Publication:Report

The study was commissioned by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) to support the German Federal Government in reporting on the Action Programme for Natural Climate Protection (ANK). Ecologic Institute led the project and was responsible for analysing the action areas peatlands, near-natural water regimes, marine and coastal ecosystems, wilderness and protected areas, forest ecosystems, research and capacity building, as well as cooperation within the EU and internationally.

Gutachten zur Umsetzung und Wirkungen von Fördermaßnahmen im ANK

Abschlussbericht

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This report evaluates the focus of Bread for the World on climate policy between 2023 and 2025. It examines how the organisation strengthens the rights and needs of vulnerable population groups within the context of international climate policy, demonstrating how climate justice can be effectively integrated into development cooperation. The report assesses this work against the following criteria: relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, development impact and sustainability.

Kurs Klimagerechtigkeit

Wie Brot für die Welt die Bedürfnisse der ärmsten und verletzlichsten Bevölkerungsgruppen in der internationalen Klimapolitik stärkt

Year 2025

Publication:Report

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:Report

The current evaluation of the Masterplan Municipality Guideline for the 2016 to 2019 funding period is now available. Within this funding period, 13.5 million euros were given to 22 municipalities to finance and implement master plans that would lead the municipalities to climate neutrality by 2050. As a result, the supported municipalities could achieve greenhouse gas savings amounting to 1.2 million tons over a period of 10 years.

Evaluation "Masterplan 100% Klimaschutz" der Nationalen Klimaschutzinitiative

Masterplan municipalities initiate transformation processes.

Year 2023

Publication:Report

Cover for an evaluation report titled 'Evaluation 2020/2021 der Förderrichtlinie "Kommunale Energieeffizienz- und/oder Ressourceneffizienz-Netzwerke" im Rahmen der Nationalen Klimaschutzinitiative (NKI)'. It features logos from various German research and environmental institutes.

The evaluation of the municipal networks for the period 2018 to 2021 is now published and available for download. 28 projects were funded with Euro 5.66 million, and municipalities contributed almost Euro 3.8 Mio. own revenue for the networking activities. Over the evaluation period, the networks contributed to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 69.2 thousand tonnes of CO2.

Evaluation 2020/2021 der NKI-Förderrichtlinie "Kommunale Energieeffizienz- und/oder Ressourceneffizienz-Netzwerke"

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

Publication:Report

Cover of a report titled 'Evaluation 2020/2021 of the Innovative Climate Protection Projects under the National Climate Initiative (NKI)', commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Featuring logos from associated research institutes like IFEU, ICE, Öko-Institut, Ecologic, Prognos, and Fraunhofer ISI, with 'Prof. Dr. Stefan Klinski' noted as the author.

The latest evaluation of the innovative climate protection projects for the period 2020 to 2021 is now available. During this evaluation period, the projects accomplished an additional 0.41 million metric tonnes of CO2 reductions, alongside notably higher indirect reductions. The projects were able to trigger transformation by empowering their target groups to question, change and replace prevailing structures, established practices and techniques. At the same time, their predominantly national coverage as well as visibility, comprehensibility and connectivity for the target group and imitators contributed to a high transformational outcome.

Evaluation 2020/2021 des Förderaufrufs "Innovative Klimaschutzprojekte" im Rahmen der Nationalen Klimaschutzinitiative (NKI)

Year 2023

Publication:Document

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

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

Testing a progress measurement framework on a sample of indicators

Year 2023

Publication:Report

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

Year 2022

Publication:Report

The central objective of the work presented in this report was to assess the European Commission's Strategic Long-Term Vision and supplementary materials and reflect on them in light of state-of-the-art sector analyses.

The European Commission's 2050 Vision "A clean planet for all"

Implications for Sector Strategies and Climate Governance

Year 2022

Publication:Document

The paper "Making EU Governance Fit for Net Zero" analyses the current landscape of climate policy governance against eight core parameters at EU level and for Member States, and identifies a number of remaining weaknesses. Improvements should address several key processes, such as updating of the NECPs in 2023-2024 and of national LTSs and the new progress and consistency assessments under the EU Climate Law.

Making EU Climate Governance Fit for Net Zero

Scientific opinion paper

Year 2022

Publication:Report

This report documents the results of three social-empirical research phases, which were carried out as work package 3 in the project "Trend Radar Resource Policy". In each case, citizens from all social milieus were surveyed within the framework of Moderated Research Online Communities on their assessment of trends identified in the project that are relevant to the use of natural resources and on the acceptance of political measures to conserve resources. The results show a high level of willingness to do more individually to protect natural resources, but also the expectation that politicians will create binding framework conditions for this.

Ergebnisse der sozial-empirischen Fundierungen

Teilbericht aus dem Projekt: "Trendradar Ressourcenpolitik"

Year 2021

Publication:Report

In the "Smart Energy Showcase" programme (SINTEG), more than 300 research institutes and companies in five model regions developed solutions for a future energy system that will be entirely based on renewable energies. The participants not only developed new technologies, processes and market mechanisms, they also proposed changes to the legal framework that would allow those solutions to be scaled up. Commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economics and Energy that initiated SINTEG, Ecologic Institute just published a systematic overview of the issues addressed in these proposals for regulatory change. Moreover, the report discusses the proposals in the context of the ongoing national energy policy debate.

Handlungsempfehlungen der SINTEG-Schaufenster zur Anpassung des Rechtsrahmens

Bericht für die Fachöffentlichkeit

Year 2021

Publication:Report

Cover of the publication "Evaluierung der Nationalen Klimaschutzinitiative Einzelevaluierungsbericht Kommunale Energieeffizienz-Netzwerke, Förderjahre 2015-2019"

The funding call "Municipal Networks" is part of the National Climate Initiative (NCI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Since 2008, the NCI funds climate protection projects throughout Germany, thus contributing to the achievement of the Federal Government's climate protection goals. The funding call pursues the economic and sustainable unlocking of saving potentials in the field of energy efficiency, resource efficiency and climate-friendly mobility through cooperation between municipalities and administrative units. The two funding phases cover the recruitment of municipal participants in energy efficiency networks (recruitment phase) and the establishment and operation of these networks (network phase). The funding also serves to permanently maintain these networks beyond the funding period to continuously implement further efficiency measures within this framework.

Kommunale Energieeffizienz-Netzwerke, Förderjahre 2015-2019

Evaluation of the National Climate Initiative – Individual Evaluation Report

Year 2021

Publication:Report

The funding call for the Innovative Climate Protection Projects is part of the National Climate Protection Initiative (NCI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Since 2008, the NCI funds climate protection projects throughout Germany, thus contributing to the achievement of the Federal Government's climate protection goals. The innovative climate protection projects impart new or disseminate existing knowledge to change behaviour, purchasing decisions, practices, and processes. To this end, the projects run campaigns or provide direct advice, facilitate knowledge exchange, and help with capacity building and education in the diverse climate-relevant fields of action.

Bericht zum Förderaufruf Innovative Klimaschutzprojekte

Evaluierung der Nationalen Klimaschutzinitiative

Year 2021

Publication:Case Study

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

Year 2021

Publication:Report

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

Year 2021

Publication:Policy Brief

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

Year 2021

Publication:Report

Various economical methods are available for the monetary assessment of the effects of environmentally induced diseases as well as the resulting deaths. This report serves as a basis for the development of concrete monetary valuations of environmental burdens of disease, which is illustrated by three case studies.

