Publications

Publication:Report
 
Achieving climate neutrality requires structural changes to our economic system, with solutions that work across sectors. Ecologic Institute has developed an assessment matrix based on net zero indicators that can measure climate neutrality, and proposes ways to integrate this framework into existing EU policy processes.

Measuring Progress towards Climate Neutrality

How net zero indicators can improve planning and reporting in EU climate policy

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Publication:Report
 
Publication's cover
This report documents the project work and results of the R&D project "Information Platform for the restoration of rivers", which was jointly carried out by Ecologic Institute, Planungsbüro Zumbroich and the Institute of Aquatic Ecology and Fish Biology, Jena (IGF Jena) from 2017 to 2020. The aim of the project was to create an online information platform about river restoration (Part I of the project report) and the analysis of German restoration projects in regard to their monitoring (Part II of the project report). The report is available for download.

Renaturierung von Fließgewässern: ein Blick in die Praxis

Abschlussbericht

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Publication:Report
 
Cover "Phasing out Coal in Chile and Germany"
Both Germany and Chile have decided to phase out coal – to slash greenhouse gas emissions and to modernise the power sector. In a new publication, Agora Energiewende compared the experiences of both countries to distill lessons for policymakers navigating the challenges of exiting coal in their own countries. Ecologic Institute contributed the case study on the German coal phase-out. It looked at the increasingly conflicted position of coal in the country's energy transition, the role of the coal commission and the process leading up to the coal phase-out decision. The analysis was done in support of the working group of the Chilean-German Energy Partnership.

Phasing Out Coal in Chile and Germany

A Comparative Analysis

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Publication:Document
 
First page of report with title
This status report was prepared within the framework of the cross-cutting issue 1 "Analytics and reference materials" of the research focus Plastics in the Environment. It summarizes the contents of the project discussions and coordination within the cross-cutting issue. The organization of this ongoing process of development or elaboration has been supported by several events between 2018 and 2020.

Status Report Analysis of Microplastics

Sampling, Preparation and Detection Methods

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Publication:Article
 
The Conference on the Future of Europe is now in full swing. This political process could become a milestone in EU climate policy making – provided that its recommendations are specific and focus on the EU's ability to act, writes Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf in the EU Observer. He makes three proposals how the conference could become a success for EU climate policies. The article is available online.

Could 'Future Europe' Conference Actually Help Fix Climate Change?

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Publication:Report
 
How can result-based payments be designed to support scaling up of agricultural practices that reduce emissions and deliver robust carbon removals?  A technical guidance for setting up such payments has been published by DG Climate Action. Ecologic Institute co-wrote the guidance with its partners IEEP and COWI.

Technical Guidance Handbook – Setting up and implementing result-based carbon farming mechanisms in the EU

Report to the European Commission, DG Climate Action, under Contract No. CLIMA/C.3/ETU/2018/007

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Publication:Video
 
Plastic waste, plastic parts and microplastics can be found everywhere in the environment. Plastic particles are also detected in living organisms. But what exactly is the situation? To find out, the German Ministry of Research is funding the research priority "Plastics in the Environment" with around 40 million euros. Some of the results of the 20 funded research projects are presented in this video. Further results of the research projects as well as information on the activities of the research focus are available on the website.

Plastics in the Environment – Sources • Sinks • Solutions

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Publication:Report
 
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For Germany to reach its climate targets, new ways of thinking mobility are essential. For the federal state of Lower Saxony, the mobility transition is particular challenging due the important role cars play in the region. The report "Ways to Sustainable Mobility" (WenaMoNi) analyses in detail where Lower Saxony stands and proposes next steps. Ecologic Institute analysed the legal framework and identified key actors promoting electric and hydrogen-based mobility. Katharina Umpfenbach and Ricarda Faber compared the existing policy instruments to best practices in other countries and to recommendations from science. The analysis shows that a policy approach built on subsidies which has been favoured so far, must be supplemented by pricing instruments if climate targets are to be reached.

NeueWege – Wege zur nachhaltigen Mobilität in Niedersachsen

Expert Opinion

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Publication:Report
 
Cover "Potenziale anderer Rechtsbereiche zum Erreichen der Ziele der Wasserrahmenrichtlinie"
This study by Ecologic Institute analyses the potential of areas of law beyond the water law to achieve the objectives of the Water Framework Directive. Germany has so far failed to achieve the various objectives of the Water Framework Directive. According to the thesis on which the study is based, reason for this is not only the lack of financial, personnel and organisational prerequisites, but also the lack of integration of water protection concerns into other areas of law beyond water law. The study is available for download.

