelagische Fischereien im Nordostatlantik trotz Klimawandel, veränderter Fischwanderungen und internationaler Nutzungskonflikte nachhaltiger bewirtschaften lassen. Er verbindet wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse mit den Perspektiven von Stakeholdern und formuliert konkrete Empfehlungen für ein resilientes, grenzüberschreitendes Fischereimanagement.

Building Resilient Pelagic Fisheries in the Marine SABRES Arctic Northeast Atlantic Demonstration Area

Year 2025

Publication:Article

Cover of a publication from 'Cambridge Prisms' titled 'Plastics.' The cover features a gradient background transitioning from deep red to blue, with white lines cutting across the lower half. The title 'Plastics' is displayed in simple white text.

To enable a genuine shift toward a circular plastic economy, the UN plastics treaty must confront two critical structural barriers: fossil fuel and plastic production subsidies, and the failure to internalize the true societal and environmental costs of plastic. Without addressing these root causes, efforts to end plastic pollution risk falling short, the authors of this article argue. Among them Ecologic Institute's Doris Knoblauch.

A Circular Plastic Economy Should Account for all Societal Costs

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

Year 2025

Publication:Policy Brief

This sectoral brief explores how transitioning to a Nature-Positive Economy requires transforming marine industries from drivers of biodiversity loss to forces for ocean restoration. It was developed under the EU research project GoNaturePositive!

Blue Economy

Sectoral Brief

Year 2025

Publication:Document

The background paper sheds light on how authorities can enable and accelerate peatland rewetting projects with legal certainty under current law. It shows that, despite numerous legal hurdles, there is considerable scope for decision-making, particularly in the context of planning and nature conservation law.

Behördliche Entscheidungsspielräume zur Wiedervernässung organischer Böden im Planungs- und Ordnungsrecht

Year 2025

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

Year 2025

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy brief is a product of the SCALE-UP project that aims to serve as an input to the public consultation on the revision of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy.

Scaling up Biobased Production within Ecological Boundaries

Recommendations for an updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy

Year 2025

Publication:Article

Under the EU’s Governance Regulation, Member States are legally required to hold multilevel climate and energy dialogues (MLCEDs), structured spaces for deliberation between governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. In the Review of European, Comparative & International Environmental Law (RECIEL), Ricarda Faber (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH), Deyana Kocher, and Matthias Duwe (Ecologic Institute) offer an assessment of how Member States are implementing these dialogues under Article 11.

Meaningful Participatory Climate Governance

Lessons from EU multilevel climate and energy dialogues

Year 2025

Publication:Report

Cover page of BfN publication 733 “Urban Nature Plans as a Strategy for German Municipalities”. Recommendations on Urban Nature Plans from the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. Authors: Rieke Hansen, Lena Enderich, McKenna Davis, with contributions by Sandra Naumann. The image shows a paved path through a light birch forest.

The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 calls on all European cities with more than 20,000 in-habitants to develop and rapidly implement an "Urban Greening Plan". These plans should contain ambitious targets and measures to conserve biodiversity, promote human well-being, and contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation. The European Commission now refers to these plans as "Urban Nature Plans". The project documented in this report aimed to stimulate a discourse on Urban Nature Plans in Germany and to develop recommendations for local authorities.

Stadtnatur-Pläne als Strategie für deutsche Kommunen

Empfehlungen zu "Urban Nature Plans" aus der EU-Biodiversitätsstrategie 2030

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This report systematically analyses and assesses progress towards the 2030 climate target by comparing the historical evolution of a wide range of indicators in each subsystem with the modelled benchmarks from the Impact Assessment accompanying the EU's 2040 Climate Target Plan.

Renewables, Electrification and Flexibility – for a competitive EU energy system transformation by 2030

Year 2025

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

Publication:Report

How can international policy better align agricultural subsidies with environmental and sustainability goals? This report addresses that question by synthesising the current state of knowledge and offering concrete approaches for identifying and reforming environmentally harmful agricultural subsidies.

Identifying Environmentally Harmful Agricultural Subsidies at the International Level

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This study explores how climate and environmental objectives can be more effectively integrated into the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). It assesses the effectiveness of current mainstreaming tools such as climate and biodiversity spending targets, the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle, expenditure tracking systems, and funding exclusions.

Mainstreaming Climate and Environmental Objectives in EU Funding Programmes in the Post-2027 Period

Publication:Report

This ECNO report assesses transparency and policy information in the final National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) of four EU countries: France, Ireland, Italy, and Sweden. The report evaluates whether these plans provide a sufficient blueprint for achieving national climate targets.

Delivering 2030 Climate Targets

A snapshot of the transparency and policy information gaps of Member States' NECPs

Year 2025

Publication:Brochure

Rewetting peatlands – but how? This new guide provides an overview of the key steps involved in planning, financing and authorising peatland protection projects in Lower Saxony, as well as the associated measures. Commissioned by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, the brochure features contributions from Felix Dengler and Ulf Stein on behalf of the Ecologic Institute.