Umweltbedingte Krankheitslasten und Ansätze zu ihrer monetären Bewertung

Year 2021

Publication:Flyer

Ecologic Institute designed a programme flyer as part of the visual identity for the project "Plastic in the Environment – Sources • Sinks • Solutions." The programme flyer was developed and designed to provide relevant content on the conference agenda in a concerted way to participants.

Plastik in der Umwelt – Quellen • Senken • Lösungsansätze – Final Conference Programme Flyer

BMBF-Forschungsschwerpunkt

Year 2021

Publication:Report

Cover of the final report "Evaluierung und Optimierung von Beratungsmaßnahmen des MELUND für eine gewässer-, boden- und klimaschonende und die Biodiversität fördernde Landwirtschaft in Schleswig-Holstein"

The report summarizes the key findings from the project, evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the advisory system, and makes concrete suggestions for improving specific advisory measures.

Evaluierung und Optimierung von Beratungsmaßnahmen des MELUND für eine gewässer-, boden- und klimaschonende und die Biodiversität fördernde Landwirtschaft

Year 2021

Publication:Report

Sustainable use of natural resources in the long term requires not only the application and dissemination of resource-saving technologies and infrastructures, but also changes in individual and collective behaviour and social practices. Against this background, different methods were combined in the project "Trendradar Resource Policy" to identify and evaluate societal trends and resource policy measures. Using trend analysis, 20 socially relevant trends were identified and qualitatively described. These trends were then empirically reflected by eliciting perceptions, attitudes and interpretation patterns of the general population in a three-week Moderated Research Online Community (MROC). At the same time, policy measures were identified and qualitatively assessed in terms of relevance and possible barriers to implementation.

Methodentriangulation zur Ermittlung und Bewertung von gesellschaftlichen Trends und ressourcenpolitischen Maßnahmen

Teilbericht aus dem Trendradar-Projekt

Year 2020

Publication:Article

This study examines approaches of a set of European Union member states to pursue a coordinated approach to climate change adaptation (CCA) policy. It specifically addresses the co-ordination approaches that the selected countries use for the development and implementation of their national CCA policies in the immediate period following the publication of the EU's 2013 Adaptation Strategy.

Policy Coordination for National Climate Change Adaptation in Europe: All Process, but Little Power

Year 2020

Publication:Document

This paper aims to explain to the failure of six carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration projects installed at coal power plants within the European Union. The projects were funded across six different members with varying suitability to coal-based CCS, which raises the question of whether common domestic factors can be identified that explain the failure of all projects. The perspective of Europeanisation is adopted to examine this question.

The Failed Europeanisation of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

A Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Domestic Factors on Six CCS Demonstration Projects

Year 2020

Publication:Article

Faced with the COVID-19 crisis, there is great temptation for recovery plans to prop up yesterday’s economy. Instead, recovery plans and any economic stimulus must “build back better” and contribute to a resilient and sustainable future. In an EURACTIV op-ed, the directors of five leading think tanks and founders of the new Think Sustainable Europe network argue that any stimulus must be informed by science, strengthen resilience as well as solidarity, support the transformation towards low-carbon, sustainable societies and deal with the current challenges on an appropriate scale.

Europe's Recovery Plans Must Pass Five Sustainability Tests

Year 2020

Publication:Report

This study, commissioned by Greenpeace, analyses a range of existing measures that have a direct impact on the increased uptake of electric passenger cars with respect to 1) the measures’ overall effectiveness in incentivising electric vehicles (EV purchases); 2) the ease of administering them; 3) affordability for governments; and 4) the consistency with other goals, mainly with the goal of reducing traffic. The study is available for download.

Measures for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles

Year 2019

Publication:Report

In June 2019, the joint statement of the Expert Commission on the second progress report of the German government was published. Ecologic Institute provides scientific support to the work of the Expert Commission with a focus on the key topics that the Expert Commission selected for their joint statement.

Statement of the Expert Commission for the "Energy of the Future" Monitoring on the Second Progress Report of the German Government

Year 2019

Publication:Report

This final report addresses the question of how German resource policy could be further developed, based on the studies within the research project "Policies to Strengthen the German Resource Efficiency Program" (PolRess II). Options for further development are shown and their possible advantages and disadvantages discussed. Options include tailoring the process of the strategy, dealing with related strategy processes, and instrumentation. The final report of the PolRess II project, to which Dr. Martin Hirschnitz-Garbers of Ecologic Institute contributed, is available for download.

Governance einer effizienten und nachhaltigen Ressourcennutzung

PolRess 2 – Abschlussbericht

Year 2019

Publication:Flyer

Ecologic Institute designed a programme flyer as part of the visual identity for the project "Plastic in the Environment – Sources • Sinks • Solutions." The programme flyer was developed and designed to provide relevant content on conference context, agenda, and the venue in a concerted way to participants.

Plastik in der Umwelt – Quellen • Senken • Lösungsansätze – Programme Flyer

BMBF-Forschungsschwerpunkt

Year 2019

Publication:Article

The widespread use of the term "climate change" is an important framing victory for those who are not interested in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as required by the Paris Agreement. With this framing, it is no wonder that neither citizens nor policy reduce emissions sufficiently. that neither is what Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf, Head of International and European Governance at Ecologic Institute, writes in the Süddeutsche Zeitung. His article is available online.

Dieser Begriff ist ein Sieg für alle, die nichts verändern wollen

Framing-Check: "Klimawandel"

Year 2018

Publication:Report

This final report presents the results of the research project "Internet of services and things and compliance with environmental standards of technical infrastructures – a concept study for Schwerin and its surroundings". The report is available for download.

Internet der Dienste und Dinge und Erfüllung von Umweltstandards technischer Infrastrukturen – am Beispiel der Landeshauptstadt Schwerin und Umland

Year 2018

Publication:Case Study

Over the past three years, the AQUACROSS Assessment Framework was developed, tested, and applied in eight case studies across Europe to solve local biodiversity challenges. Finally, results from each Case Study were published in a 30-page case study report and 3-page executive summary report. The case study is available for download.

Trade-Offs in Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management in the North Sea Aimed at Achieving Biodiversity Strategy Targets

AQUACROSS Case Study 1 Report

Year 2018

Publication:Case Study

Lough Erne sustains multiple competing activities, each with different demands from the system in terms of ecosystem services and physical resources. It is a heavily modified water body, containing a range of non-native Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are considered a threat to Lough Erne biodiversity and also negatively affect the society that surrounds it. In this report, we apply the AQUACROSS Assessment Framework to understand this challenge and identify and assess ecosystem-based management solutions to the challenge of the IAS Nutall’s pond weed. The case study is available for download.

Management and Impact of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Lough Erne in Ireland

AQUACROSS Case Study 4 Report

Year 2018

Publication:Case Study

Freshwater ecosystems in the Swiss plateau are threatened by multiple stressors that deteriorate water quality and hydromorphology. To restore these ecosystems and stop the biodiversity decline, multiple management measures will be implemented over the next decades. We propose methods for a spatial and temporal prioritisation to coordinate measures from different sectors and maximise their effectiveness while considering other societal needs. The case study is available for download.