Potenziale anderer Rechtsbereiche zum Erreichen der Ziele der Wasserrahmenrichtlinie

Abschlussbericht

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Publication:Book Section
 
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Germany's Polar research activities contribute to numerous initiatives and include links to climate and biodiversity protection. To prepare for future challenges and address the most pressing issues, the federal government launched a process to develop a new polar research agenda. On 19 May 2021, the steering group of the process including Ecologic Institute's Arne Riedel, handed over the concept paper on the "Changing Polar Regions" developed by over 100 experts to the Federal Ministry for Education and Research.

Forschungsagenda Polarregionen im Wandel

Konzeptpapier des Mare:N-Begleitkreises

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Publication:Report
 
Climate governance systems in Europe: the role of national advisory bodies
The number of scientific climate advisory bodies is growing rapidly across European countries, including the establishment of one at the EU-level. Under the right conditions, such expert councils can help governments not only make the right climate policy decisions but also hold them accountable by boosting transparency and tracking the success (or failures) of national actions.

Climate Governance Systems in Europe: the role of national advisory bodies

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Publication:Article
 
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The Conference on the Future of Europe begins on 9 May 2021. This political process can become a milestone in EU climate policy making – provided that its recommendations are specific and focus on the EU's ability to act, writes Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf in the Tagesspiegel. He makes three proposals how the conference can support EU climate policies.

Konferenz über die Zukunft Europas – was ist drin für den Klimaschutz?

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Publication:Article
 
This article co-authored by Sandra Naumann and McKenna Davis from the Ecologic Institute provides an overview of the state of the art of the environmental European policy framework and the recognized role of nature-based solutions (NBS) and sustainable urban planning (SUP) in reaching defined objectives and outlines insights on where NBS and SUP could play a larger role within this framework. Finally, it derives recommendations for a better integration of such concepts into the current framework. The article is available for download.

Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Urban Planning in the European Environmental Policy Framework

Analysis of the State of the Art and Recommendations for Future Development

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Publication:Article
 
Legally binding reduction targets for Member States should be the unequivocal starting point of making EU laws fit for new EU climate targets. Based on a new distribution formula, national targets should continue until climate neutrality is achieved in 2050, writes Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf in Euractive.

It's Time to Put Climate Targets First

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Publication:Document
 
Publication's cover
The Conference on the Future of Europe begins on 9 May 2021. The conference has great importance for EU climate policies. As a contribution to the start of the conference, think tanks from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Romania, and Poland make recommendations on how EU climate policy and the Conference on the Future of Europe can be mutually beneficial.

Conference on the Future of Europe

The Role of Climate and Energy Policies

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Publication:Report
 
Publication Cover with Buildings in the City
The report provides up-to-date information for policymakers on the how to apply nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and at the same time making use of multiple societal benefits that these solutions can bring. Drawing on selected examples across Europe, the report shows how impacts of extreme weather and climate-related events are already tackled in this way. It also assesses global and European policies and how nature-based solutions are increasingly being integrated in the efforts to shift towards sustainable development.

Nature-Based Solutions in Europe: Policy, Knowledge and Practice for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction

EEA Report No 1/2021

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Publication:Article
 
publication's first page of the pdf
In this publication, we present the results of an acceptance study in two case study regions in Germany. We investigated farmers' and other soil experts' perceptions of subsoil amelioration as an approach to adapt to climate change. In addition, we analyzed the factors that influence their willingness to adopt specific measures to improve the subsoil. Applying q-method and focus groups, we surveyed overall 86 actors in the agricultural sector. The article is published in Frontiers in Agronomy, Volume 3, April 2021 and is available for download.

An Acceptance Analysis of Subsoil Amelioration Amongst Agricultural Actors in Two Regions in Germany

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Publication:Article
 
publication's 1st page
In the context of the European Green Deal, the introduction and design of border adjustment measures is currently subject to much controversy. Upon invitation to contribute to the series "Green Deal reloaded" by the Stiftung Genshagen and the Institut Montaigne, Dr. Camilla Bausch (Ecologic Institute) analyzes the opportunities and challenges provided by the proposed border adjustment mechanism.

Bridging Divides Over the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

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Publication:Article
 
front cover of Korrespondenz Wasserwirtschaft journal with blue and green design and a photo of a lotus flower in water
Drinking water protection in North Rhine-Westphalia is based on mandatory requirements as well as voluntary measures agreed on between farmers and water suppliers. A study conducted by Ecologic Institute and HYDOR Consult for the Ministry of the Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) evaluated the outcomes of drinking water protection within the framework of the cooperative water protection model in NRW. The results were summarised in two articles in the journal “Korrespondenz Wasserwirtschaft”.