Year 2025

Publication:Article

Plastic pollution has become a severe global crisis, posing grave threats to the environment, human health, and sustainable development. Driven by unchecked plastic production, the problem worsens through the entire lifecycle of plastics—from creation to disposal—releasing not only large debris but also microscopic particles, monomers, and thousands of chemical additives. These pollutants travel worldwide via air and water currents, damaging ecosystems and wildlife, including marine species that suffer from entanglement, ingestion, and toxicity. This editorial is part of a Special Issue "An effective plastic treaty for marine life".

An Effective Plastic Treaty for Marine Life

Editorial to the Special Issue

Year 2025

Publication:Video

This video, produced within the REACHOUT project, focuses on the Urban Heat climate hazard, and showcases how climate service tools can be applied in real-world urban policy challenges. It serves as a visual guide to help municipal representatives, local consultants, and service providers understand and implement these tools effectively.

Tackling Urban Heat: tools for city planners

Year 2025

Publication:Video

This video, produced within the REACHOUT project, focuses on the Fluvial Flooding hazard, and showcases how climate service tools can be applied in real-world urban policy challenges. It serves as a visual guide to help municipal representatives, local consultants, and service providers understand and implement these tools effectively.

Increasing Flood Resilience: tools for city planners

Year 2025

Publication:Report

Cover of the report with colorful tiles showing photos of agricultural scenes in the background

The bioeconomy concept presents an attractive framework for policymakers in Europe, as it holds the potential to foster innovations that match specific community needs with regionally available resources. The SCALE-UP project aims to enhance the capacity and expertise of multi-actor partnerships to accelerate the development of market-ready bio-based products and services while facilitating their successful market deployment. Additionally, SCALE-UP strengthens collaboration among primary producers, SMEs, industry clusters, social actors, and policymakers, promoting a cohesive approach to innovation.

12 Small-scale Business Models Explored in the SCALE-UP Regions

Year 2025

Publication:Report

The Report on Regional Biomass Availabilities, Nutrient Balances and Ecological Boundaries was produced under the EU‐funded SCALE-UP project, which seeks to accelerate community‐driven bioeconomy development across six European regions: Northern Sweden, Mazovia (Poland), the French Atlantic Arc, Upper Austria, Andalusia (Spain), and Strumica (North Macedonia).

Regional Biomass Availabilities, Nutrient Balances and Ecological Boundaries

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This report, funded by the European Climate Foundation (ECF), examines the assumptions for industrial carbon removals in the European Commission's 2040 Climate Target Impact Assessment. It focuses on the deployment of industrial carbon removal technologies and their resource demands.

Year 2025

Publication:Report

The image shows a collage with two pictures: on the left, an aerial view of green, forested areas and wetlands, indicating nature-based carbon removal, and on the right, an industrial scene with large tanks and pipes, symbolizing technological carbon capture methods. The text below reads: 'Scaling up carbon dioxide removals. Recommendations for navigating opportunities and risks in the EU.' The image is from the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.

This report explores options for scaling up carbon dioxide removals in the EU, considering respective costs, risks and opportunities. This assessment, covering both carbon sinks in the land sector and novel solutions, involves analyses of the status and potential of carbon dioxide removals in the EU, key policy needs and gaps, as well as policy recommendations for a robust EU governance of carbon dioxide removals.

Scaling up Carbon Dioxide Removals

Recommendations for navigating opportunities and risks in the EU

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This report summarizes the results of the research project "Scientific support for the design of an EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework" (CRCF) that provided support to national policy makers during the negotiation process and pursued the following objectives.

Scientific Support for the Design of a Certification Framework for Carbon Dioxide Removals in the EU

Year 2025

Publication:Report

While hydrogen (H2) emissions make up a negligible fraction of today's GHG emissions, they are set to become more significant in the 2030s and, should the EU and the global community progress towards climate neutrality, will likely be substantial in the 2040s, as achieving climate neutrality requires the expansion of hydrogen use alongside the rapid reduction of other GHGs. As decisions made today will shape hydrogen value chains for decades, this paper develops a series of policy proposals to implement a four-pronged strategy.

Integrating Hydrogen Emissions Into the EU Policy Framework

Why hydrogen emissions matter, when they will become significant, and how the EU can tackle them

Year 2025

Publication:Book

Focusing on cities in the European Arctic, this book consolidates research on sustainable development, local and urban governance, and transnational cooperation in the region. It examines to what extent there is transnational cooperation between urban areas in remote locations and how it can be enhanced to better align with global sustainable development policies to successfully implement goals set for example by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Sustainable Urban Development in the European Arctic

Year 2025

Publication:Report

Restoring Europe’s freshwater ecosystems at the scale required by EU policy will require a broader mix of funding sources. The MERLIN Deliverable “Diversifying Funding for Freshwater Restoration using Nature-Based Solutions” examines how restoration teams across Europe are exploring new funding models and partnerships.

