Publications

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

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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

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Publication:Report
 
Cover page of the REACHOUT project report “D3.7: Guidelines for climate service tools”. The image features the REACHOUT logo with the subtitle “shaping climate resilient cities”, a list of contributing authors from various European institutions, and the EU funding acknowledgment at the bottom. The design includes colorful rounded shapes in blue, green, and turquoise.
As part of the EU-funded REACHOUT project, a comprehensive suite of climate service tools has been developed to support cities in addressing climate adaptation challenges. The newly released Guidelines for Climate Service Tools provide a structured overview of more than 20 technical and soft tools, as well as supporting consultancy services, all integrated into the Triple-A Toolkit – a web-based platform designed to enhance urban climate resilience. The tools address the full policy cycle of adaptation by covering the phases of Analysis, Ambition, and Action, and have been tested and refined through extensive co-creation with seven European City Hubs.

Guidelines for Climate Service Tools

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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.

Stories of Justice in Action

Learning from the INTERLACE project

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Publication:Conference Paper
 
Cover of the conference documentation "Zukunftsaufgabe naturnaher Landschaftswasserhaushalt"
The symposium "The future task of a near-natural landscape water balance" of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) was organized by Ecologic Institute and took place on 18 April 2024, in Bonn. This publication summarises the most important contents of the conference as well as the research and implementation needs identified.

Zukunftsaufgabe naturnaher Landschaftswasserhaushalt

Ergebnisdokumentation zur BfN-Fachtagung am 18. April 2024

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Publication:Infographic
 
Illustration of a future scenario titled "If We Finally Take Action…" depicting a sustainable landscape in 20 to 30 years. The negative scenario shows the consequences of inadequate climate protection. Plus symbols highlight different aspects of sustainable development. The graphic is created by NABU/Ecologic Institute.
This interactive infographic shows what the future could look like in 20 to 30 years - in two scenarios: one with resolute climate protection and another scenario that leaves everything as it is. The intention is to make the consequences of climate change more tangible and to illustrate the urgency of climate protection measures.

Wie sehen die Folgen der Klimakrise aus?

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Publication:Report
 
The report, titled "Funding Climate-Friendly Soil Management: Appropriate Policy Instruments and Limits of Market-Based Approaches", is part of the Climate Change series (01/2025) and published by the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt). It serves as a final report examining funding mechanisms for climate-friendly soil practices. The cover features a blue background with the agency's logo at the bottom.
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

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the PONDERFUL project report titled *Deliverable D1.6: Overcoming barriers to pondscape NBS – A synthesis and final PONDERFUL Framework*. The cover features the Ponderful logo, images of ponds, wetland plants, and a researcher working in a pond. The tagline reads: *Pond Ecosystems for Resilient Future Landscapes in a Changing Climate*. The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program.
The report, "Overcoming policy, financial, social, and economic barriers to pondscape NBS for climate change mitigation and adaptation", has been released as part of the PONDERFUL project. Commissioned under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, this synthesis report refines and presents the final PONDERFUL framework – a comprehensive strategy for scaling up pondscapes as effective nature-based solutions (NbS).

Overcoming Barriers to Pondscape Nature-Based Solutions

Key Insights from PONDERFUL

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Publication:Report
 
The cover page of a report titled From ideas to action: INTERLACE impulses for successfully implementing NbS in cities. The header features the INTERLACE logo and tagline, "Restoring Urban Ecosystems / Recuperando Ecosistemas Urbanos." The INTERLACE city impulse papers, authored by Gutiérrez Miranda, Marcela, et al. The design includes a vibrant, multicolored abstract swirl, framing an image of a person riding a bicycle through a tree-lined, sunny urban park.
The report ‘From Ideas to Action’ presents the strategy papers of the seven INTERLACE partner cities, which were developed in close cooperation with local stakeholders in Europe and Latin America. These papers highlight tailor-made strategies for nature-based solutions (NbS), including the revitalisation of urban parks in Chemnitz and the development of a search engine for green infrastructure projects in Kraków. The aim is to effectively address the unique challenges of each city, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality.

From Ideas to Action

INTERLACE impulses for successfully implementing NbS in cities

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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
 
Double-page article entitled ‘Nature-based solutions to urban challenges’ from a publication. The article describes the INTERLACE project. In addition to text, the page contains images, including a green park landscape, a woman on a bicycle in an urban environment and people working on a riverbank. Logos of INTERLACE, Ecologic Institute and partner organisations as well as a QR code are also shown.
The INTERLACE project, funded by Horizon 2020, exemplifies innovative transdisciplinary approaches to tackling urban challenges through nature-based solutions (NBS). By fostering stakeholder engagement, developing practical tools, and supporting ecosystem restoration, the project empowers cities across Europe and Latin America to implement sustainable NBS. McKenna Davis and Benedict Buebfrom Ecologic Institute provided key insights into the project's progress and outcomes.

