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.

This research report contains the results of the UBA-project "Environmental guidelines of a German Arctic policy". It highlights several starting points for the German environmental department to foster environmental protection in the Arctic, even from a non-Arctic state’s point of view. The report also describes the activities undertaken within the project to raise awareness with the general public on existing links between Germany and the Arctic. Those activities include inter alia an explanatory video and a public event.

Alken, K., Smieszek, M., Riedel, A., Rachold, V., Grosfeld, L. 2020: Arctic Governance. Current Knowledge on the Theme. Fact Sheet by German Arctic Office at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar und Marine Research, Potsdam.

Since industrialisation, the average air temperature worldwide has risen by one degree, whereas in the Arctic by five degrees. This leads to rapid changes with serious consequences. This animated explanatory video by the UBA explains what this has to do with us in Germany, 2000 kilometers away. It outlines the federal government's commitment to the Arctic and what each individual can do to protect the Arctic.

Our greenhouse gases are partly responsible for climate change. The ice in the Arctic is melting and native animals like the polar bear are losing their habitat. But where should they go? This postcard is part of a series of three postcards that provide information on how the daily consumption of energy and raw materials in Germany can affect the Arctic. The postcards were developed by Ecologic Institute for the Federal Environment Agency within the project "Environmental Guidelines for a German Arctic Policy".

Every day we (unconsciously) use raw materials that are also mined in the Arctic. These are not only found in smartphones. The extraction of raw materials has a high impact on the environment. Those who use their devices for longer, conserve resources and support the preservation of the Arctic.

In this flyer, the Federal Environment Agency summarises the essential information on the focal points of the environmental guidelines for a German Arctic policy. Ecologic Institute was responsible for creating the flyer based on the Federal Environment Agency's design.

Wind and water carry our carelessly thrown things even into the Arctic. If we handle waste in Germany more consciously, we relieve the unique Arctic environment. This postcard is part of a series of three postcards that provide information on how the daily consumption of energy and raw materials in Germany can affect the Arctic. The postcards were developed by Ecologic Institute for the Federal Environment Agency within the project "Environmental Guidelines for a German Arctic Policy".

The Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIP Platform) was established in Paris in 2015, but its operationalization is still ongoing. The LCIP Platform could provide an important next step towards a nuanced inclusion of specific non-Party stakeholders in the UNFCCC process. Based on the negotiation process for the Platform and on current modes of participation of non-Party stakeholders, this report develops a toolkit of governance elements for the Platform. The report, written by Arne Riedel and Ralph Bodle, both of Ecologic Institute, is available for download.

This book, edited by Ecologic Institute's Brendan O’Donnell, Max Gruenig, and Arne Riedel, highlights both the diversity of perspectives and approaches to Arctic research and the inherent interdisciplinary nature of studying and understanding this incomparable region. The chapters are divided into four liberally-defined sections to provide space for dynamic interpretation and dialogue in search of sustainable solutions to the issues facing the Arctic. From governance to technology, scientific research to social systems, human health to economic development, the authors discuss fundamental questions while looking toward the Arctic’s future. Whether the reader is well-versed in the history and complexity of Arctic policy or looking for an insightful introduction to the vast world of Arctic research, everyone will find answers that lead to new questions and even more discoveries in these pages, laying the foundation for tomorrow’s discussion on the future of the Arctic.

How can we improve policy monitoring of national implementation to further protect the Arctic environment and its inhabitants? With the WWF Arctic Council Scorecards, Ecologic Institute and WWF International Arctic Programme undertook the effort to provide a first overview of the implementation status of specific recommendations by the Arctic Council with a particular focus on maritime activities, climate change and biodiversity protection as well as ecosystem-based management.

The text book on "Regions and Regionalism in the International Relations" offers a theoretical and conceptual overview as well as comparative insights into a range of regional regulatory models, norms and institutions in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. In a new publication, Arne Riedel, Fellow at Ecologic Institute, outlines the actors and cooperative efforts in the Arctic region and discusses actual regulatory developments, new actors as well as new political challenges.

A new report on Arctic information and communication needs ("Gap Analysis Report") has been released as part of the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of development of the Arctic Preparatory Action project, funded by DG Environment of the European Commission. The Gap Analysis Report was led by Ecologic Institute in partnership with the European Science Foundation, National Research Council of Italy, Sámi Education Institute, and Tromsø Centre for Remote Sensing. The report is available for download.

Riedel, Arne (2013): "Regulation of Fisheries in the Arctic High Seas - Going Forward with a Sidestep?", in: Timo Koivurova, Waliul Hasanat (Eds.): Current Developments in Arctic Law, 42-44.

The Arctic region not only plays an important role in regulating the world's climate, but is also highly affected by climate change. A new book edited by Ecologic Institute's Elizabeth Tedsen, Sandra Cavalieri, and R. Andreas Kraemer addresses the significant changes and developments the Arctic has undergone in the recent years. "Arctic Marine Governance: Opportunities for Transatlantic Cooperation" looks at the current governance environment in the marine Arctic, considers how policy frameworks can adapt to address new challenges in the region, and examines opportunities for cooperation between the European Union and the United States.