Biodiversity Management for Rivers of the Swiss Plateau

AQUACROSS Case Study 7 Report

Year 2018

Publication:Article

There is a consensus about the strategic importance of cities and urban areas for achieving a global transformation towards sustainability. While there is mounting interest in the types of qualities that increase the capacity of urban systems to attain deep transformations, empirical evidence about the extent to which existing institutional and material systems exhibit transformative capacity is lacking. This paper thereby seeks to determine the extent to which sustainability initiatives led by local governments and their partners reflect the various components that the literature claims can influence the emergence of transformative capacity as a systemic property of urban settings. The article is available for download.

Transformative Capacity and Local Action for Urban Sustainability

Year 2018

Publication:Policy Brief

Shipping is vital for trade in the global economy and in particular for countries whose economies are closely tied to trading, like those surrounding the Baltic Sea. However, compared to other sectors, shipping is also a significant driver of environmental pressures, such as the spread of alien species or other physical influences. Underwater noise and emissions of nitrogen oxide and fine dust are additional significant pressures from shipping compared to other land and sea-based activities. Shipping is also a source of greenhouse gases (GHG). Ecologic Institute's policy brief presents an assessment of 20 policies with the potential to tackle the pressures from shipping. The policy brief is available for download.

Policies for Sustainable Shipping in the Baltic Sea – SHEBA Policy Brief

A ranking of 20 policy options

Year 2018

Publication:Video

One of the key elements of the Research Network in Climate, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials (RECREATE) project has been the development of the RECREATE Green Horizons Scoreboard. In order to show the potential user the possibilities provided by the Scoreboard, RECREATE and Ecologic Institute produced an instructional video that takes the user through a number of exemplary analyses.

RECREATE Green Horizons Scoreboard – Instructional Video

Year 2018

Publication:Report

In June 2018, the joint statement of the Expert Commission on the "Energy of the Future" Monitoring Process was published. Ecologic Institute provides scientific support to the work of the Expert Commission with a focus on the key topics that Dr. Hans-Joachim Ziesing and the Expert Commission selected for their joint statement. The joint statement is available for download.

Statement on the Sixth Monitoring Report of the Federal German Government for 2016

Expert Commission on the "Energy of the Future" Monitoring Process

Year 2018

Publication:Report

Strong national climate governance frameworks are crucial to establish and maintain political support for the low-carbon transition and facilitate the implementation of policies. The truly robust governance frameworks combine key elements such as legally binding targets reached with high level of political support, broad stakeholder participation and review mechanisms that allow for adjustments over time. Creation of dedicated institutions with clearly assigned responsibilities and powers is essential to ensure the robustness and effectiveness of the framework. The study, co-authored by Ecologic Institute's Matthias Duwe, is available for download.

Towards Paris-compatible Climate Governance Frameworks

An overview of findings from recent research into 2050 climate laws and strategies

Year 2018

Publication:Brochure

The national and international political agenda shows that resource conservation is a central task for environmental policy: In Germany, Europe and globally, there are political programmes and strategies aimed at fostering sustainable resource use. In five theses, this brochure from the SimRess project shows that an integrative and systemically designed resource policy contributes to achieving the goals of resource protection and climate protection. The study was carried out by Ecologic Institute with Martin Hirschnitz-Garbers and Susanne Langsdorf as co-authors. The brochure is available for download.

Ressourcenschonung als Zukunftsaufgabe

Ansatzpunkte für eine systemische Ressourcenpolitik

Year 2018

Publication:Web Application

The RECREATE Green Horizons Scoreboard is a website that presents relevant indicators for tackling societal challenges in the areas of climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials. The Scoreboard provides indicators on ten different Environmental Innovation Systems, or fields of knowledge, that are of high relevance to the areas of climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials.

RECREATE Green Horizons Scoreboard

Year 2018

Publication:Policy Brief

Krüger, Ina et al., (2016): Marine Strategy Framework Directive, AQUACROSS Policy Review, European Union's Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation grant agreement No. 642317.

Marine Strategy Framework Directive

AQUACROSS Policy Review

Year 2018

Publication:Article

Addressing climate change and natural resource depletion has been key to the international and national sustainability agenda for almost 30 years. Despite existing efforts, global CO2 emissions and raw material use levels continue to grow. This seems to suggest the need for more systemic approaches in environmental policy. The authors, among them Ecologic Institute's Dr. Martin Hirschnitz-Garbers, call upon policy makers to integrate rebound mitigation strategies and move beyond exclusively improving efficiency to tackling structural and behavioural changes. The article is available for download.

Contemporary Resource Policy and Decoupling Trends

Lessons Learnt from Integrated Model-Based Assessments

Year 2018

Publication:Document

AQUACROSS Plan for Exploitation and Dissemination of Project Results

Deliverable D1.5

Year 2018

Publication:Report

The SimRess project tested the potential effects of future developments and strategies relevant to resource policy on important environmental and economic indicators. The study summarises the main project findings of the project "Models, Potentials and Long-Term Scenarios for Resource Efficiency". It is available for download.

Potentiale und Kernergebnisse der Simulationen von Ressourcenschonung(spolitik)

Endbericht des Projekts Sim-Ress

Year 2018

Publication:Report

Systems analysis could be an essential approach to shape resource efficiency policy in a sustainable long term perspective. In the SimRess project, we tested systems thinking to develop a system dynamic resource use simulation model and ii) to investigate policy mixes for resource conservation. The report, which is available for download, documents and summarizes the various results of the workshops and the systems analysis. The study was carried out by the SimRess project partners, with Martin Hirschnitz-Garbers from Ecologic Institute as lead-author.

System Analysis for Environmental Policy

System thinking through system dynamic modelling and policy mixing as used in the SimRess project

Year 2018

Publication:Flyer

Ecologic Institute designed a promotional flyer as part of the visual identity for the project "Plastic in the Environment – Sources • Sinks • Solutions." The flyer summarizes the general objectives and aims of the project, contains a list of partners and contact information and is styled according to the project style-guide.

Plastic in the Environment – Sources • Sinks • Solutions – Project Flyer

BMBF Research Focus

Year 2018

Publication:Article

Diffuse Water Pollution from Agriculture (DWPA) and its governance has received increased attention as a policy concern across the globe. Mitigation of DWPA is a complex problem that requires a mix of policy instruments and a multi-agency, broad societal response. In this article - to which Dr. Grit Martinez and Dr. Nico Stelljes of Ecologic Institute contributed as co-authors - opportunities and barriers for developing co-governance, defined as collaborative societal involvement in the functions of government, and its suitability for mitigation of DWPA, are reviewed using seven case studies in Europe, Australia and North America. The article is available for download.

Opportunities and Barriers for Water Co-Governance

A Critical Analysis of Seven Cases of Diffuse Water Pollution from Agriculture in Europe, Australia and North America

Year 2018

Publication:Document

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being adopted as an effective tool to address urban challenges. But, to what extent do current policy frameworks support or hinder their implementation? This report examines if and how the concept of NBS is addressed in select EU and Member State policies and funding instruments. The report was published within the Horizon 2020 project NATURVATION and is available for download.