Diversifying Funding for Freshwater Restoration Using Nature-Based Solutions

Lessons from the MERLIN project

Year 2025

Publication:Video

Pharmaceutical substances from creams and gels can enter wastewater when washed off after application. However, this can be reduced by first wiping your hands with a paper towel, disposing of it in the household waste, and only then washing your hands.

Umweltfreundliche Anwendung von Arzneisalben

Year 2025

Publication:Video

This animated video visualizes the different methods of disposal throughout Germany.

Entsorgung von Arzneimitteln

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This report examines different approaches to removing plastic waste from wastewater, rivers, harbours, coastal areas and the open sea. It draws on scientific studies, recent reports, information provided by technology developers, and expert interviews.

Technologische Möglichkeiten zur Reduktion von Kunststoffabfällen in den Meeren

Gutachten

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This Deliverable presents the work of the CREDIBLE Focus Group 2.1, "Minimum requirements to ensure carbon farming delivers sustainability benefits". The objective of the Focus Group and the goal of this document is to make recommendations on how the CRCF can maximize the positive impact of carbon farming on biodiversity, adaptation, water and other sustainability outcomes, at the same time as mitigating climate change.

Options for Standards to Ensure Environmental Integrity and Uptake

Year 2025

Publication:Report

Nature-based solutions (NbS) aim to improve the world for everyone, which means ensuring that vulnerable groups, such as women, children, migrants, and people with disabilities, benefit alongside other social groups. This report, part of the INTERLACE project, assesses how these groups have been included in the planning and implementation of project activities, offering valuable insights for future NBS initiatives and research.

Ethics, Gender and Diversity Monitoring in INTERLACE

Summary report

Year 2025

Publication:Document

Stories have the unique potential to inspire change, shape perceptions, and foster understanding across diverse audiences. This collection of stories, developed as part of the INTERLACE project, aims to convey the profound emotional and cultural importance natural surroundings have for local communities and showcase the power of collective action.

Soils are vital for climate mitigation, storing substantial carbon. This report, co-authored by Ecologic Institute's Hugh McDonald, Aaron Scheid and Dr. Ana Frelih-Larsen, examines funding approaches to promote climate-friendly soil management in Europe, focusing on two models: action-based and result-based. Action-based funding supports specific activities but doesn't ensure measurable outcomes, while result-based funding ties payments to verified results, encouraging innovation but involving higher costs and monitoring. Result-based funding approaches can be challenging in the context of soil carbon, with offsetting approaches found to be particularly risky.

Funding Climate-friendly Soil Management

Appropriate policy instruments and limits of market-based approaches

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This report, commissioned by the German Environment Agency and co-authored by Ecologic Institute, contains a detailed assessment of ten crediting methodologies on climate-friendly soil management measures. These crediting methodologies are examples of result-based payment and offsetting approaches to fund enhanced carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural practices. Our evaluation of these certification methodologies covers key aspects, including emission quantification, baseline setting, additionality, risk management, environmental and social impacts, and governance. We find many weaknesses with the assessed methodologies.

Analysis of ten Selected Crediting Methodologies for Climate-friendly Soil Management

Annex to the report "Funding Climate-friendly Soil Management"

Year 2025

Publication:Document

Slides of a presentation set titled "Environmental Aspects of Human Pharmaceuticals in Medical Practice." Subtitle: "Basic slide set with free materials for medical education."

Pharmaceuticals in the environment are a growing problem. The UBA Internet portal "Human Medicinal Products and the Environment" offers freely available, scientifically proven teaching materials for medical and pharmaceutical lecturers. With the basic set of slides and the accompanying texts, the topic can be taught comprehensively and practically despite tight curricula.

Umweltaspekte von Humanarzneimitteln in der medizinischen und pharmazeutischen Praxis

Basisfoliensatz und Begleittexte mit freien Materialien

Year 2024

Publication:Article

Nature-based solutions (NbS) hold immense potential to address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss – but how can ambitious goals finally be translated into action? This article provides valuable insights into 250 practical policy instruments from 41 countries that successfully promote NbS. For the first time, a systematic evaluation of good practice examples is presented, aimed at helping cities and communities implement NbS effectively. From innovative approaches to long-term sustainable solutions, the authors highlight how policy design around NbS can be optimized globally. The article provides concrete recommendations and inspiring success stories to advance the implementation of NbS in your region!

Transforming Ambition into Action to Catalyse Nature-based Solutions

Insights from 250 good practice policy instruments

Year 2024

Publication:Report

Kemper, Melanie; Christin Dammann; Johanna Henkel; Juliane Petri 2024: Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz in Brandenburg – Empfehlungen und Handreichungen. Ecologic Institut und Deutscher Verband für Landschaftspflege. Unpublished.

Kemper, Melanie; Elisa Thomaset und Jennifer Reck 2024: Von Niederungsmanagement bis Versumpfung: Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz. Medienresonanz- und Kommunikationsanalyse in den moorreichen deutschen Bundesländern. Ecologic Institut, Berlin. Unpublished.