Nature-based Solutions to Urban Challenges

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the "Ponderful: Ponds for Climate" technical guide. The top section shows a serene pond surrounded by lush greenery and a large tree in the foreground. Below, the title "Ponds and Pondscapes" appears on a blue background, followed by the subtitle: "A technical guide to the use of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation." The bottom section features an underwater image of a colorful newt among aquatic vegetation.
The technical handbook of the PONDERFUL project shows how ponds and pond landscapes can be used as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and water scarcity. The PONDERFUL handbook provides practice-oriented guidelines for dealing with these valuable ecosystems and shows how ponds can be integrated into existing landscapes so that nature and people benefit equally.

Ponds and Pondscapes: A technical guide to the use of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation

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Publication:Report
 
The cover page of a report titled Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Policy and Planning: Findings and Lessons from INTERLACE Cities. The design features the INTERLACE logo and tagline, "Restoring Urban Ecosystems / Recuperando Ecosistemas Urbanos," on a white background. The right side displays a vibrant urban scene, showing a cityscape with a mix of modern buildings, including a tall, white skyscraper and a unique architectural structure, surrounded by dense greenery under a blue sky.
Der Bericht "Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Policy and Planning. Findings and Lessons from INTERLACE Cities" (dt.: Erkenntnisse und Lektionen aus den INTERLACE-Städten), fasst die Erfahrungen der sieben Partnerstädte in Europa und Lateinamerika zusammen. Er richtet sich an politische Entscheidungsträger:innen und Stadtplaner:innen, die naturbasierte Lösungen (NbS) systematisch in ihre städtischen Planungs- und Governance-Strukturen einbinden möchten. Dabei betont die Publikation die Bedeutung inklusiver Beteiligungsprozesse sowie den Einsatz moderner Daten- und Finanzierungsinstrumente, um NbS auf eine breitere Ebene zu skalieren.

Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Policy and Planning

Findings and Lessons from INTERLACE Cities

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the "Using Ponds and Pondscapes as Nature-Based Solutions" guidance document. The left side shows a young girl sitting on a wooden pier extending into a calm pond surrounded by lush greenery. The right side features the title and subtitle in bold white text on a green gradient background: "Using Ponds and Pondscapes as Nature-Based Solutions: Guidance for policy makers on the use of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation."
The recently published guide "Using ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions" is a practical guide for policy makers. The guide provides detailed recommendations on using ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions, in particular to adapt to climate change and promote biodiversity. In addition to the policy dimension, it contains practical suggestions for monitoring, management and restoration of ponds.

Using Ponds and Pondscapes as Nature-based Solutions

Guidance for policy makers

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Publication:Web Application
 
Screenshot from an online course platform for a course titled 'Nature-based Solutions: How to regenerate nature to make neighborhoods more livable, biodiverse, and resilient to climate change.' The image shows an aerial view of a neighborhood with the course title overlaid. On the right, it states 'All lessons have been completed,' and a progress bar shows 100% completion. Below, a section for reviewing an introduction module is visible along with the Interlace project logo.
Urban areas across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges – pollution, climate change, urban sprawl – and traditional solutions are falling short. Join the Interlace project's free online course to discover how nature-based solutions offer a promising approach to help create resilient, sustainable cities.

Nature-based Solutions: How to regenerate nature to make neighborhoods more livable, biodiverse, and resilient to climate change

MOOC

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Publication:Report
 
Cover page of the final report titled 'Auswirkung des Klimawandels auf die Wasserverfügbarkeit – Anpassung an Trockenheit und Dürre in Deutschland (WADKlim)' (Impact of Climate Change on Water Availability – Adaptation to Drought and Dryness in Germany). The report is part of the 'TEXTE 143/2024' series and is published by the Umweltbundesamt (German Environment Agency).
The final report of the WADKlim project outlines how climate change affects water availability in Germany and what measures must be taken to meet these challenges. Combining analysis of scientific literature, modeling and the development of practical solutions, the report offers valuable ideas for dealing with water scarcity and water use conflicts. The implementation of further measures, such as water retention in the countryside, will be crucial to mitigating the effects of climate change in Germany.