Nature-based Solutions in European and National Policy Frameworks

Year 2018

Publication:Report

Kosten und Nutzen einer europäischen Bodenrahmen-Richtlinie für Deutschland

Year 2018

Publication:Case Study

The objective of this case study is to apply the AQUACROSS Assessment Framework (D3.2) approach to study the Faial-Pico Channel MPA. By doing so, the overarching aim is to understand how applying the Assessment Framework and therefore the concept of Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) can lead to new and alternative management approaches for the improved protection and preservation of aquatic biodiversity.

Ecosystem-based Solutions to Solve Sectoral Conflicts in the Azores

AQUACROSS Case Study 8

Year 2018

Publication:Report

Ecologic Institute analysed how three key elements of the Paris Agreement are being taken up in the EU: the long-term objectives, the 5-year pledge & review process and the planning instrument "long-term strategies".

Happy Birthday, Paris Agreement! Here is how the EU will be celebrating

State of play on the negotiations on the Energy Union Governance Regulation on three core elements of the Paris Agreement

Year 2017

Publication:Report

The study analyses the coverage of environmental impacts in EU impact assessments and identifies lessons for Germany and the European Union. The focus is on how environmental effects – qualitatively, quantitatively and in monetary terms – are taken into account in the EU impact assessment process, especially in comparison to economic and social impacts. The study is available for download.

Coverage of Environmental Impacts in EU Impact Assessments

Year 2017

Publication:Book Section

With this contribution Doris Knoblauch and Susanne Langsdorf from Ecologic Institute offer an easy-to-use three-step process that allows for a meaningful assessment of projects' sustainability. The process has already been tested by two digitization projects. The article is available online in the "Monitor Nachhaltige Kommune. Report 2017" published by the Bertelsmann Stiftung.

Nachhaltige Kommunen durch Digitalisierung?!

Ein Verfahren zur Einschätzung der Auswirkungen kommunaler Digitalisierungsprojekte auf eine nachhaltige Entwicklung

Year 2017

Publication:Report

This report has been prepared as part of work-package 5 of the FIThydro project on Fishfriendly Innovative Technologies for Hydropower. It aims at investigating the regulatory landscape influencing actions relevant to environmental improvements in the context of planning and operating hydropower plants. Emphasis is given to the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, nature protection policies and policies on renewable energy and climate change adaptation, thereby outlining opportunities, barriers and challenges in reaching multiple environmental objectives. The report is available for download.

Review of Policy Requirements and Financing Instruments (for fishfriendly hydropower)

Deliverable 5.1 H2020 Research project FIThydro

Year 2017

Publication:Book Section

Bieling C., Gerdes H., Ohnesorge B., Plieninger T., Schaich H., Schleyer C., Trommler K., Wolff F. 2018: Developing landscape scenarios and identifying local management options: outcomes and evaluation of a participatory approach in the Swabian Alb, Germany. In: Padmanabhan M. (ed.): Transdisciplinary Research and Sustainability - Collaboration, Innovation and Transformation. Routledge, London: 134-150.

Developing Landscape Scenarios and Identifying Local Management Options

Outcomes and Evaluation of a Participatory Approach in the Swabian Alb, Germany

Year 2017

Publication:Report

In the frame of this project a short study on the policy instrument of specific CO2-emission targets for car manufacturers in the EU is carried out which analyses and evaluates the policy instrument. The foci of the research are two questions: How did the instrument perform regarding the reductions of specific CO2-emissions of passenger cars? And how much can it contribute to reduce overall CO2-emissions of passenger transport in the EU, so as to contribute to reaching the target of the Paris agreement to stay below a warming of 2°C? The short study is available for download.

Welchen Beitrag leisten die europäischen CO₂-Flottengrenzwerte für Pkw zum Klimaschutz?

Year 2017

Publication:Conference Paper

Simulation models play an important role for assessing the potential effects of policy instrument. This publication documents the presentations and discussions held during the two-day expert workshop "Simulation of resource use and resource policy", which discussed the reasons and conditions under which different simulation models yield similar or different results. The reader is available for download.

Sicherung der Konsistenz und Harmonisierung von Annahmen bei der kombinierten Modellierung von Ressourceninanspruchnahme und Treibhausgasemissionen

Year 2017

Publication:Report

Afman, Maarten et. al. 2017: EU Energy Market Policy: Local and Regional Experience and Policy Recommendations. European Committee of the Regions: Brussels.

EU Energy Market Policy

Local and Regional Experience and Policy Recommendations

Year 2017

Publication:Report

AQUACROSS consortium published a report describing an analytical Assessment Framework, which aims to integrate and understand these complex interlinkages between natural and social systems, to be applied in real-world case studies in the project. The Assessment Framework covers the various steps needed to assess local aquatic management examples in a holistic manner—from the definition of policy challenges and the setting of objectives to the identification of opportunities, the screening of innovative responses and the design, implementation and assessment of alternative courses of action. All these elements are integrated into the comprehensive framework, which aims to capture all relevant interactions at stake. The report is available for download.

Developing the AQUACROSS Assessment Framework

Deliverable 3.2

Year 2017

Publication:Web Application

The ECONADAPT project website advances the knowledge and evidence base on the economics of adaptation, and converts the findings into practical material to support decision-making. Innovative methods were co-developed and tested in a participative way with a diverse user groups engaged in adaptation policy at multiple governance scales. The results and findings from the project brought together in a toolbox.

Tools for Economic Evaluation of Climate Adaptation: ECONADAPT's Toolbox and Library

Year 2016

Publication:Report

This booklet gives an overview of the POCACITO project, focussing on the methodology used and most importantly on the major findings, results and outcomes of the project.

Final Synthesis Booklet POCACITO

Major Findings and Outputs of the POCACITO Project

Year 2016

Publication:Report

In December 2016, the joint statement of the Expert Commission on the "Energy of the Future" Monitoring Process was published. Ecologic Institute provides scientific support to the work of the Expert Commission with a focus on the key topics that Dr. Hans-Joachim Ziesing and the Expert Commission selected for their joint statement. The joint statement is available for download.

Statement on the Fifth Monitoring Report of the Federal German Government for 2015

Expert Commission on the "Energy of the Future" Monitoring Process

Year 2016

Publication:Report

Tröltzsch, Jenny; Josselin Rouillard; Manuel Lago 2016: ECONADAPT Web-Toolbox. ECONADAPT deliverable 10.1.

ECONADAPT Web-Toolbox

Year 2016

Publication:Document

The Paris Agreement requires Parties to scale up their commitments every five years, i.e., with each consecutive "nationally determined contribution" (NDC). The recent proposal of the EU Commission for an Effort Sharing Regulation is essential for the EU to meet this obligation. The proposal, however, does not support adequately continuous scaling up of the EU greenhouse gas reduction targets. A new paper from Ecologic Institute discusses ways in which the Effort Sharing Regulation could support the scaling up of EU climate targets. The paper is available for download.

EU Effort Sharing after 2020

Review and Ratcheting Up EU Climate Targets

Year 2016

Publication:Document

As the EU considers early ratification of the Paris Agreement, this paper explains the related key legal questions that arise should the EU push to ratify without its internal burden sharing in place and without all Member States ratifying simultaneously. The paper is available for download.