Von Niederungsmanagement bis Versumpfung: Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz

Medienresonanz- und Kommunikationsanalyse in den moorreichen deutschen Bundesländern

Year 2024

Publication:Fact Sheet

Cover page of the information package 'Pharmaceuticals and the Environment' for pharmacies, published by the German Environment Agency. The page includes a message of thanks to pharmacists for their contribution to reducing the entry of pharmaceuticals into the environment. Below, an introduction to the topic highlights the three main sections of the information package.

Pharmacies are an obvious place for conversation about pharmaceuticals and their effects on people and the environment, as well as the disposal of unused products. The information package for pharmacies provides pharmacy staff with in-depth background information for such discussions.

Infopaket für Apotheken – Arzneimittel und Umwelt

Year 2024

Publication:Case Study

With the European Green Deal, the European Climate Law, and the Governance Regulation the EU has built a strong governance framework for climate policy-making. These policies have been effective in linking national and EU-wide actions and enhancing a harmonized approach across EU Member States. They legally enshrine the binding goal of EU-wide climate neutrality by 2050 and embed five-year national policy planning cycles in line with the UNFCCC Global Stocktake.

Geburtstagskalender: Arzneimittel und Umwelt

Year 2024

Publication:Article

A seven-year citizen science study with schoolchildren on German riversides found stable litter density, mainly plastic and cigarette butts, with wider rivers showing higher litter levels, stressing the need for policy action.

Temporal Variability of Litter Pollution of Rivers in Germany

A long-term assessment by schoolchildren as citizen scientists

Year 2024

Publication:Book

A new textbook entitled 'Urban Nature: New directions for city futures', co-authored by Ecologic Institute's McKenna Davis, has just been published. The introductory textbook with a global scope aims to train students of geography, sustainability, and urban and environmental studies to re-imagine and transform cities to meet climate, biodiversity, and sustainability challenges. It speaks directly to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and a changing climate as well as the imperative to integrate justice with urban nature and nature-based solutions, putting cities in focus as spaces and places for transformative change.

Urban Nature – New Directions for City Futures

Year 2024

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.

On 15 October 2024, the European Environmental Agency (EEA) published their landmark report on the state of water in the EU, the most comprehensive assessment of the status of European groundwater, rivers, lakes and coastal waters to date. Supported by Ecologic Institute through its coordination of the contributions from the European Topic Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystems, the publication analyses various European data flows relevant to water management, with a particular focus on data reported by the Member States under the EU Water Framework Directive.

Europe's State of Water 2024

The need for improved water resilience

Year 2024

Publication:Report

This report analyses the resilience of the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and shows how global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the war in Ukraine can affect its operation. In view of rising energy prices and economic uncertainties, it becomes clear that the EU ETS needs to improve its legal resilience to crisis situations. The report highlights necessary reforms to make emissions trading more resilient and effective in the future.

Perspectives for interdisciplinary cooperation in the Anthropocene

Eine Zusammenstellung für das Handlungsfeld "Zugang zu Land"

Year 2024

Publication:Article

In recent discussions surrounding the Clean Industrial Deal, there has been growing recognition of the need to not only prioritize industrial transformation but also integrate social and environmental considerations. This approach is vital for ensuring that the green transition is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable in the long term. The blogpost, authored by members of the Think Sustainable Europe network, underscores that climate action must go hand-in-hand with social protection measures and environmental safeguards.

This report aims to provide inspiration and guidance for stakeholders in Central Eastern European (CEE) countries to pursue a more holistic and coordinated approach for transitioning towards climate friendly and resilient agri-food systems.

Towards Climate-friendly and Resilient Agri-food Systems in Central Eastern Europe

The role of agroecological practices, sustainable diets, and holistic policies

Year 2024

Publication:Report

A new report by the Ecologic Institute and the Oeko-Institut explores the past contribution of the industry sector to already achieved emission reductions as well as the contribution of the industry sector to the upcoming 2040 climate target and what it takes for industry to achieve the related emission reductions. With a focus on measures and policies governing that would further reduce emissions in industry, the report also examines the key challenges faced by the industry sector and how this is addressed in EU legislation.

EU 2040 Climate Target: Contributions of the industry sector

Year 2024

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

Year 2024

Publication:Infographic

Poster titled 'Synergies and Strategies for Marine Protection and Climate Adaptation,' illustrating a research project on integrating marine protection and climate adaptation in coastal areas. The poster features a diagram of the Nexus approach, highlighting connections between marine protection, climate adaptation, socio-economic integration, policy, governance, and potential conflicts. Visual elements include various restoration, construction, and management measures ...

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.

Synergien und Strategien für Meersschutz und Klimaanpassung

Year 2024

Publication:Report

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.

Developing Ambitious Local Long-term Climate Neutrality Strategies

Charting the course: crafting forward-thinking local climate neutrality strategies

Year 2024

Publication:Report

Cover of the study “Development of a capacity mechanism for the German electricity market”. The picture shows wind turbines and solar panels in the foreground and an electricity pylon in the background. The text at the bottom of the cover indicates that the study was commissioned by Amprion GmbH, TenneT TSO GmbH, 50Hertz Transmission GmbH and TransnetBW GmbH and was published in May 2024.