Auswirkung des Klimawandels auf die Wasserverfügbarkeit – Anpassung an Trockenheit und Dürre in Deutschland (WADKlim)

Abschlussbericht

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Publication:Report
 
Cover page of a report titled 'Insight notes on co-producing value-added governance instruments for restorative NbS,' published by INTERLACE on 9 July 2024. It features a colorful abstract design with a nature photo of a stream and greenery.
This report from the INTERLACE project examines the co-creation of governance instruments with partner cities, offering insights into the collaborative development of policies and tools that support the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS). Developed through structured exchanges with city representatives and guided by the expertise of the project task team, the report sheds light on both the challenges and practicalities of co-creating governance frameworks for urban ecosystem restoration.

Insight notes on co-producing value-added governance instruments for restorative NbS

Milestone 2.3

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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

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the guidance "Developing ambitious local long-term climate neutrality strategies', part of the Ready4NetZero initiative. The graphic depicts a stylized green landscape transitioning from rural areas with wind turbines and solar panels to an urban setting with green buildings. A car emits a green cloud, symbolizing eco-friendly transportation. The lower part of the poster includes logos of supporting organizations like Energie Cities, Eco Logic, and EnergiaKlub.
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

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Publication:Infographic
 
Informative poster titled 'Planning for Net Zero' with colorful illustrations depicting five key elements for effective long-term climate neutrality strategies.
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

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Publication:Article
 
Journal Paper in Wasserwirtschaft
Due to climate change, water retention in landscapes is gaining increasing relevance alongside flood protection. Various measures can improve the landscape water balance or enhance the resilience of land ecosystems against extreme weather events caused by floods and droughts. The authors have compiled a catalog of 69 measures in the UBA project WADKlim. These measures mostly originate from good practices in water management, agriculture, and forestry in Germany and have been evaluated based on their local impacts and implementation-relevant conditions.

Maßnahmen zur Erhöhung des Wasserrückhalts in der Landschaft

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Publication:Infographic
 
Diagram illustrating the key hydrological parameters of water retention, including evaporation, transpiration, precipitation, surface runoff, infiltration, soil water retention, groundwater recharge, and discharge.
The infographic illustrates the key hydrological parameters that influence the water balance in ecosystems. The water cycle is illustrated, starting with precipitation through various phases such as evaporation, transpiration, surface runoff, seepage water movements and the recharge of groundwater. These processes are fundamental to understanding water cycles and their significance for the environment and climate. The visualization makes it clear how precipitation is filtered through the different earth layers and ultimately contributes to the replenishment of groundwater.

Modell der wichtigsten hydrologischen Parameter des Wasserrückhalts

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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.

Transformation hin zu nachhaltigen, resilienten Infrastrukturen

Begriffe, Systematisierung, Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung, Fallstudien

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Publication:Poster
 
Informative page by WWF on 'Water Stewardship in German Agriculture' discussing measures to increase water retention, water quality, and biodiversity. The page includes images of agricultural landscapes, machinery in a field, and a cow, complementing texts on water stewardship approaches and community collaboration. Graphs depict water stewardship practices, while logos of WWF, Ecologic Institute, and ifÖL are present, indicating collaboration.
This poster provides a detailed insight into the new project "Water Stewardship" on behalf of WWF, which focuses on promoting water retention, water quality and biodiversity in German agriculture. The aim of this project is to strengthen resilience to climate change and improve ecosystem services through sustainable practices. The poster also refers to the conceptual background of the study as well as the future goals of the project, including the extension of the measures to other regions and political scales.

Water Stewardship in German Agriculture

Application-oriented measures to increase water retention, water quality and biodiversity

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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".

Weiterentwicklung von Strategien zur Klimawandelanpassung

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Publication:Postcard
 
A postcard titled "MoorNet" featuring two overlapping circles with images of a pristine peatland and a carnivorous plant (sundew). The text highlights "Support for the implementation of the national peatland protection strategy" and "Networking of peatland protection stakeholders in Germany." Cotton grass is shown at the bottom, symbolizing peatland landscapes. The focus is on conservation and stakeholder collaboration for peatland protection in Germany.
This postcard promotes the MoorNet project, a platform for the protection of peatlands in Germany. It provides information about projects, institutions and events in the field of peatland protection and thus makes it possible to follow current developments in this area. The postcard offers interested parties the opportunity to register for mailings and receive further information via the peatland protection database moor-net.de.