Early Ratification of the Paris Agreement by the EU

Legal implications

Year 2016

Publication:Report

A new study by the Ecologic Institute shows how to ensure achievement of the 2030 EU target for renewable energy. The study is available for download.

Compliance with EU 2030 Renewable Energy Targets: How to Fill a Gap

Year 2016

Publication:Policy Brief

This brief highlights the links between EU policy objectives and global targets for sustainable development, centring on aquatic ecosystems. It describes current research within the EU Horizon 2020 project AQUACROSS (Knowledge, Assessment and Management for AQUAtic Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services aCROSS policies), focusing on an integrative approach – ecosystem-based management (EBM) of aquatic ecosystems – to understand and balance common social, economic, and environmental objectives towards a more sustainable future. The brief is available for download.

Managing Aquatic Biodiversity

from local to global – an EU perspective

Year 2016

Publication:Report

Lucha, Christine; Andreas Prahl; Bettina Kampman et. al. 2016: Local and Regional State of Play and Policy Recommendations Concerning Sustainable Heating and Cooling: Focusing on EU Level Policy. European Committee of the Regions: Brussels.

Local and Regional State of Play and Policy Recommendations Concerning Sustainable Heating and Cooling

Focusing on EU Level Policy

Year 2016

Publication:Book

This book draws on the European Commission funded project MILESECURE-2050. It considers low-carbon energy security and energy geopolitics in Europe with a focus on four thematic clusters: challenging the energy security paradigm; climate change and energy security objectives (the components of a secure and low-carbon energy system); energy security in a geopolitical perspective, as it relates to economics, resource competition, and availability; and the influence of large scale renewable energy projects on energy security and shifting geopolitical alliances. Max Gruenig served as one of the book's editors and further researchers, Andreas Prahl, Katherine Weingartner and Brendan O'Donnell, were chapter authors.

Low-carbon Energy Security from a European Perspective

Year 2016

Publication:Article

Increasing material use efficiency is important to mitigate future supply risks and minimize environmental impacts associated with the production of materials. The policy mix presented in this paper aims to contribute to reducing the use of virgin metals in the EU by 80% by 2050 without significantly shifting burdens to other material resources, the environmental or other parts of the world. The article, which was written with the collaboration of Dr. Martin Hirschnitz-Garbers (Senior Fellow at Ecologic Institute), is available for download.

A Systemic and Systematic Approach to the Development of a Policy Mix for Material Resource Efficiency

Year 2016

Publication:Report

The final synthesis of the 40 month long EFFACE research project is now available. The report is addressed at decision-makers and presents core findings from the EFFACE project in an accessible language. The final synthesis is available for download.

Environmental Crime and the EU: Synthesis

Synthesis of the Research Project "European Union Action to Fight Environmental Crime" (EFFACE)

Year 2016

Publication:Report

NetBiome-CSA is a European funded project that aims to extend and strengthen research partnerships and cooperation for the smart and sustainable management of tropical and subtropical biodiversity in Outermost Regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). The NetBiome Network, with the participation of Ecologic Institute, has developed a Strategic Document that compiles a series of policy and research priorities for improving knowledge about biodiversity and the practice of biodiversity governance in the EU ORs and OCTs. The priorities emerged from participatory processes within NetBiome-CSA. The document is available for download.

Management of European Overseas (Sub)Tropical Biodiversity in Support of Sustainable Development

Policy Recommendations and Priorities for Research Cooperation

Year 2016

Publication:Brochure

AQUACROSS consortium 2016: Knowledge, Assessment, and Management for AQUAtic Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services aCROSS EU policies. Brochure.

Knowledge, Assessment, and Management for AQUAtic Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services aCROSS EU Policies – Brochure

Year 2016

Publication:Policy Brief

The BONUS project SHEBA (Sustainable Shipping and Environment in the Baltic Sea region) held a workshop with participants from various shipping-related sectors. The workshop aimed to better understand the environmental pressures of shipping in the Baltic and how these impacts might change over time, as well as which policies and abatement technologies could be important in the future. The main findings of this stakeholder consultation are available for download.

Considerations for the Baltic Sea Shipping Sector

Brief of Stakeholder Meeting

Year 2016

Publication:Policy Brief

As part of the DYNAMIX project, three policy reports that synthesised the assessments of three policy mixes (a land use policy mix; a metals and materials use policy mix; and an overarching policy mix) were written in order to support the pathway to absolute decoupling in the EU. The policy brief is available for download.

A Policy Mix for Dematerialisation

Assessing instruments for metals and materials use reduction

Year 2016

Publication:Report

Gómez et al. (2016) The AQUACROSS Innovative Concept. Deliverable 3.1, European Union's Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation grant agreement No. 642317.

The AQUACROSS Innovative Concept

Deliverable 3.1

Year 2016

Publication:Report

The EU overseas entities support unique ecosystems which are home to an estimated one-third of the globally threatened species, including many endemic species. Because of the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems services in EU ORs/OCTs both locally and to the EU and member states (MS), it is essential to develop effective approaches to biodiversity governance. Yet often short-term economic interests are given priority over the preservation of ecosystem services. Ecosystem valuations offer a policy tool to convert the concrete and abstract value that ecosystems and biodiversity contribute to EU OR/OCT economies into numbers.

Uptake of Ecosystem Valuations in Policymaking in Europe's Overseas Entities

Application, barriers to use, and opportunities for improved uptake

Year 2016

Publication:Conference Paper

Ecologic Institute's new research paper provides a comprehensive overview and assessment of the Paris Agreement, including the agreed next steps, an outlook on implementation and key political messages. It is now available for download.

The Paris Agreement: Analysis, Assessment and Outlook

Background paper for the workshop "Beyond COP21: what does Paris mean for future climate policy?"

Year 2016

Publication:Report

The RECREATE consortium developed fourteen evidence-based narratives covering the three DG Research and Innovation flagship objectives that were presented to the European Commission in March 2015. On the basis of those narratives, the RECREATE consortium has been asked to deepen the investigation concerning selected narratives. The present deliverable represents the output of this request.

Evidence-Based Narratives – part 2

Triangulation of Selected Narratives

Year 2015

Publication:Report

Since 2000 the Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM) has monitored the progress of the integration of environmental objectives into transport policy in the EU. The TERM 2015 report investigates key developments in the transport sector with regards to environment, identifying what has improved and what has been a barrier to the sector's environmental performance. Ecologic Institute contributed to the TERM 2015 report with a chapter on transport and biodiversity. The full report is available for download.

Evaluating 15 Years of Transport and Environmental Policy Integration

TERM 2015: Transport indicators tracking progress towards environmental targets in Europe

Year 2015

Publication:Case Study

This collection of reports assesses climate and energy policies in all 28 Members States of the European Union (EU). The reports were jointly produced by ICF International, Ecologic Institute and eclareon to support the Directorate General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) of the European Commission in its contributions to the European Semester. Covering the state of policies in December 2014, the Country Reports provide insight into national policy developments and progress towards the achievement of the EU's climate and energy targets. So called Monthly progress Updates deliver information on more recent developments in the Member States on a monthly basis. The reports are available for download.