Ausarbeitung eines Kapazitätsmechanismus für den deutschen Strommarkt

Year 2024

Publication:Infographic

This poster conveys key content from the Ready4NetZero publication "Developing ambitious local long-term climate neutrality strategies". It presents five key elements for effective local long-term climate neutrality strategies.

Planning for Net Zero

Key Elements in Shaping Effective Local Long-term Climate Neutrality Strategies

Year 2024

Publication:Article

Cover of the journal 'Drug Discovery Today' from Elsevier. The title is 'Drug Discovery Today: Authoritative reviews and expert opinion. Industry focused, peer reviewed'. The cover lists several articles. The design at the bottom shows an illustration of several signposts pointing in different directions. The issue is from May 2024, Volume 29, No. 5/12

The article "Design of greener drugs: aligning parameters in pharmaceutical R&D and drivers for environmental impact" published in Drug Discovery Today explores the challenges and opportunities in developing pharmaceuticals that are not only safe and effective for patients but also environmentally sustainable. This open access article – written by a cross-disciplinary team with representatives of universities, regulators, research-based pharmaceutical companies and SMEs – identifies the most promising areas for action in pharmaceutical research and development. It specifically aims to bridge the scientific concepts used by the expert communities in both environmental science and pharmaceutical R&D.

The EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 calls on cities to promote urban nature in the form of "Urban Nature Plans" for the protection of biodiversity, for climate protection and adaptation and for the quality of life in cities, and to set ambitious targets for this. This brochure transfers the approach of urban nature plans to the German context and offers concrete tips for implementation. This includes a checklist to determine the extent to which a municipality's existing plans already correspond to urban nature plans.

Urban Nature Plan: Considering quality of life, climate and biodiversity together!

A guide to implementing the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 in urban areas

Year 2024

Publication:Report

Cover of Ecologic institute's report "Analysis of the implementation of EU provisions for the clean energy transition in selected Member States"

This report assesses the implementation status and quality of a selection of 11 provisions from 4 EU laws in 6 EU countries (Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Poland and Spain). These 4 EU laws are Directive (EU) 2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity (DIR), Regulation (EU) 2019/943 on the internal market for electricity (REG), Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable resources (RED) and Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 laying down a framework to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy (ACC).

Analysis of the Implementation of EU Provisions for the Clean Energy Transition in Selected Member States

Year 2024

Publication:Report

This report analyzes documents and formats focusing on resource efficiency, resource conservation and the circular economy at the German, European and international level. It outlines significant developments and expected trends in resource policy and identifies research needs. Given the rapid increase in global resource use, driven by population growth and economic expansion, the transition to a resource-efficient and circular economy is a key challenge. This need is reinforced by various global crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and increasing resource dependency. The report emphasizes that innovative and effective policies are needed at both national and international levels to promote and implement this transition.

Ressourceneffizienz und natürliche Ressourcen im internationalen Kontext

Entwicklungslinien der Ressourcenpolitik mit Schwerpunkt auf Ressourcenschonung und Ressourceneffizienz

Year 2024

Publication:Report

Cover of a report titled 'Transformation towards sustainable, resilient infrastructures - Concepts, systematization, sustainability assessment, case studies'. It's the 55th publication of 2024 in the 'TEXTE' series, intended for the German Environment Agency. Below the title are the names of the authors from various institutions including the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Spatial Development, Ecologic Institute, and the Brandenburg University of Technology.

This final report provides an analysis of the innovation and dissemination processes of infrastructure solutions that aim to increase sustainability and resilience. The research was conducted as part of the TRAFIS II project.

This document compiles useful sources for MS to inform nature restoration planning. It aims to support MS in the contextualization, design and planning of nature restoration measures in their NRPs and includes links to established (i) guidelines and standards, (ii) key platforms and networks, and (iii) databases.

Compilation of Existing Guidance on Ecosystem Restoration

Year 2024

Publication:Report

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.

Fachliche Unterstützung der Umsetzung der EG-Meeresstrategie-Rahmenrichtlinie (MSRL)

Year 2024

Publication:Report

Cover page of an interim report entitled 'Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters and Soil', text number 30/2024. The report was written by Gregory Fuchs and Eleftheria Kampa of the Ecologic Institute in Berlin and published by the German Environment Agency.

The report "Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters, and Soil" discusses the results of a questionnaire that was distributed to European countries via the German Federal Environment Agency. The report focuses on current and planned research and monitoring activities as well as strategies to control litter in different environmental compartments.

Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters and Soil

Interim Report

Year 2024

Publication:Report

Cover page of the KOPOS working paper entitled 'KOPOS criteria set for sustainability and transformation impacts for sustainability initiatives in the food sector'. The graphic shows a fork passing through a circle with the words 'URBAN' and 'RURAL', indicating the link between urban and rural issues. At the bottom are the logos of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, FONA (Research for Sustainability) and STADT LAND PLUS.