MoorNet

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
PONDERFUL Financing Instruments
The PONDERFUL Sustainable Finance Inventory consists of a total of 22 financing instruments for nature-based solutions (NBS). Each instrument is matched by at least one concrete example of the financing instrument in action. Different financing instruments have different strengths and weaknesses, making them more or less appropriate for different contexts and actors. The Inventory aims to support pondscape developers to understand financing options and identify the finance instruments best suited to their pondscape NBS project.

Nature-based Solutions Sustainable Financing Inventory

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the final report "Stock-taking analysis and outlook of drought policies, planning and management in EU Member States"
This report presents a stock-taking analysis of drought policies, planning and management in EU Member States and an outlook of planned work within the Member States and at EU level. It has been developed based on individual Member State assessments of the corresponding legislation, planning and management, including the latest available versions of (draft) River Basin Management Plans in spring 2022, using a common questionnaire, as well as more than 70 interviews with Member State administrations and stakeholders and a wide review process.

Stock-taking Analysis and Outlook of Drought Policies, Planning and Management in EU Member States

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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

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Publication:Website
 
Screenshot of the MoorNet homepage
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

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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

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Publication:Website
 
CLEVER Cities Guidance homepage: a platform to explore insights, tools, indicators and lessons learned about nature-based solutions (NbS) for sustainable urban regeneration. It provides evidence-based approaches, innovative case studies and lessons learned on: NbS mainstreaming in policy and planning, social impact generation and measurement, and co-creation and stakeholder empowerment.
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.

CLEVER Cities Guidance

clever-guidance.clevercities.eu

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover of the policy paper "Transforming EU land use and the CAP: a post-2024 visioni"
This paper makes a proposal for how future EU agricultural policy and particularly funding structures should evolve to better reflect sustainability challenges whilst supporting farmers and other land managers in a transition that also ensures viable businesses and vibrant rural areas. This is intended as a contribution to a wider debate on the future of EU food systems.

Transforming EU Land Use and the CAP: A post-2024 vision

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the "Kompaktinformation für Kommunen: Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg – Fortschreibung
Due to changing climatic conditions, the state government of Baden-Württemberg committed to update its adaptation strategy in 2023. This compact information highlights the measures from the state strategy in which municipalities have an important role to play. It is intended to help them define and implement, or work towards implementing, the measures necessary for their local conditions and risks. It provides a compact overview for municipalities on their way to adapt to the consequences of climate change.

Kompaktinformation für Kommunen: Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg – Fortschreibung

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the short version "Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg. Fortschreibung"
The adaptation strategy provides the framework for the adaptation activities of the state of Baden-Württemberg and serves as a basis for implementation, especially for administration, municipalities and the economy. Due to changing climatic conditions, the state government of Baden-Württemberg committed to update its adaptation strategy in 2023. This short version summarizes the contents of the adaptation strategy.

Kurzfassung: Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg – Fortschreibung

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the strategy paper
Ecologic Institute provided editorial and graphical support for the update of the adaptation strategy in Baden-Württemberg. Using graphical elements and a well-designed reader guidance, the reading orientation was improved and the visual quality of the document was increased. In addition to the graphic design, Ecologic Institute provided support for the drafting of several chapters, e.g. on climate change impacts, summarized sectoral adaptation challenges and developed an abridged version of the update of the adaptation strategy.

Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg – Fortschreibung

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the independent expert report "Harnessing the power of collaboration for nature-based solutions : new ideas and insights for local decision-makers"
This paper focuses on co-creation for nature-based solutions, providing practical examples and guidance for local decision-makers. It sheds light on the effective utilization of co-governance approaches, encouraging participatory processes and collaborative creation in the realm of nature-based solutions.

Harnessing the Power of Collaboration for Nature-based Solutions

New ideas and insights for local decision-makers

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Publication:Infographic
 
Graphic presenting the key figures of the Urban Governance Atlas at the time of launch.
The INTERLACE Urban Governance Atlas was launched in 2023. It invites political decision-makers, urban planners, researchers, civil society organizations, and all interested parties to delve into the success stories of 250 political instruments from 41 countries. These instruments support nature-based solutions and tools for ecosystem restoration. The Atlas aims to showcase what has made them successful, the lessons learned in their design and implementation, and the governance approaches they employ. Developed by the Ecologic Institute, the infographic provides a clear overview of what the Urban Governance Atlas is and who can benefit from it.

