Ecologic Institute, Washington DC
The Ecologic Institute is a think-tank for applied environmental research, policy analysis and consultancy. It is dedicated to bringing fresh ideas to environmental policy and sustainable development. Founded in 2008, the Ecologic Institute in Washington DC evolved out of the Transatlantic Program of Ecologic Institute, Berlin, Germany, and focuses on European environmental policy and integration, climate policy, transatlantic outreach, economics and infrastructure, the United States and European Union in the world, and biodiversity.
Ecologic Institute, Washington DC, is a legally and financially independent IRS 501(c)(3) public charity.
Assessment of Proposals on Climate Tech Transfer
Technology transfer is one of the central issues in the international climate negotiations, reflecting a general consensus that effectively mitigating climate change and adapting to it will require the wide-spread use of climate-friendly technologies. Despite this consensus, many of the details – such as funding, institutional mechanisms and the role of intellectual property – remain controversial. Through this project, the Ecologic Institute examined national and international proposals made in the context of recent UNFCCC technology negotiations. Prospective rules and mechanisms incorporated in existing drafts were also analyzed. The final study is available for download. Read more ...
DeutschProspects of Linking EU and US Emission Trading Schemes: Comparing the Western Climate Initiative, the Waxman-Markey and the Lieberman-Warner Proposals
This working paper affirms that emissions trading systems currently under development in the US raise certain challenges for an operational market link, but are not generally incompatible. Specifically, certain design elements of trading systems may give rise to concern, such as cost containment provisions and borrowing and offset provisions. Read more ...
Linking Emissions Trading Schemes
A traditionally jurisprudential perspective on linking emissions trading systems is provided in this book chapter by Michael Mehling. He provides a conceptual framework for the distinction of legal and political criteria for the feasibility of carbon market linkages. Legal considerations, he argues, arise during the process of establishing the link, which necessitates recourse to recognized sources of law and legal procedures; and, second, in the event of a conflict between the link as such with substantive legal norms and principles, whether these originate in international, regional or domestic law. Read more ...
The Missing Link to Sustainable Mobility
23 November 2009, Washington, DC - Dominic Marcellino
The results of the study "Connecting public transportation with car and bike sharing programs" were presented by Dominic Marcellino at a transportation policy workshop organized by Ecologic Institute, the Heinrich Böll Foundation, and the Brookings Institution. Read more ...
Connecting public transportation with car and bike sharing programs
This project highlights case studies of best practices in car and bike sharing programs in the US and the EU. It assesses the challenges and promises of these programs. Max Grünig and Dominic Marcellino, the authors of the report, conclude that well-designed car and bike sharing programs should be integrated with public transportation to move toward sustainable transportation systems. Read more ...
Threats and Opportunities in a Changing Arctic: Policy Challenges and Transatlantic Relations
14 November 2008, Bryant University, Smithfield, RI - R. Andreas Kraemer
R. Andreas Kraemer of Ecologic Institute gave a keynote presentation on "Threats and Opportunities in a Changing Arctic: Policy Challenges and Transatlantic Relations" at the John H. Chafee Center for International Business of Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, on 14 November 2008. The presentation draws on the transatlnatic Arctic Transform dialogue. Read more ...
Biomass certification schemes from both sides of the Atlantic
Ecologic Institute is organizing a symposium on biomass certification scheme in Washington DC on 22 January 2010. The event will address the role of certification systems in developing a new green economy with the goal of facilitating the exchange of ideas and lessons based on US and German experiences, and advancing the discussion about establishing international standards for biomass-based energy. Read more ...
Linking the EU's Emissions Trading System to a Future US Emissions Trading Scheme
4 March 2009, Brussels - Michael Mehling, Jason Anderson
Emissions trading systems emerging in the United States offer the opportunity of a future trading link to the European carbon market. While such a link promises more efficient allocation of resources in a larger and more liquid market, differences in the design of trading systems can undermine the effectiveness of the linked trading systems. In a presentation at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, Michael Mehling and Jason Anderson provided legislators and their staff with an update of recent policy developments in the US and identified the prospects of an eventual market link across the Atlantic. This presentation and a series of commissioned background studies helped brief EU parliamentarians visiting the US in 2009.
Linking of Emissions Trading Systems – Publication Series
Linking emissions trading schemes has attracted much interest as a means of reducing compliance costs, expanding market size and liquidity, and reducing volatility in the carbon market. It also offers a channel for climate cooperation across jurisdictions to complement the international negotiating process on a future climate regime. But linking also faces a number of barriers and poses potential risks if inadequately designed. In a series of peer-reviewed publications on this issue, Michael Mehling discusses institutional and legal implications, formulates design recommendations, and assesses prospects of a market link over the short term and medium term. Read more ...
Ecologic Institute Technology Transfer Side Event at UNFCCC COP-15 in Copenhagen
The Ecologic Institute presented its policy brief on the transfer of climate technology to developing countries at a side event on 11 December at the UNFCCC COP15 in Copenhagen. The policy brief, addressed primarily to UNFCCC negotiators, surveys Party positions on technology transfer in the UNFCCC negotiations and tested areas of contention against evidence in the academic literature offering recommendations to negotiators. A webcast of the side event is available. Read more ...