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.

KOPOS Criteria Set for Sustainability and Transformation Impacts for Sustainability Initiatives in the Food Sector

Year 2024

Publication:Podcast

In this episode of "Green Deal – Big Deal?", we tackle the complex world of natural resources, a topic that underpins many aspects of Europe's ambition for a green future. In conversation with guests Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General of European Commission’s DG Environment, and Janez Potočnik, Co-chair of the International Resources Panel, hosts Ewa Iwaszuk and Aaron Best discuss how the use of natural resources is closely linked to the climate and biodiversity crises, highlighting the global nature of resource use and its impacts.

Material World: Using resources sustainably in a time of planetary crises

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

Year 2024

Publication:Article

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.

Lang lebe der Rohstoff!

A more sustainable use of resources is possible. There is a wide range of measures available to reduce consumption - but there is a lack of implementation.

Year 2024

Publication:Book Section

Cover of the book "Klimawandel in Deutschland"

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".

Year 2024

Publication:Article

screenshot article sitting in our own soup

Urban water management is facing new challenges due to climate change. Intensified precipitation is putting additional stress on stormwater systems, leading to increased flood risks, more frequent combined sewer overflows (CSOs), and resultant risks to public health and urban biodiversity. These topics are addressed in a new publication co-authored by Gregory Fuchs and McKenna Davis of Ecologic Institute entitled 'Sitting in our own soup? Combined sewers, climate change and nature-based solutions for urban water management in Berlin.'

Sitting in Our Own Soup? Combined sewers, climate change and nature-based solutions for urban water management in Berlin

Year 2024

Publication:Podcast

In this episode of Green Deal – Big Deal we discuss what mud houses, 3D printers and beauty have to do with Europe's journey to becoming a climate-neutral continent.

Bringing Creativity and Beauty to Europe's Green Transition

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

Year 2024

Publication:Report

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.

Restriktionen bei der Nutzung von Photovoltaik-Strom im Gebäudebereich

Year 2024

Publication:Article

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), their metabolites, and transformation products often act as pollutants in the environment, impacting both human health and ecosystems. To tackle this issue, an efficient, long-term prevention strategy involves designing APIs with reduced environmental impact – greener APIs. This involves incorporating environmental parameters into the Research and Development (R&D) process. This article explores the feasibility of designing greener APIs, drawing insights from drug design experts in major research-based pharmaceutical companies.

Designing Greener Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Insights from the pharmaceutical industry into drug discovery and development

Year 2024

Publication:Fact Sheet

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.

The BIG FIVE: Regionale Ernährung und Flächenentwicklung zusammendenken! – Fact Sheet

Handlungsempfehlungen für die Region Berlin-Brandenburg

Year 2024

Publication:Podcast

In this 4th episode, together with investment and finance experts Julie Evain (I4CE) and Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (I4CE), we unpack the regulatory framework for mobilizing green investments that are needed for a climate-neutral future. Can current EU financial policies provide predictability to economic actors? Which policies do we need to ensure long-term vision toward climate neutrality? We also explore the role of the banking sector and the use of banks' transition plans to ensure banks consider climate-related risks and direct investments properly.

Regulatory Leverage: How Can the EU Foster a Green Investment Shift?

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

Year 2024

Publication:Document

The sustainability and transformation effects of sustainability initiatives can be summarized using this set of criteria and provides a range of possible indicators for recording them. The set of criteria is specifically tailored to sustainability initiatives in the food sector. The criteria were derived from the UN Sustainability Goals and adapted for the topic of food systems. In addition to the conventional three levels of sustainability (economic, ecological and social), the criteria set also offers selected transformation criteria, i.e. they can be used to record the "transformative potential" that a sustainability initiative can develop.

KOPOS- Sustainability and Transformation Criteria Set for Sustainability Initiatives in the Agri-food Sector

Dataset

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.

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

The Mission Ocean and Waters service portal is now live and serves as a comprehensive one-stop-shop for stakeholders, offering essential tools, contacts, knowledge, matchmaking, financing, and support for the successful execution of the EU Mission "Restore our ocean and waters by 2030". The service portal ensures access to knowledge for all citizens while extending support and technical assistance to Mission Partners actively involved in the Mission Ocean and Waters implementation.

Mission Ocean and Waters Service Portal

Year 2023

Publication:Fact Sheet

Ecologic Institute and Ecorys are working hand in hand to support the Mission Soil by identifying key stakeholders who take ownership, building their commitment, and creating a network of Mission Soil Ambassadors. Our efforts are reflected in the latest fact sheet, which shows more individuals and organisations joining in to endorse the Mission Soil Manifesto and promote healthier soil. The manifesto is a call to action for regional and local policymakers, citizens, and various stakeholders like farmers, educators, and companies to come together voluntarily and focus on improving soil health. Those who sign up commit to raising awareness, encouraging innovation, and taking practical steps to protect and restore soil, all without any legal obligations.