Urban Governance Atlas

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

Urban Governance Atlas

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

The German CAP Strategic Plan

The ambition has yet to come

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

Environment and Climate Assessment of Poland's CAP Strategic Plan

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

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

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the report "Carbon farming co-benefits. Approaches to enhance and safeguard biodiversity"
In a report co-authored by Ecologic Institute and IEEP, we demonstrate that despite both the potential benefits and risks of carbon farming for biodiversity, most of the current carbon farming mechanisms fail to safeguard biodiversity and incorporate approaches to ensure net positive biodiversity impacts. We identify challenges and opportunities for implementing standards for biodiversity into carbon farming mechanisms and propose requirements to ensure that carbon farming standards enhance and safeguard biodiversity, alongside delivering climate change mitigation.

Carbon Farming Co-benefits

Approaches to enhance and safeguard biodiversity

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Publication:Article
 
1st page of the article "Making Urban Water Management Tangible for the Public by Means of Digital Solutions"
This article written by Dr. Ulf Stein and Benedict Bueb from Ecologic Institute together with researchers of the French National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRAE) presents insights of two case studies, in Paris and Berlin, which investigated the potential of two mobile applications to make urban water management visible to the public and thus increase awareness about certain water management aspects.

Making Urban Water Management Tangible for the Public by Means of Digital Solutions

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the report "Gemeinsame Umsetzung der 2030-Agenda / SDGs und des Pariser Abkommens"
The report summarises the results of a ReFoPlan project that dealt with interactions between the three agendas, possibilities of their integrated implementation and the development of Sustainable Adaptation Pathways. It provides an overview of the background and objectives, work packages, analysis results and the events held as part of the project.

Gemeinsame Umsetzung der 2030-Agenda / SDGs und des Pariser Abkommens

Abschlussbericht

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the report "Role of soils in climate change mitigation"
This report examines the mitigation potential of climate friendly soil management practices at global, EU and German level, along with key management measures, their co-benefits and trade-offs, and implementation challenges.

Role of Soils in Climate Change Mitigation

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Publication:Conference Paper
 
Cover page of the workshop documentation "Resilienz von Lieferketten stärken: Klimarisiken erkennen und Anpassungsmaßnahmen ergreifen Dokumentation zum Online-Workshop am 13.09.2022 im Rahmen der Woche der Klimaanpassung"
On 13 September 2022, the online workshop "Strengthening supply chain resilience: identifying climate risks and taking adaptation measures" was held as part of the Climate Adaptation Week organized by the BMUV. The workshop documentation summarizes further information on the various presentations and recommendations, including further links.

Resilienz von Lieferketten stärken

Klimarisiken erkennen und Anpassungsmaßnahmen ergreifen

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Publication:Report
 
first page of the report "Opportunities for health engagement in European climate policies Scoping study for the EPHA" with logos and the key recommendations
This paper, produced jointly by Ecologic Institute and IEEP for the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), scopes 20 EU policy documents focused on adaptation, biodiversity, water, waste, mobility, and cross-cutting topics to analyse their treatment of health in the broader context of climate mitigation and adaptation policy. The purpose was to assess their integration of health-related concepts in order to identify gaps and opportunities, as well as provide recommendations for further advocacy for the health community.

Opportunities for Health Engagement in European Climate Policies

Scoping study for the EPHA

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Publication:Podcast
 
On one of those days when the temperature hit 30 degrees, the "Green Deal – Big Deal?" podcast host Ewa Iwaszuk from Ecologic Institute in Berlin speaks with her guests about the climate change impacts in cities and especially about the EU's plans on how to adapt to and better deal with those impacts. The discussion focuses on the possibilities that nature offers to help us cope with challenges such as heat and flooding.

Beating the Heat: Europe prepares for climate change impacts

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

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Publication:Video
 
Ecologic Institute developed 3 video tutorials on the use of Climate-ADAPT as part of a 2-year outreach and engagement campaign. The videos are designed to familiarise new users with the information and knowledge available on the platform on adaptation at the local, national, transnational and European levels. They also demonstrate how this information can be used to assess impacts, vulnerability, risks and adaptation options and to develop, implement and evaluate adaptation policies, plans and measures.