Legal and Institutional Dimensions of the Copenhagen Regime
Legal and Institutional Dimensions of the Copenhagen Regime – this is the title of the most recent issue of the Carbon & Climate Law Review (CCLR). Camilla Bausch, Ralph Czarnecki and Michael Mehling edited this issue, which opens the stage for a timely discussion on the most recent international climate negotiations. It features a preface by Congressman Edward J. Markey, who co-authored the successful climate and energy bill for the U.S. House of Representatives. Read more ...
BSEC to Host Seminar on Technology Cooperation for Climate Objectives
The Berlin Seminar on Energy and Climate (BSEC) is hosting a seminar “International Technology Cooperation to Achieve Climate Objectives” on 3 December 2009 at the German Institute of Economic Research (DIW) in Berlin. Dominic Marcellino, Fellow at the Ecologic Institute in Washington, DC will outline how the diffusion of climate technologies can be supported with the mechanisms discussed in the UNFCCC negotiations. Dr. Ulf Moslener, KfW Development Bank, Energy Sector and Policy Division Asia, will talk about experiences in supporting developing countries with their creation of enabling environments for low-carbon technologies. Read more ...
Werdegang einer Milliardenspende - Wie die „U.N. Foundation“ zur Verwirklichung internationaler Aufgaben beiträgt
An unprecedented donation by media mogul Ted Turner in 1997 resulted in the creation of a non-profit charity devoted to helping the United Nations achieve its objectives. The evolution, key activities and figures of the U.N. Foundation are briefly described in this article. Read more ...
The Future Outlook & Post-2012 Discussion
22 September 2009, Washington DC - Michael Mehling
Stakeholders and participants in the global carbon market convened in Washington DC at the annual Carbon Markets USA trade conference. Attendees examined the latest developments driving this evolving market, with a particular focus on the state of legislation in the United States and the progress in negotiations towards a global climate regime. Michael Mehling, president of the Ecologic Institute in Washington DC, was invited to address participants in the closing panel. In his address, he assessed the future outlook for climate negotiations and their implications for carbon markets around the globe. Read more ...
Environmental Think Tanks as Actors and Research Objects – Comparing the U.S. and EU Perspectives
On 12 October 2009, a transatlantic Ecologic Dinner Dialogue was held in Berlin in honour of James G. McGann, Director of the “Think Tanks and Foreign Policy Program” of the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) at the University of Pennsylvania. In his talk, James G. McGann presented the findings of his latest research on environmental think tanks and laid out the differences between EU and US environmental think tanks. In his view, there are important differences in the political cultures of the two regions. Read more ...
Trends in EU energy and climate change policy
23 October 2009, Indianapolis, Indiana - Dominic Marcellino
The Indiana University European Union Center organized a full-day conference entitled "European Union Regulatory Policy: Lessons for Indiana." Dominic Marcellino gave a presentation on the development of EU energy and climate policy over the past decade, pointing out trends and possible future developments, and highlighting implications for Indiana. Read more ...
G20 wastes hundreds of billions on perverse fossil fuel subsidies, says global coalition
G20 governments should end their perverse fossil-fuel subsidies, which contribute directly to climate change, cost hundreds of billions of dollars each year, and create artificial barriers to sustainable development, urges to the Green Economy Coalition. Ecologic Institute is a coalition member. Read more ...
Financial crisis as opportunity: accelerating progress toward a sustainable economy
The current economic crisis represents an opportunity for economic and ecological sustainable development. There exist chances for the short term as well as for the long term. Although, it should not be ignored that the crisis also contains risks for sustainable development. Read more ...
Reflections on the Role of Foundations in Promoting Renewable Energies
2 October 2009, Anchorage, Alaska - R. Andreas Kraemer
The potential for renewable energies is greater in the US than in Germany, and foundations can do much to unlock growth, help create jobs, stabilise communities, and phase out fossil energies and atomic power. R. Andreas Kraemer of Ecologic Institute presented the German experience at the EGA Fall Retreat in Anchorage, Alaska, on 2 October 2009. Read more ...
Security Through Energy Policy: Germany at the Crossroads
The greatest concern in Germany regarding climate change is that developments around the world might harm political stability in other countries, result in a loss of trade, induce migration, and ultimately cause conflict. In this article, R. Andreas Kraemer from the Ecologic Institute describes how Germany deals with this issue by proactively developing new energy solutions, setting effective energy policies domestically, and promoting good climate policy abroad. Read more ...
Linking Carbon Markets: Concepts, Case Studies and Pathways
This article explores options for linking emissions trading systems. Combining markets could have many positive benefits (including reducing the costs of compliance), but there are drawbacks. In the short term, however, direct bilateral linkages will be difficult, and achieving the EU-objective of OECD-wide emissions trading by 2015 is therefore ambitious. International negotiations will overcome some of the barriers to linkages and expedite the integration of carbon markets. Michael Mehling of the Ecologic Institute in Washington DC co-authored this article. Read more ...