A new report by the Ecologic Institute and the Oeko-Institut explores the role of carbon removals in the EU's climate framework for 2040. The report gives an overview of past trends in carbon removals in the EU, and explores possible contributions from natural and technical sinks to reaching the 2040 climate target. With a focus on measures and policies governing and incentivizing carbon removals, the report also examines the extent to which temporary and permanent carbon removals can contribute to achieving the EU's 2040 target.

In this study published by the European Commission, a first assessment is made of the strategic decisions made by Member States for the use of EUR 307 billion in support of agriculture and rural areas between 2023 and 2027. It maps the choices made in the CAP Strategic Plans (CSP) approved in December 2022 and analyses the joint efforts and potential impacts of Member States’ choices in relation to the nine specific objectives and the cross-cutting objective, with a focus on selected Green Deal targets.

Mapping and Analysis of CAP Strategic Plans

Assessment of joint efforts for 2023-2027

Year 2023

Publication:Infographic

Healthcare professionals increasingly want to ensure the best medical care, but also consider the environmental impact. To provide pharmacists and healthcare professionals with quick and effective information, core elements for environmentally friendly prescribing and dispensing practices have been compiled in a checklist.

Environmental Checklist for Prescribing and Dispensing Medications

Year 2023

Publication:Report

This report by the Ecologic Institute and the Oeko-Institut provides an overview of design options for the EU's 2040 climate target and options for the implementation framework. The report discusses reforms how to make the EU climate policy framework fit for achieving the 2040 climate target.

EU 2040 Climate Architecture: Target Designs and Framework Options

Discussing design options for the EU 2040 climate framework

Year 2023

Publication:Report

The agriculture and land sectors must mitigate greenhouse gas emissions for the EU to meet its climate targets. In a new report published by the European Commission's DG CLIMA, Ecologic Institute, IEEP, and Trinomics investigate how an emissions trading system (ETS) could price greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities, and how this can be accompanied by providing farmers and other landowners with financial incentives to carry out land-based carbon removals.

Pricing Agricultural Emissions and Rewarding Climate Action in the Agri-food Value Chain

Year 2023

Publication:Video

The CLEVER Cities Guidance is an online platform conceptualized by Ecologic Institute to give you unique insight into the multifaceted world of sustainable urban development. This introductory video aims to raise not only the interest but also the engagement of stakeholders from local governments, the academic community and the public and to bridge the gap between the different target groups. The video takes you through the CLEVER Cities Guidance, clearly highlighting the concrete contribution it makes in the context of sustainable urban development.

CLEVER Cities Guidance

Year 2023

Publication:Article

Recognizing the European Union's (EU) influential role in shaping NBS conceptualization, we undertook a qualitative content analysis of 38 EU policies to discern opportunities and limitations in implementing ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions (NBS). While our primary focus is on these aquatic habitats, their ubiquity and diverse benefits enable extrapolation to broader implications for NBS in the EU.

Opportunities and Limitations for Nature-Based Solutions in EU Policies

Assessed with a focus on ponds and pondscapes

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

As governments engage in final preparations for COP28 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Presidency continues to prioritise its Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda. The aim to have governments at COP28 commit to integrating sustainable agriculture in their national climate agendas is welcome, timely and essential. But, it would need to be part of a larger effort to modernise agricultural policy, particularly with respect to agricultural subsidies and the role of private sector collaboration. This policy brief highlights priority areas in moving from political declarations to concrete action.

Food, Agriculture and Climate at COP28 – and beyond

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

This paper analyses the role of the UNCCD in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, linking the UNCCD's key objective of achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) with the concerns and objectives of the UN Decade.

Die Rolle der Konvention zur Bekämpfung von Wüstenbildung (UNCCD) in der UN-Dekade zur Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Article

Plastics Treaty Text Must Center Ecosystems

Letter in Science

Year 2023

Publication:Fact Sheet

Discover valuable insights from the collaboration of the ALL-Ready Pilot Network, which included 20 members across 13 partner countries. This factsheet offers essential recommendations, derived from the challenges of the pilot project, for establishing the European Network of Agroecology Living Labs and Research Infrastructures.

Ecologic Institute designed and developed the MoorNet website and embedded peatland protection database. In addition, the website offers a filterable list of peatland-related events as well as quick access to the overview of already gained knowledge. Stakeholders in peatland protection are invited to add content to the database.

MoorNet – Website and Database

moor-net.de

Year 2023 - 2026

Publication:Report

This report summarises key findings and recommendations for a strategy to promote more plant-based diets. This strategy is key for a sustainable transformation of food systems as so far, there is a lack of binding policy targets for sustainable nutrition to guide actions, and indicators to enable monitoring. This report discusses different options for targets and indicators, drawing on the concept of planetary boundaries and the Planetary Health Diet.