Video Tutorials on the Use of Climate-ADAPT

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Publication:Article
 
1st page of the online article's print version "Building climate resilience through nature-based solutions in Europe: A review of enabling knowledge, finance and governance frameworks"
In this paper, the authors review recent EU-supported research, policy, and practices to identify critical dimensions that still need to be addressed for greater uptake of NBS. While recognising the multiple societal challenges NBS can target, the authors build on the key messages from the '5th European Climate Change Adaptation conference ECCA 2021' and focus their analysis on NBS for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Building Climate Resilience through Nature-based Solutions in Europe

A review of enabling knowledge, finance and governance frameworks

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
1st page of the fact sheet "Reducing soil compaction"
Gattinger, Andreas et al. 2022: Reducing soil compaction. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Reducing Soil Compaction

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
1st page of the fact sheet "Prevention of land take"
Scheid, Aaron et al. 2022: Prevention of land take. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Prevention of Land Take

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
1st page of the fact sheet "Improved crop rotation"
Frelih-Larsen, Ana et al. 2022: Improved Crop Rotation. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Improved Crop Rotation

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
cover of the fact sheet
Frelih-Larsen, Ana et al. 2022: Silvoarable agroforestry. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Silvoarable Agroforestry

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
cover fact sheet
Frelih-Larsen, Ana et al. 2022: Silvopastoral agroforestry. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Silvopastoral Agroforestry

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the peer learning note "Urban Ecosystem Restoration and Nature-based Solutions"
The Peer Learning note seeks to share practices and lessons. It provides good practice examples from different cities and peri-urban areas in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain and Colombia on how to integrate nature in the search for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient urban development. The Peer Learning Note is targeted at cities, local and regional governments, communities and organizations worldwide interested in the topic of urban restoration.

Urban Ecosystem Restoration & Nature-based Solutions

UCLG Peer Learning Note #31

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Publication:Poster
 
Country-specific illustrative stories of Climate-ADAPT use Bulgaria | Solutions for adaptation to climate change in the agriculture sector
Ecologic Institute developed the stories of Zornitza, Piotr, Alexandru, Beata and Ana to illustrate the different challenges and needs of climate change adaptation experts in a storytelling format. They show how these experts find specific data and information sets on Climate-ADAPT to assess climate change risks, develop policies and plans, adaptation solutions including using green infrastructure options. The stories show how the characters use Climate-ADAPT in a basic way, by following clear steps or using alternative options.

Challenges and Needs of Climate Change Adaptation Experts – Poster Series

in a Storytelling Format

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Publication:Article
 
Screenshot of the 1st page of the article "Climate Adaptation Interventions in Coastal Areas: A Rapid Review of Social and Gender Dimensions"
This paper presents the results of a rapid review of the literature on gender and coastal climate adaptation conducted for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report (AR6). The findings highlight the lack of data on gender as a social dimension of adaptation and the gaps in current indicators for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goal for gender (SDG5). The paper emphasises the need for gender-disaggregated data on coastal adaptation efforts to fully capture both positive and negative gender dimensions of climate adaptation.

Climate Adaptation Interventions in Coastal Areas

A Rapid Review of Social and Gender Dimensions

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Publication:Article
 
First page of an academic journal article titled "Societal local and regional resiliency spurred by contextualized climate services: The role of culture in co-production," published in the journal Climate Services.
This article emphasizes the significant role of culture in shaping and utilizing climate services, which are crucial for achieving climate resilience and sustainable development in various regions. By incorporating cultural perspectives, the development of climate services can be tailored to meet the specific needs and values of local communities, enhancing their effectiveness and relevance.

Societal Local and Regional Resiliency Spurred by Contextualized Climate Services

The role of culture in co-production

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Publication:Report
 
Document page explaining 'Efficiency and Effectiveness of Adaptation' with a focus on climate change adaptation investments. Includes a 'Stylized framework for assessing adaptation benefits' graph depicting the impact of adaptation over time, from a UNFCCC 2009 source. Text discusses how efficiency and effectiveness inform government investments in climate change, mentioning the Green Climate Fund and the necessity of evaluating adaptation actions.
The European Environment Agency's report "Costs of Adaptation versus Costs of Inaction" highlights the urgent need for climate change adaptation strategies. In the face of increasing climate events such as heatwaves, forest fires and floods, the report notes that the European Union has already taken important initiatives on adaptation, including the formulation of the EU Adaptation Strategy. This strategy aims to make adaptation measures more efficient, faster and more comprehensive and to increase international readiness to act.

Costs of Adaptation vs Costs of Inaction

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the COACCH publication "CO-CREATING RESEARCH: BEST-PRACTICE GUIDELINES"
A team at Ecologic Institute has produced new best-practice guidelines for co-creating research. The guidelines are based on experiences gathered in the Horizon 2020 project COACCH (Co-designing the Assessment of Climate Change Costs). The authors summarise an in-depth evaluation carried out over the four-year collaborative research process. Based on this evaluation, the Ecologic Institute team highlights lessons learned and proposes step-by-step guidelines for best-practice in co-creation.