Wirkung von Maßnahmen zur Verringerung von Stickstoffeinträgen aus der Landwirtschaft: Analyseergebnisse für das dezentrale Kooperationsmodell in NRW

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Front Cover of Nature Based solutions Policy Paper with Woman and Boy looking up into a forest canopy
Nature-based solutions have been gaining attention as effective solutions to address important global challenges. As the world battles with the COVID-19 crisis, increased awareness on its link to the exploitation of nature is generating momentum towards improving our relationship with nature. This paper by IEEP and Ecologic Institute discusses how EU policies and investments have spurred the uptake of nature-based solutions to support biodiversity and ecosystem health, and outlines remaining gaps and opportunities on how best to scale up efforts to meet the current EU policy framework’s 2030 objectives.

Using Nature-Based Solutions to Foster Synergies between Biodiversity and Climate

Missed chances and new opportunities for a sustainable future

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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:Policy Brief
 
Front Cover of Publication with Title "Policy Brief Identifies Options For Multilateral Initiatives That Support Sustainable Food Systems And Reduce GHG Emissions"
Published in April 2021, this policy brief identifies four options for increased multilateral cooperation that support an international shift towards sustainable food systems and help to increase the global 2030 climate ambition at the same time. The identified initiatives focus on activities that reduce food loss and waste and support plant based diets, following a 'food systems approach.'

Options for Multilateral Initiatives to Close the Global 2030 Climate Ambition and Action Gap

Policy Field Sustainable Food Systems

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Publication:Brochure
 
Titelseite KW 3/2021
The current issue of the journal KW Korrespondenz Wasserwirtschaft (03/2021) focuses on plastics in the environment. The thematic issue contains articles from the collaborative projects PLASTRAT, RUSEKU, SubμTrack, MikroPlaTaS and PlastikBudget.

KW Korrespondenz Wasserwirtschaft 3/2021

Thematic Focus "Plastik in der Umwelt"

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Publication:Article
 
Targets First: Tagesspiegel
Individual responsibility of Member States - not collective goals for the EU - are a prerequisite for a successful EU climate policy. Increasing the reduction targets for member states should be the starting point for the revision of EU climate policy, not a vague discussion on expanding emissions trading, writes Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf in his OpEd for the Tagesspiegel.

Ziele zuerst

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Publication:Document
 
Publication's cover
On 9 May 2021, the Conference on the Future of Europe (CFE) will start. The CFE will provide a new space for citizens to engage in the debate on the future of the EU. A new Ecologic report examines the experience with citizens' assemblies on climate policies in France, Ireland and the United Kingdom, and draws lessons for the CFE.

The Conference on the Future of Europe

Lessons from France, Ireland and the United Kingdom

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Recent Multimedia Publications by Ecologic Institute

Event:Digital Event
 
Graphic of net-zero indicators
How well is the EU doing in its pursuit of climate neutrality by 2050? Are national long-term strategies and national energy and climate plans up to the task? Are the recovery efforts in line with this goal? Across EU policy, a range of processes are in the process of developing methods to assess progress towards climate neutrality – but there is no integrated set of "net zero indicators" being developed to do the job. And simple greenhouse gas emission data is not enough to judge whether the necessary transition is happening "under the hood" of Europe's economic sectors.

Measuring Progress towards Climate Neutrality

How net zero indicators can improve planning and reporting in EU climate policy


online

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Event:Digital Event
 
Stakeholder Event Opening Slide with Logos, Date and Time
The aim of the SPRINT project (Sustainable Plant Protection Transition: A Global Health Approach) is to support the transition towards more sustainable plant protection. This relies on close interaction with stakeholders along the whole supply chain, civil society and regulatory bodies. The SPRINT Stakeholder Introductory event, co-organized by Ecologic Institute, took place on Tuesday 22nd June, 2021. With 117 participants and a lively discussion in breakout groups, the meeting was a great way to kick-off our exchanges with stakeholders.

Successful SPRINT Stakeholder Introductory Event


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Event:Digital Event
 
Expertenworkshop StromNachbarn
On 17 June 2021, representatives from Berlin's public administration, business and civil society discussed how to accelerate the expansion of tenant electricity in Berlin in the virtual expert workshop of the StromNachbarn project. Practical experience inputs enriched the discussion.

Tenant Electricity x 100

How to accelerate the expansion of prosumerism in Berlin?


Berlin, Germany

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