Entwicklung von politischen Handlungsansätzen für die Unterstützung stärker pflanzenbasierter Ernährungsweisen

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy paper addresses the restoration of freshwater ecosystems. It delves into a policy milieu where the UN Decades of Ecosystem Restoration and the Water Decade emerge as pivotal, particularly bolstering SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 14 (Life Below Water). The paper offers policy recommendations that advocate for the integration of specific measures into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), alongside the proposal for a binding international water treaty and the appointment of a UN special representative for water.

Die Wiederherstellung von Süßwasserökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Infographic

Illustration of multifunctional measures for urban infrastructure that combine water retention and greening. It shows green roofs, green facades, photovoltaic systems, permeable pavements, deep beds with retention space, multifunctional retention areas and a cistern for rainwater utilization. Benefits include improved air quality, noise reduction, heat reduction and resource conservation. Source: Ecologic Institute and Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment.

Ecologic Institute conceived and designed several infographics for the update of the Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Baden-Württemberg. These visualise some of the thematised climate impacts on the various fields of action and support the understanding of the content. The infographics are designed in accordance to the project's style guidelines.

Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Baden-Württemberg – Infographic Series

Year 2023

Publication:Report

Cover of the report "Implementation of ecological flows in the EU" for the European Commission

This report elaborates the main challenges faced by water management institutions in implementing e-flows in EU Member States, presents country progress in developing relevant good practices and presents relevant implementation examples.

Implementation of E-flows in the EU

Year 2023

Publication:Article

Screenshot of titel and teaser of the online article

The German climate debate currently seems to be stuck. It needs a push. Brakes need to be released. Whether and how this could be possible is discussed by Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf in the Tagesspiegel.

Der Klimaruck

Article in the Tagesspiegel

Year 2023

Publication:Website

The CLEVER Cities Guidance online platform developed by Ecologic Institute features insights, tools, indicators and lessons learned about nature-based solutions (NBS) emerging out of the CLEVER Cities project and its nine partner cities. Filling a gap in available resources, the Guidance focuses on (1) policy and planning strategies, (2) how to generate and measure social impacts of NBS, and (3) approaches for co-creation and engaging stakeholders.

This report analyzes how innovative, sustainable infrastructure solutions can be successfully disseminated through specific mechanisms and under certain conditions. It emphasizes the importance of cooperative networks and suitable framework conditions for the dissemination of innovations at municipal and regional level.

Verbreitungswege nachhaltiger Infrastrukturlösungen

Drei Beispiele auf kommunaler und regionaler Ebene

Year 2023

Publication:Report

Landscape of climate framework laws in Europe - Status update - cover

National climate framework laws have become a common approach for establishing the governance machinery required to tackle the transition to a climate neutral society. This memo serves as a brief update on the status and substance of such laws in Europe as of summer 2023, with a focus on framework laws aimed at achieving long-term transformational change.

The Landscape of National Climate Framework Laws in Europe

A Status Update – Summer 2023

Year 2023

Publication:Report

Der Bericht wurde im Rahmen des EU‐geförderten SCALE‐UP‐Projekts erstellt, um zwölf innovative biobasierte Vorhaben zu identifizieren, die in sechs ländlichen Regionen Europas wirtschaftliche, ökologische und soziale Vorteile bieten können: Nordschweden; Masowien (Polen); der französische Atlantikbogen; Oberösterreich; Andalusien (Spanien); und Strumica (Nordmazedonien).

Overview of Regionally Suitable Solutions

Year 2023

Publication:Document

Kemper, Melanie 2023: MoorNet: Concept for Website and Database. Berlin, unpublished.

MoorNet: Concept for Website and Database

Year 2023

Publication:Report

The complex interactions between nature, climate change, and mental health are being increasingly explored amid increasing environmental challenges facing society. This study explores these connections, focusing on (1) how mental health is affected by the effects of a changing climate in Europe, and (2) how green spaces and nature-based solutions can play a role in reducing and treating those negative effects. The research uncovers the transformative power of promoting a harmonious relationship with the natural world to nurture our collective ecological and social resilience.

The Nature – Climate Change – Mental Health Nexus

A literature review

Year 2023

Publication:Infographic

The infographic summarizes the results of the report "The nature – climate change – mental health nexus: A literature review."

The complex interactions between nature, climate change, and mental health are being increasingly explored amid increasing environmental challenges facing society. This infographic summarizes the key findings of the report "The Nature – Climate Change – Mental Health Nexus. A literature review". It visualizes these connections, focusing on (1) how mental health is affected by the effects of a changing climate in Europe, and (2) how green spaces and nature-based solutions can play a role in reducing and treating those negative effects.

Nature – Climate Change – Mental Health: A summary of key linkages

Year 2023

Publication:Report

This study aims to contribute to the further development of the Member States' reporting to the EU with regard to the National Energy and Climate Change Plans (NECPs), especially with regard to the national progress reports, the NECP updates and a possible revision of the Governance Regulation. The authors developed an in-depth understanding of the selected PaMs and the methodological and systemic uncertainties involved in their ex-ante and ex-post impact assessment.

National Energy and Climate Plans: Evidence of Policy Impacts and Options for more Transparency

Year 2023

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Coastal + Marine
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