Assessment of Climate Change Policies in the Context of the European Semester - 2015

28 Country Reports 2015 and Monthly Progress Updates

Year 2015

Publication:Report

The objective of this report is to assess the current policy and socioeconomic drivers affecting shipping and other vessels globally and in the Baltic Sea region. The report provides a 'baseline' reference of key policy and socioeconomic drivers against which potential future changes to vessel activity can be assessed.

Drivers for the Shipping Sector

Deliverable 1.1

Year 2015

Publication:Report

In November 2015, the joint statement of the Expert Commission on the "Energy of the Future" Monitoring Process was published. Ecologic Institute provides scientific support to the work of the Expert Commission with a focus on the key topics that Dr. Hans-Joachim Ziesing and the Expert Commission selected for their joint statement. The English summary of the report is available for download.

Statement on the Fourth Monitoring Report of the Federal German Government for 2014

Expert Commission on the "Energy of the Future" Monitoring Process

Year 2015

Publication:Report

In order to support businesses in improving their resource efficiency, Member States use a variety of approaches, ranging from voluntary to regulatory measures. This study assesses the scope of application of ten relevant measures and provides good practice cases across Member States. Through data gathering on Member State level, this study found a wide range of successful examples of measures, varying by country and region. A number of lessons learnt can be drawn from their application; these are useful for the design of support measures in other Member States. The study is available for download.

A Framework for Member States to Support Business in Improving its Resource Efficiency

An Analysis of support measures applied in the EU-28

Year 2015

Publication:Document

Boteler, Benjamin et. al. 2015: Dissemination Plan – Strategy for disseminating AQUACROSS results and findings. Deliverable D1.1. Berlin, unpublished.

Dissemination Plan – Strategy for disseminating AQUACROSS results and findings

Deliverable D1.1

Year 2015

Publication:Policy Brief

Beça, Pedro; Rui Santos, Marius Hasenheit 2015: Brief on Policy Recommendations for Research. NETGREEN deliverable 4.4.

Brief on Policy Recommendations for Research

NETGREEN Deliverable 4.4

Year 2015

Publication:Newsletter

AQUACROSS seeks to advance knowledge and application of ecosystem-based management (EBM) for aquatic ecosystems to support the timely achievement of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy targets. The AQUACROSS newsletter delivers insights and shares developments within the Horizon 2020 research project.

AQUACROSS Newsletter

Year 2015 - 2018

Publication:Report

The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) report aims to assess whether Europe is meeting the goals of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The authors, among them scientists at Ecologic Institute, argue that the European Union is not on a path to fulfill its ambition of achieving sustainable use of its seas; despite being fully capable to do so using the current array of existing policies and knowledge. The report is available for download.

State of Europe's Seas

Year 2015

Publication:Website

The AQUACROSS website provides information on the AQUACROSS project, approach and case studies. Project outputs such as deliverables, policy briefs and publications are regularly promoted on the website. Ecologic Institute is responsible for the concept, design and programming.

AQUACROSS

Year 2015 - 2018

Publication:Poster

Tröltzsch, Jenny; Manuel Lago; Josselin Rouillard et. al. (2015): Reviewing the Use of Non-monetary Metrics/Weights for Use in Decision-making of Adaptation to Climate Change Projects. Poster.

Reviewing the Use of Non-monetary Metrics/Weights for Use in Decision-making of Adaptation to Climate Change Projects

Year 2015

Publication:Report

This study collects and analyses the information from the 28 Member States and their regions and cities on the implementation of the EU Birds and Habitats Directive and management of Natura 2000. Desk-based research including a review of case law were employed to gather information on and analyse the Directives. The study is available for download.

The Implementation of the Natura 2000, Habitats Directive 92/43/ECC and Birds Directive 79/409/ECC

Preparation for an ex-post territorial impact assessment

Year 2015

Publication:Report

The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) established a framework for promoting renewable energy development in all sectors, including binding national renewable energy targets and a mandatory target of 10% for all Member States for renewable energy use in transport. Commissioned by DG Energy, a consortium composed of CE Delft, Ricardo-AEA, Ecologic Institute, E-Bridge and REKK carried out an assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency so far of measures and actions laid down in the Directive. Stephan Sina, Christine Lucha, Andreas Prahl and Lenat Donat contributed to the study. The study is available for download.

Mid-term Evaluation of the Renewable Energy Directive

A study in the context of the REFIT programme

Year 2015

Publication:Report

The objective of this report is to provide a socio-economic assessment for the evaluation of policy options that have the potential to reduce environmental pressures from shipping in the Baltic Sea and move towards policy objectives especially on EU and global level. The report describes the assessment of 20 selected policy options that focus on different environmental pressures from shipping.

Policy Evaluation and Tradeoffs to Reduce Environmental Pressures of Shipping in the Baltic Sea

Deliverable 5.3 – Sustainable Shipping and Environment of the Baltic Sea Region (SHEBA)

Year 2015

Publication:Report

The aim of this report is to create a framework to understand and ultimately assess the linkages from the drivers of shipping in the Baltic Sea to its effects on ecosystem services and human wellbeing. Available Drivers Pressures State Impact Response (DPSIR) frameworks are analysed and adapted to shipping in the Baltic Sea. The developed DPSIR framework will be operationalised in further steps using available indicators. An adapted DPSIR framework and especially the reviewed indicators will be used to assess potential changes to ecosystem services compared to Business As Usual (BAU) and an integrated assessment and policy analysis to reduce pressures from shipping in the Baltic Sea.

Analytical Framework for Assessment of Shipping and Harbours in the Baltic Sea

Deliverable 5.1 – Sustainable Shipping and Environment of the Baltic Sea Region (SHEBA)

Year 2015

Publication:Report

Analytical Framework for Assessment of Shipping and Harbours in the Baltic Sea

Year 2015

Publication:Report

This document contains evidence‐based narratives within the area of "Nature‐Based Solutions". The material found herein has been compiled on request of the Directorate‐General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) with reference to the project RECREATE. Data were obtained from a variety of different sources, including both published and unpublished works, but mainly constitute the result of desk research.

Evidence-Based Narratives

Nature-Based Solutions

Year 2015

Publication:Report

What progress have EU Member States made in implementing the Water Framework Directive between the first (2009) to the second cycle (2015) of river basin management planning? A consultant's report co-authored by Ecologic Institute is provides initial insights on the basis of a screening assessment of the second River Basin Management Plans draft, prepared for the fourth European Water Conference. The report is available for download.

Screening Assessment of Draft Second Cycle River Basin Management Plans

Year 2015

Publication:Document

Since 2007, the European Council has played an increasingly active role in shaping the details of future EU climate policies. This involvement raises important questions about potential interference by the European Council regarding the decision-making process for and content of the implementation of the 2030 climate framework. In a broader perspective, concerns have been raised about the establishment of a constitutional practice, which could in fact circumvent the possibility of adopting implementing acts by qualified majority vote. This would alter the balance of power between the EU institutions. Ecologic Institute's Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf discusses the role and mandate of the European Council. The paper is available for download.

Can the European Council Impose Consensus on EU Climate Policies?

