Contents:

1. Policy Frameworks to Address Climate-induced Risks to Human Security and Conflict - Recommendations - Publication
2. The Impact of Biotechnology on Developing Countries - Study for the European Parliament
3. Assessment of Economic Impacts of Climate Change and Costs of Adaptation for the City of Hamburg - Publication
4. Further Development of Germany's Climate Change Adaption Strategy - Online Survey
5. Arctic People and the Challenges of Environmental Change: The Role of Social Science - Event
6. Outcome of the UN Climate Negotiations in Doha and its Implications for Egypt – Ecologic Institute at the "Cairo Climate Talks" - Presentation
7. Senior Health in San Mateo County - Publication
8. Cost-Benefit Evaluation of Adaption Measures in Germany: Lessons Learned - Presentation
9. ELEEP Network: New Funding and Plans for 2013 - News
10. Ecologic Institute Seeks a Student Assistent in the Finance Team - Opportunity

1. Policy Frameworks to Address Climate-Induced Risks to Human Security and Conflict - Recommendations - Publication

   The Mediterranean, Middle East, and Sahel regions form a climate change "hot spot" that is expected to experience large climatic changes, with negative consequences for human security in the region. A new report by Ecologic Institute provides insights and recommendations on the policies and institutions needed to address water-related risks to human security and also prevent or reduce potential conflicts over water that may be caused or exacerbated by climate change. Effective climate change adaptation approaches are identified, and recommendations are given for policy makers at the EU and national level as well as for donors and actors at the international level. The report is now available for download.
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2. The Impact of Biotechnology on Developing Countries - Study for the European Parliament

   In this study, Ecologic Institute researchers Timo Kaphengst and Lucy Smith summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the increasing share of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in developing countries. The accrued benefits and/or disadvantages vary widely across the reviewed countries and depend on the governance structures of each country. On the one hand, GM crops can increase export revenues; on the other hand, developing countries' resulting dependency on Western biotechnology companies could grow and threaten local farmers, especially smaller ones. Moreover, GMOs are leading to a reduction in biodiversity. In light of this, the authors recommend that GM crops no longer be promoted in developing countries. The study is available for download.
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3. Assessment of Economic Impacts of Climate Change and Costs of Adaptation for the City of Hamburg - Publication

   This report for the City of Hamburg highlights that climate change adaptation is a dynamic process with many uncertainties. A core message for public sector institutions is to "bear climate adaptation in mind," especially through the integration of climate change concerns in upcoming decisions and the implementation of measures that have co-benefits today. Furthermore, adaptation activities should begin today if the costs of adaptation potentially remain constant over time or tend to rise. The case studies investigated also indicate that the evaluation of measures must take into account local conditions. The report is available for download.
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4. Further Development of Germany's Climate Change Adaption Strategy - Online Survey

   On behalf of the Competence Centre on Climate Impacts and Adaptation of the German Federal Environment Agency, Ecologic Institute is conducting an online survey on the further development of the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change. The survey will help prepare for the 2014 update of the Adaptation Action Plan, which will be presented in a progress report on the German adaptation strategy.
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5. Arctic People and the Challenges of Environmental Change: The Role of Social Science - Event

   On 28 January 2013, the Embassy of Canada to Germany hosted an Arctic panel discussion in partnership with Ecologic Institute, Berlin. The session focused on the role of social science in better understanding and addressing environmental change in the Arctic and its impact on the inhabitants of the region. An opening presentation was given by Prof. Gail Fondahl of the University of Northern British Columbia who is also President of the International Arctic Social Sciences Association (IASSA). Following this, a panel discussion was held that was moderated by Dr. Grit Martinez of Ecologic Institute. 40 participants from German ministries, research institutes, foreign embassies, foundations, and think tanks participated in the lively discussion.
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6. Outcome of the UN Climate Negotiations in Doha and its Implications for Egypt – Ecologic Institute at the "Cairo Climate Talks" - Presentation

   The 12th Cairo Climate Talk on "The way forward after Doha" brought together decision makers, academics, and representatives of businesses and non-governmental organizations to discuss the outcomes of the climate change negotiations in Qatar. The Egyptian Environment Minister Dr. Khaled Fahmy showed great interest in increasing the involvement of non-governmental actors in the Egyptian political process. Dr. Camilla Bausch of Ecologic Institute presented the negotiation results and European perspectives on possible future regimes.
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7. Senior Health in San Mateo County - Publication

   Together with Sustainable San Mateo, Ecologic Institute carried out a study on the healthcare needs of senior citizens in addition to other related factors, such as housing, access to parks and open space, public transportation, and healthy food. The study was sponsored by the Sequoia Healthcare District and the Peninsula Health Care District and shows that San Mateo's senior citizens are generally in good health but, at the same time, exhibit disparities due to income, ethnic and racial background, and other factors. Additionally, the report provides information on opportunities for combining healthcare and environmental policies in order to not only improve ecological goals but also senior citizens' health in a sustainable and mutually beneficial way. The study is available for download.
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8. Cost-Benefit Evaluation of Adaption Measures in Germany: Lessons Learned - Presentation

   In a presentation in Vienna, Ecologic Institute's Jenny Tröltzsch highlighted the importance of including qualitative criteria in assessments of adaptation measures in addition to a cost-benefit analysis. These qualitative criteria can include urgency as well as positive and negative side effects of adaptation. Furthermore, a number of adaptation measures in Germany have even or positive benefit-cost ratios. This includes green roof installation to reduce the heat effect in cities as well as the restoration of floodplains for flood protection. The presentation slides are available for download.
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9. ELEEP-Network: New Funding and Plans for 2013 - News

   The ELEEP Network, which is run and operated by Ecologic Institute, Berlin, Ecologic Institute, Washington DC, and the Atlantic Council of the United States, has received grant funding from the European Commission and the Robert Bosch Stiftung to continue operations through mid-2014.
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10. Ecologic Institute Seeks a Student Assistant in the Finance Team - Opportunity

    Ecologic Institute is currently seeking new staff and is offering the position of a Student Assistant in the Finance Team for 15 – 20h per week. The application deadline is 6 March 2013. For more information regarding the requirements and the necessary application documents, please visit our website. Please apply online.
    http://ecologic.eu/opportunities