Three years after its launch on Earth Day 2008, Ecologic Institute in Washington DC has established a strong presence in the North American environmental policy scene. But, since perceptions and priorities on both sides of the Atlantic are once again beginning to diverge, there is a great deal of important work that lies ahead for the Institute and its transatlantic mission.
When Ecologic Institute was formally incorporated in Washington DC as an independent public charity pursuant to Sec. 501(c) (3) IRC, it was primarily intended as an extension of the European offices’ successful Transatlantic Program. It soon became apparent, however, that the Washington presence could also serve a critical function in the North American environmental policy debate: to provide in-depth expertise on substantive policies, relevant actors, and political dynamics in Europe and to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and best practices through a deep understanding of their applied context.
Since its incorporation on 22 April 2008, the Institute has worked hard to fulfil this mission by explaining environmental policy developments to decision makers and stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic and convening study tours and dialogues to promote a practical exchange of views. Some highlights include bringing European and American journalists together to discuss issues ranging from economic transformation and green infrastructure to international climate negotiations, inviting farmers to visit operational farms on both sides of the Atlantic to learn about opportunities in sustainable agriculture, and launching an interactive platform for young leaders in energy and environmental policy.
Projects have been funded through grants from a variety of public donors, including the European Commission and Parliament, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the German Foreign Office as well as philanthropic foundations and individual contributions. In many cases, the Institute has partnered with American organisations respected for their substantive expertise and bipartisan perspective on transatlantic relations and the environment, creating a broad and diverse network in the process. With the North American chapter of the Konrad von Moltke fund, moreover, Ecologic Institute is able to assist young researchers seeking to visit Europe and study lessons learned in environmental policy and sustainable economic growth.
Yet, while environmental cooperation across the Atlantic has come a long way in recent years, some disagreement is becoming apparent on issues such as climate and energy policy, health risks, chemicals and agricultural policy, and the shared challenge of restoring aged infrastructures and declining regions with ever tighter public budgets. Clearly, important lessons remain to be learned on both sides of the Atlantic – both about successful experiences and innovative solutions and also about dead ends and past mistakes. For Ecologic Institute, Washington DC, much work thus remains to be done.