Year 2015

Publication:Report

The Ecologic Institute analysed stakeholder submissions to the European Commission's public consultation on fishing opportunities for 2015. The consultation generated widespread interest from a range of stakeholders: the fishing sector, public authorities, scientists, fisheries advisory councils, citizens and NGOs. The evaluation demonstrates that stakeholders are concerned by overfishing and that most of them have a good understanding of the issues at stake, including of the objective to recover fish stocks to levels above those capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). The report is available for download.

Evaluation of EU Commission Consultation on Fishing Opportunities for 2015 under the Common Fisheries Policy

Year 2015

Publication:Report

Impacts of environmental policy often only occur in the long term and there is no market price to value them. How can costs and benefits of these measures be evaluated and compared anyway? This working guide provides support for legislation impact assessment and supports the quantification of the impacts of environmental policies on environment and economy. The guide is available for download.

Leitfaden zur Kosten-Nutzen-Abschätzung umweltrelevanter Effekte in der Gesetzesfolgenabschätzung

Year 2015

Publication:Report

On 3 December 2014, the first progress report from the Federal Government and a joint statement from the Expert Commission about the "Energy of the Future" monitoring process were presented. Ecologic Institute supports the work of the Expert Commission by providing scientific input. The joint statement from the Expert Commission is available for download.

Statement on the First Progress Report by the German Government for 2013

Expert commission on the "Energy of the future" monitoring process

Year 2014

Publication:Policy Brief

The second CECILIA2050 policy brief summarises the insights produced by the research into the sectoral, economy-wide and cross-cutting impacts, implications and challenges of the current EU climate policy mix. These insights provide valuable lessons for the future development of the EU's climate policy mix, particularly in light of the on-going discussions surrounding the 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy Policies.

Current EU Climate Policy: Impacts, Implications and Challenges

CECILIA2050 Policy Brief No 2

Year 2014

Publication:Poster

Monica Ridgway; Beáta Vargová (2014): Supporting the Transition to a Post-carbon Society – POCACITO Poster Series. Poster. Berlin: Ecologic Institute.

Supporting the Transition to a Post-carbon Society – POCACITO Poster Series

Year 2014

Publication:Report

The European Commission has tabled initial proposals for new targets and some changes to key instruments such as the Emissions Trading System (ETS) upon which the EU Heads of State and Government are to make decisions later in 2014. This study assesses the status quo of EU climate and energy policy and experience with the current set of targets and instruments – and distills from it concrete recommendations for a new package for the period until 2030. The study is available for download.

The Next EU Climate and Energy Package – EU Climate Policies after 2020

Year 2014

Publication:Report

This collection of country reports assesses climate and energy policies in all 28 Members States of the European Union (EU). The reports support the DG CLIMA of the European Commission in its contributions to the European Semester. Focusing on the period between February 2013 and November 2013, the reports provide insight into national policy developments and progress towards the achievement of the EU’s climate and energy targets. The reports are available for download.

Assessment of Climate Change Policies in the Context of the European Semester - 2014

28 Country Reports 2014

Year 2014

Publication:Report

In this analysis for the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), Camilla Bausch, Matthias Duwe and Benjamin Görlach discuss how the outlook for an ambitious climate and energy have shifted with the start of Angela Merkel's third term in office, and the new political constellation. The authors discuss both the challenges at the national level, Germany's possible role in the EU climate and energy policy, and the effect on international climate negotiations. The analysis is available for download.

Die Klima- und Energiepolitik der deutschen Bundesregierung

Ein Beitrag zum deutsch-französischen Dialog

Year 2014

Publication:Report

Deliverable B of the two-part report on "Multilevel Governance of our Natural Capital" provides a set of recommendations targeting Member States and local and regional authorities. These aim to support the achievement of the EU Biodiversity Strategy’s targets for 2020 and the implementation of CBD Decision X/22. The recommendations are the result of an analysis that was based on the findings from an online survey and desk research. The document presents a set of headline recommendations and elaborates on each recommendation with a more detailed explanation and illustrative examples.

Multilevel Governance of our Natural Capital – Part B: Recommendations

The contribution of regional and local authorities to the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Year 2014

Publication:Report

The report was prepared by Ecologic Institute and ICLEI. It was conducted for the Committee of the Regions (CoR) to inform the CoR's contribution to the review of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and contribute to the monitoring of the implementation of CBD Decision X/22 within the Member States. The main task of the study was the collection and analysis of information from the 28 Member States and their regions and cities on the involvement of local and regional authorities in the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and CBD Decision X/22. The report is available for download.

Multilevel Governance of our Natural Capital – Part A: Analysis and Case Studies

Year 2014

Publication:Policy Brief

How are Member States in the EU implementing National Adaptation Strategies (NAS's)? How do their approaches differ, and what lessons can we learn? Using case studies from across Europe, this policy brief analyses processes for designing, implementing and reviewing NAS's. It identifies the positive role being played by the EU Adaptation Strategy in influencing NAS implementation, while also identifying shared challenges, including those related to short political timeframes and concretely realizing mainstreaming of climate adaptation into all sectors.

Climate Adaptation Strategies in the EU BASE – BASE Policy Brief # 1

Processes for design, implementation and review

Year 2014

Publication:Policy Brief

A policy brief written by Katharina Umpfenbach and colleagues for DG Environment summarises the most relevant scientific insights and analyses the implications for policy making. It highlights novel policy ideas for triggering changes in consumer behaviour. The policy brief is available for download.

Influences on Consumer Behaviour

Policy Implications Beyond Nudging

Year 2014

Publication:Report

On 8 April 2014, the second monitoring report from the Federal Government and the joint statement from the Expert Commissions about the "Energy of the Future" monitoring process were presented. The Ecologic Institute supports the work of the Expert Commission by providing scientific input. The statement on the German "Energiewende", under review for the second year in 2012, had mixed findings. The major message is that while Germany is expected to meet its renewable energy targets, further efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency are necessary. The joint statement is available for download.

Statement on the Second Monitoring Report by the German Government for 2012

Expert commission on the "Energy of the future" monitoring process

Year 2014

Publication:Postcard

As part of the visual identity for project "Post-Carbon Cities in Europe: A Long-Term Outlook" (POCACITO), Ecologic Institute designed a promotional flyer in small postcard format. The flyer summarizes general objectives and aims of the project, is styled according to the project style-guide and also contains a list of partners, contact information and a QR-code directing to the project website. Flyers are distributed during project events.

European Post-Carbon Cities of Tomorrow – Flyer

POCACITO Project Flyer

Year 2014

Publication:Report

This report evaluates the results of a survey conducted in the summer of 2013 among German operators by Ecologic Institute and the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt). The report shows that in the third trading period there will be shifts within the carbon market and that a cost-efficient organization of the emissions trading will play an increasingly important role. The report is available for download.

Purchase Channels for German Installation Operators in EU Emissions Trading

Evaluation of a Survey among all Operators of German Installations on their Purchase Strategies in the Second and Third Trading Period

Year 2014

Publication:Book Section

Are tradable permits in water pollution control a useful instrument regarding the protection of the environment? In this book chapter, experts from the Ecologic Institute make recommendations on the strategies for introducing tradable water pollution rights. They point out opportunities and limitations and discuss the instrument’s compatibility in instrument "mixes".