Co-creating Research: Best-Practice-Guidelines

Insights from the Horizon 2020 EU project COACCH

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of a report by INTERLACE titled 'Governance analysis for planning and implementation of urban NBS.' The document discusses governance practices, challenges, and needs of INTERLACE cities. The design includes colorful interwoven lines and an image of a group of people analyzing an urban planning model.
The report "Governance Analysis for Planning and Implementation of Urban NBS" presents insights from a governance analysis conducted in the six INTERLACE partner cities: CBIMA (Costa Rica), Chemnitz (Germany), Envigado (Colombia), Granollers (Spain), Metropolia Krakowska (Poland), and Portoviejo (Ecuador). The analysis examines existing governance structures, policymaking and implementation practices, as well as challenges and enabling factors for advancing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in urban areas.

Governance Analysis for Planning and Implementation of Urban NBS

Governance Practices, Challenges and Needs of INTERLACE Cities

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the COACCH deliverable "Findings from thematic working groups and deep engagement case studies"
The COACCH project (CO-designing the Assessment of Climate CHange costs) has proactively involved stakeholders in the design and delivery of research, as part of a collaborative co-production process. To do this, it developed a set of success factors for successful co-design and developed a protocol (process) for implementation. This was implemented for the project, through the use of working group and deep engagement stakeholders. This deliverable reports on the lessons from this co-creation approach.

Findings from Thematic Working Groups and Deep Engagement Case Studies

Deliverable of the H2020 COACCH project

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the deliverable D5.8 Guidelines for best-practice in co-design
To develop challenge-driven and solutions-orientated research, the COACCH project has sought to proactively involve stakeholders in a process of co-design, co-production and co-delivery. This report summarises insights and key messages from the evaluation of this collaborative process and proposes guidelines with practical steps for best practice in collaborative research.

Best-practice Guidelines for Co-design

Deliverable of the H2020 COACCH project

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Publication:Document
 
Cover of a document by INTERLACE titled 'Inclusive participatory process for urban ecosystem restoration.' It includes guidance on gender, cultural, and ethics-related considerations. The design features colorful interwoven lines and a photo of diverse hands stacked together, symbolizing collaboration.
The INTERLACE project, coordinated by Ecologic Institute, has published the "Guidance on Gender, Cultural, and Ethical Considerations" to support inclusive, transparent, and fair stakeholder participation. The document provides practical recommendations and measurable indicators to help project partners integrate gender, cultural, and ethical considerations into their activities.

Inclusive Participatory Process for Urban Ecosystem Restoration

Guidance on Gender, Cultural, and Ethics-related Considerations

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Publication:Article
 
Article and Summary of Article
This article describes the project "Drought and Water Use Conflicts in Germany (WADKlim)" its approach and the context in Germany. The project provides a nationwide overview of current water availability and its future development under climate change conditions. It analyzes emerging conflicts of use and develops possible solution strategies. For example, a concept for regional water advisory councils to strengthen intersectoral coordination will be designed. In addition, the potential of water reuse for irrigation in urban areas will be investigated. The project is funded by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA).

Auswirkung des Klimawandels auf die Wasserverfügbarkeit

Anpassung an Trockenheit und Dürre in Deutschland

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the report "Water resources across Europe"
According to a recent EEA report co-authored by Ecologic Institute, water stress has become a serious problem across Europe and climate change is likely to raise the challenge. The report "Water resources across Europe – confronting water stress: an updated assessment" calls for a shift from crisis management to risk management to prevent irreversible negative consequences for nature and society. The report emphasizes the need for greater water use efficiency and improved ecosystem resilience, as water resources become insufficient to meet the joint demand of humans and nature.

Water Resources Across Europe

Confronting water stress: an updated assessment

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
cover of the policy brief
Forests and the ocean are vital for climate, biological diversity, and human communities, but they are degraded and their ecosystem services are seriously impaired, mainly because financial, economic and governance structures are misconfigured. The authors of this T20 policy brief propose that G20 help strengthen the REDD+ climate instrument for forests and extend it to Blue Carbon from coastal and marine ecosystems. Scaled up to cover the Earth's two largest, most diverse and most productive ecosystems, these two approaches can deliver significant economic and climate benefits. The T20 policy brief is available for download.