Linking Existing and Proposed GHG Emissions Trading Schemes in North America
Linking emissions trading schemes has currently attracted much interest as a means of reducing compliance costs, expanding market size and liquidity, and reducing price volatility. The US and Canada are developing federal emissions trading systems, and Mexico is developing an emissions cap for its cement and oil sectors. Strong economic ties imply that linking the systems could become desirable. Linking systems can have both positive and negative implications, but once the decision has been made, framework and policy harmonization is vital to establish and maintain a successful link. Michael Mehling of the Ecologic Institute in Washington DC co-authored this article. Read more ...
Ecologic Institute's Washington DC Office Receives Grant from Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
Ecologic to Assess Technology Transfer Proposals Under Discussion at Copenhagen Climate Negotiations
WASHINGTON DC / NEW YORK (19 August 2009): The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation’s Climate Change Initiative in New York has awarded Ecologic Institute, Washington DC, a grant of $75,264 to conduct an in-depth assessment of technology transfer proposals under review in the run-up to the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009. Read more ...
Global Carbon Market Institutions: An Assessment of Governance Challenges and Functions in the Carbon Market
In late 2008, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown commissioned his Special Representative on Carbon Trading, Mark Lazarowicz MP, to draft a report identifying the current role of emissions trading systems and possible challenges going forward. Michael Mehling of the Ecologic Institute in Washington DC was asked to prepare one of four background papers for the main report. His study, entitled “Global Carbon Market Institutions: An Assessment of Governance Challenges and Functions in the Carbon Market”, stresses the institutional needs for linking carbon markets across nations and ensuring market efficiency. He also matches governance challenges with possible institutional solutions. The full report (“Global Carbon Trading: A Framework for Reducing Emissions”) was launched in London on 20 July 2009 by Mark Lazarowicz. Read more ...
Greening the Mediterranean: Europe's Environmental Policy toward Mediterranean Neighbors
Twenty-one countries share the Mediterranean's coastline with no single country responsible for its environmental deterioration or its protection. They are collectively responsible for both. Over four decades, the environmental dimension of Europe's policy toward its Mediterranean neighbours has become increasingly prominent. This article by Pamela Lesser, Fellow with Ecologic Institute, Washington DC, published in the Mediterranean Quarterly, Volume 20, Issue 2, deals with Europe's environmental policy toward its Mediterranean neighbours and the newly launched Union for the Mediterranean. Read more ...
German Experiences in Sustainable, Low-Carbon Technologies Reach an American Audience: Radio Broadcast
On 9 June 2009, Michael Mehling, president of the Ecologic Institute in Washington DC, was featured on the radio station Los Alamos (KRSN AM 1490) as an invited guest in the radio program “Venus Transit Authority”. Discussing pathways to a sustainable, low-carbon economy, Michael Mehling provided insights on Germany's successful adoption of “feed-in tariffs” for renewable energy promotion, a measure that has prompted widespread innovation across Germany and created a significant number of new jobs in a high-tech export sector. Read more ...
Global Climate Policy Debate - Lessons Learned and Preparations for Copenhagen
12 June 2009, New York City, NY - Michael Mehling
On 12 June 2009, Michael Mehling of the Ecologic Institute in Washington DC moderated a plenary session on the “Global Climate Policy Debate” at Carbon Finance North America 2009, an annual trade conference organised in New York. The panel focused on preparations for a post-2012 climate regime and the integration of US policy into an international post-Kyoto agreement, reviewing developments since Poznan (COP 14) and expectations for Copenhagen (COP 15). Read more ...
Leading European Environmental Think Tank Launches Washington DC Institute
U.S. Ecologic Institute Aims to Enrich Dialogue on Transatlantic Policies in Energy, Climate and Environment.
WASHINGTON DC / BERLIN (20 April 2009): Ecologic Institute, one of Europe’s premier environmental not-for-profit think tanks, formally launches its first office in North America on Earth Day, 22 April 2009. The Washington DC office will focus initially on transatlantic relations, energy and climate, EU integration and the environment, and water services and investment. Read more ...
Ecologic Institute launches Washington DC office
On 20-27 April 2009, the Ecologic Institute launches its newly established Washington DC office with a series of events focused on transatlantic environmental policies. Over the course of this week, Ecologic will partner with established civil society and educational institutions to address a range of timely issues, from new challenges for Arctic governance over comparative approaches to green recovery to transatlantic experiences with the promotion of renewable energy sources. Read more ...
Mechanisms for Linking Emissions Trading Schemes
Linking emissions trading schemes has attracted interest as a means of reducing costs and expanding market size and liquidity. A number of studies have explored the compatibility of schemes, although little attention has been devoted to the implementation of links. In an article published in the peer-reviewed journal Climate Policy, Michael Mehling, President of the Ecologic Institute in Washington DC, and Erik Haites, former IPCC lead author, identify mechanisms required for the establishment and operation of a trading link over time. Read more ...
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