Le rôle des permis transférables pour la maîtrise de la pollution de l’eau

Year 2014

Publication:Article

Economic instruments and marine litter control, published in Ocean and Coastal Management, provides a comprehensive up-to-date review of the literature on the economic instruments that can reduce marine litter. The paper, written by Frans Oosterhuis, Elissaios Papyrakis, and Ecologic Institute's Benjamin Boteler, assesses their cost of implementation, level of effectiveness as well as indirect environmental and socioeconomic effects (externalities) that may arise as a result of their implementation. The article is available for download.

Economic Instruments and Marine Litter Control

Year 2014

Publication:Report

Despite their successful application in other environmental domain (such as air quality and climate), the use of economic policy instruments (EPIs) to tackle water management issues has faced many challenges. This report, written by Ecologic Institute in collaboration with partners as part of the EU-funded FP7 EPI-Water project, provides practical guidance to policy-makers and interested parties on the formulation of economic policy instruments for water management. Economic policy instruments presented in the report include incentive pricing, pollution taxes, water and pollution trading schemes, payments for environmental services, and risk management schemes. The report is available for download.

Design and Development of Economic Policy Instrument in European Water Policy

Year 2013

Publication:Policy Brief

The European Union (EU) and its Member States are debating the shape and substance of future EU climate policy. With partners from the CECILIA2050 project, Ecologic Institute produced reports on 8 EU Member States and the EU as whole, which take stock of current policies and their performance. In all 9 cases, the policy mix currently in place can be improved. A Policy Brief summarizing the findings is available for download.

Current EU Climate Policy: An Optimality Assessment

CECILIA2050 Policy Brief No 1

Year 2013

Publication:Postcard

As part of the visual identity for the project "NETwork for GREEN Economy Indicators" (NETGREEN), Ecologic Institute designed a promotional flyer in small postcard format. The flyer summarize general objectives and aims of the projects, is styled according to the project style-guides and contain besides an project information also a list of partners, contact and an QR-code directing to the project website. Flyers are distributed during project events.

How Can We Measure Progress Towards the Green Economy?

NetGreen Project Flyer

Year 2013

Publication:Website

Recognizing that there is an economic rationale for climate change adaptation, the ECONADAPT project set out to advance the knowledge and evidence base on the economics of adaptation and to develop practical material to support decision making processes. ECONADAPT applied adaptation economics in several decision making scenarios that could require economic information including risk management, project appraisal, impact assessments and planning processes. Throughout the project innovative methods were co-developed and tested in a participative way with diverse stakeholders engaged in adaptation policy at multiple governance scales. Ecologic Institute designed and developed the project's website which presents the resources, case studies and the latest project news.

Economics of Climate Change Adaptation in Europe (ECONADAPT)

Year 2013 - 2016

Publication:Article

European Union (EU) legislation, such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD), as well as international, national, and regional environmental policies and strategies explicitly acknowledge the importance of environmental costs and benefits and the need to integrate them into the policy-making process. However, the application of valuation studies to policy often involves a trade-off between the accuracy of the required analysis and the necessity to include all costs and benefits associated with the different policy options. Thus, there is no accepted EU-wide approach on how to deal with environmental benefits in the policy process.

Investigating the Use of Environmental Benefits in the Policy Decision Process

A Qualitative Study Focusing on the EU Water Policy

Year 2013

Publication:Report

This collection of country reports assesses climate and energy policies in all 28 Members States of the European Union (EU). The reports were jointly produced by Ecologic Institute and eclareon to support the Directorate General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) of the European Commission in its contributions to the European Semester. Covering the period between May 2012 and January 2013, the reports provide insight into national policy developments and progress towards the achievement of the EU’s climate and energy targets. The reports are available for download.

Assessment of Climate Change Policies in the Context of the European Semester – 2013

28 Country Reports 2013

Year 2013

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

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

Article
Book
Book Section
Brochure
Case Study
Conference Paper
Document
Fact Sheet
Flyer
Infographic
Newsletter
Podcast
Policy Brief
Postcard
Poster
Report
Thesis
Video
Web Application
Website

Publications

Abschlussbericht

Wie Brot für die Welt die Bedürfnisse der ärmsten und verletzlichsten Bevölkerungsgruppen in der internationalen Klimapolitik stärkt

Assessment of joint efforts for 2023-2027

Masterplan municipalities initiate transformation processes.

Testing a progress measurement framework on a sample of indicators

Abschlussbericht

Implications for Sector Strategies and Climate Governance

Scientific opinion paper

Teilbericht aus dem Projekt: "Trendradar Ressourcenpolitik"

Bericht für die Fachöffentlichkeit

Evaluation of the National Climate Initiative – Individual Evaluation Report

Evaluierung der Nationalen Klimaschutzinitiative

Appendix

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

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

BMBF-Forschungsschwerpunkt

Teilbericht aus dem Trendradar-Projekt

A Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Domestic Factors on Six CCS Demonstration Projects

PolRess 2 – Abschlussbericht

BMBF-Forschungsschwerpunkt

Framing-Check: "Klimawandel"

AQUACROSS Case Study 1 Report

AQUACROSS Case Study 4 Report

AQUACROSS Case Study 7 Report

A ranking of 20 policy options

Expert Commission on the "Energy of the Future" Monitoring Process

An overview of findings from recent research into 2050 climate laws and strategies

Ansatzpunkte für eine systemische Ressourcenpolitik

AQUACROSS Policy Review

Lessons Learnt from Integrated Model-Based Assessments

Deliverable D1.5

Endbericht des Projekts Sim-Ress

System thinking through system dynamic modelling and policy mixing as used in the SimRess project

BMBF Research Focus

A Critical Analysis of Seven Cases of Diffuse Water Pollution from Agriculture in Europe, Australia and North America

AQUACROSS Case Study 8

State of play on the negotiations on the Energy Union Governance Regulation on three core elements of the Paris Agreement

Ein Verfahren zur Einschätzung der Auswirkungen kommunaler Digitalisierungsprojekte auf eine nachhaltige Entwicklung

Deliverable 5.1 H2020 Research project FIThydro

Outcomes and Evaluation of a Participatory Approach in the Swabian Alb, Germany

Local and Regional Experience and Policy Recommendations

Deliverable 3.2

Major Findings and Outputs of the POCACITO Project

Expert Commission on the "Energy of the Future" Monitoring Process

Review and Ratcheting Up EU Climate Targets

Legal implications

from local to global – an EU perspective

Focusing on EU Level Policy

Synthesis of the Research Project "European Union Action to Fight Environmental Crime" (EFFACE)

Policy Recommendations and Priorities for Research Cooperation

Brief of Stakeholder Meeting

Assessing instruments for metals and materials use reduction

Deliverable 3.1

Application, barriers to use, and opportunities for improved uptake

Background paper for the workshop "Beyond COP21: what does Paris mean for future climate policy?"

Triangulation of Selected Narratives

TERM 2015: Transport indicators tracking progress towards environmental targets in Europe

28 Country Reports 2015 and Monthly Progress Updates

Deliverable 1.1

Expert Commission on the "Energy of the Future" Monitoring Process

An Analysis of support measures applied in the EU-28

Deliverable D1.1