Fixing Financial, Economic and Governance Structures to Save Forests and the Ocean, and Enhance Their Contributions to Climate Change Solutions

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Publication:Case Study
 
Publication's cover "Appendix Case Studies of Sustainable Adaptation Pathways"
Bueb, Benedict, Tröltzsch, Jenny, Reichwein, David, Oldenburg, Clara, Favero, Fausto (2021): Case Studies of Sustainable Adaptation Pathways. Appendix to the Paper "Towards Sustainable Adaptation Pathways: A concept for integrative actions to achieve the 2030 Agenda, Paris Agreement and Sendai Framework". Climate Change | 48/2021. Dessau-Roßlau: Umweltbundesamt

Case Studies of Sustainable Adaptation Pathways

Appendix

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Publication:Report
 
Publication's cover
The devastating flash floods and forest fires in Europe in summer 2021 have highlighted the need for stronger linking disaster risk management with climate adaptation efforts. This report introduces the concept of Sustainable Adaptation Pathways that can act as guidance when planning and implementing integrated policies to foster adaptation measures in line with disaster risk reduction efforts and sustainable development.

Towards Sustainable Adaptation Pathways

A concept for integrative actions to achieve the 2030 Agenda, Paris Agreement and Sendai Framework

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover of the Policy Brief: Towards Sustainable Adaptation Pathways
Bueb, Benedict, Tröltzsch, Jenny (2021): Policy Brief: Towards Sustainable Adaptation Pathways A Concept for Integrative Actions to Achieve the 2030 Agenda, Paris Agreement and Sendai Framework. Dessau-Roßlau: Umweltbundesamt

Policy Brief: Towards Sustainable Adaptation Pathways

A Concept for Integrative Actions to Achieve the 2030 Agenda, Paris Agreement and Sendai Framework

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Publication:Article
 
A comparative study indicates that the collective memory of the 1872 storm is related to the background knowledge about floods, the damage extent, and the response to the storm. Flood marks and dikes help to remember the events. In general, coastal flood defence is to the largest degree implemented in the affected areas in Germany, followed by Denmark, and is almost absent in Sweden, corresponding to the extent of the collective memory of the 1872 storm. Within the affected countries, there is local variability of flood risk awareness associated with the collective memory of the storm.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of the 1872 Storm and Coastal Flood Risk Management in Denmark, Germany, and Sweden

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the IASS study "Sustainable Solutions for the Global South in a Post-Pandemic World"
The global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted profound inequalities and vulnerabilities across the Global South, particularly in areas such as energy access, urban resilience, and environmental governance. Contributors to the IASS study analyzed challenges and potential pathways toward sustainable recovery, emphasizing the role of renewable energy, urban planning, and climate-smart economic strategies. The pandemic exposed systemic fragilities, demonstrating the urgent need for holistic, integrated approaches to development that address economic, environmental, and social dimensions simultaneously.

Sustainable Solutions for the Global South in a Post-Pandemic World

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
NATURVATION Publication Cover Image with text and a photograph of a city garden
This briefing note, published within the EU-funded Horizon 2020 project NATURVATION, takes a critical look at the value and limits of climate nature-based solutions to deliver on biodiversity goals. Building on research findings from NATURVATION, the brief discusses the question: How can we realise the added value of urban climate nature-based solutions for biodiversity?

Urban Nature: A Shared Solution to the Climate and Biodiversity Crises?

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the EEA report "Overview of Accessibility of the Climate Change Adaptation Finance Data in Europe"
The report, prepared for the European Environment Agency, examines the availability and accessibility of data on the financing of climate adaptation measures in Europe. The aim is to develop an in-depth understanding of the challenges and existing practices in collecting and analyzing this data in order to promote effective adaptation strategies.

Overview of Accessibility of the Climate Change Adaptation Finance Data in Europe

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Publication:Flyer
 
screen shot of the flyer
As part of the project "Drought and Water Use Conflicts in Germany (WADKlim)", Ecologic Institute developed a promotional flyer based on visual style and template of the German Environment Agency. The flyer contains relevant general information about the project – its theme, focus, aims, activities and contact information.

WADKlim : Auswirkung des Klimawandels auf die Wasserverfügbarkeit

Anpassung an Trockenheit und Dürre in Deutschland

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Publication:Book
 
Culture and Climate Resilience: Perspectives from Europe
There is a growing impetus among policy makers and practitioners to support and empower capacities of communities under changing climatic conditions. Despite this there is little systematic understanding of why approaches work at local levels or not and what makes some communities resilient and others less so. Authors addressing this shortcoming by providing illustrative case studies and assessment tools from Europe’s North, East and South helping to bridge the gap between climate change policies, decision-making and the cultural traits of communities in Europe.

Culture and Climate Resilience: Perspectives from Europe

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