Publications

Publication:Article
 
Screenshot of a scientific article titled 'Transforming ambition into action to catalyse nature-based solutions: Insights from 250 good practice policy instruments' by McKenna Davis, Natalia B. Cuevas, and Maren H. Gvein. The article is published in the journal Nature-Based Solutions, Volume 6, 2024. The abstract highlights the challenges and potential of nature-based solutions (NbS) to address global issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Nature-based solutions (NbS) hold immense potential to address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss – but how can ambitious goals finally be translated into action? This article provides valuable insights into 250 practical policy instruments from 41 countries that successfully promote NbS. For the first time, a systematic evaluation of good practice examples is presented, aimed at helping cities and communities implement NbS effectively. From innovative approaches to long-term sustainable solutions, the authors highlight how policy design around NbS can be optimized globally. The article provides concrete recommendations and inspiring success stories to advance the implementation of NbS in your region!

Transforming Ambition into Action to Catalyse Nature-based Solutions

Insights from 250 good practice policy instruments

Year

Read more
Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover of the policy brief "Carbon removals and emissions reductions from climate-friendly soil management: defining key terms", published on 15th November 2024, writtenby Hugh McDonald.
This policy brief highlights the key role of soils in tackling climate change. Soils store almost four times more carbon than global vegetation and can both absorb carbon and reduce emissions through appropriate management measures. The document analyzes terms such as "carbon removal" and "negative emissions" and states that a precise definition is essential to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the effectiveness of climate policy.

Carbon Removals and Emissions Reductions from Climate-friendly Soil Management

Defining key terms

Year

Read more
Publication:Article
 
Cover of a research article from the Marine Pollution Bulletin. The title reads "Temporal variability of litter pollution of rivers in Germany – A long-term assessment by schoolchildren as citizen scientists." The article lists multiple authors and affiliations, and the abstract discusses the study's findings on river litter dynamics. Visible sections include the abstract and the introduction.
A seven-year citizen science study with schoolchildren on German riversides found stable litter density, mainly plastic and cigarette butts, with wider rivers showing higher litter levels, stressing the need for policy action.

Temporal Variability of Litter Pollution of Rivers in Germany

A long-term assessment by schoolchildren as citizen scientists

Year

Read more
Publication:Document
 
The analysis by Ariadne project partners examines Germany's climate foreign policy during the current legislative period. Beyond the international context, they also consider the organizational structure within the German government and the responsible ministries. The researchers conclude that Germany has been able to set the pace for international climate policy by transferring the responsibility for international climate policy to the Foreign Office and creating the role of Special Envoy for International Climate Policy. In contrast, the record of Germany's engagement in bilateral and plurilateral formats has yielded mixed results.

Deutschlands Klimaaußenpolitik: Kontext – Rückschau – Weiterentwicklung

Ariadne-Analyse

Year

Read more
Publication:Report
 
Cover of the European Environment Agency's report titled 'Europe's state of water 2024: The need for improved water resilience.' The cover features an abstract illustration of a river winding through a landscape of hills and valleys, in shades of blue and yellow. The logo of the European Environment Agency's 30th anniversary is displayed in the top left corner.
On 15 October 2024, the European Environmental Agency (EEA) published their landmark report on the state of water in the EU, the most comprehensive assessment of the status of European groundwater, rivers, lakes and coastal waters to date. Supported by Ecologic Institute through its coordination of the contributions from the European Topic Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystems, the publication analyses various European data flows relevant to water management, with a particular focus on data reported by the Member States under the EU Water Framework Directive.

Europe's State of Water 2024

The need for improved water resilience

Year

Read more
Publication:Report
 
Cover page of the interim report titled 'The EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework: Options for using certified removal units and funding mitigation activities.' The report is part of the 'Climate Change 44/2024' series and is published by the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt).
With the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF), adopted in 2024, the EU established a voluntary framework for carbon removal certification, which includes criteria for the certification of removals, rules for the certification process and the recognition of certification schemes. A new report by the Ecologic Institute and the Oeko-Institut for Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA) discusses options for how certified removal units may be used. The report also explores what policy options are available to complement funding for removals besides revenues generated through the CRCF.

The EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework

Options for using certified removal units and funding mitigation activities

Year

Read more
Publication:Report
 
Cover page of the report titled 'Bridging continents: Exploring the state-of-play of Nature-based Solutions in the EU and LAC: Building a foundation for collaboration.' The report is an Independent Expert Report commissioned by the European Commission. The design includes a large globe with two location markers connecting Europe and Latin America. In the foreground, people are seated at a table labeled 'Research and Innovation,' symbolizing collaboration across continents.
The Publications Office of the European Union has just released an Independent Expert Report titled "Bridging Continents: Exploring the State-of-Play of Nature-Based Solutions in the EU and LAC: Building a Foundation for Collaboration", which was co-authored by Natalia Burgos and McKenna Davis of Ecologic Institute and Daniela Rizzi. This report delves into the progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) across the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Bridging Continents – Exploring the State-of-play of Nature-based Solutions in the EU and LAC

Building a foundation for collaboration

Year

Read more
Publication:Report
 
Cover page of the final report titled 'Rechtsgutachten zur Krisenfestigkeit des EU-ETS' (Legal Opinion on the Resilience of the EU-ETS). The report is part of the 'Climate Change 43/2024' series. Authors include Lina-Marie Dück and Madeleine Pumberger from the Ecologic Institute in Berlin, and Michael Jakob from Climate Transition Economics, Berlin. The report is published by the Umweltbundesamt (German Environment Agency), and the blue cover features the Umweltbundesamt logo at the bottom.
This report analyses the resilience of the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and shows how global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the war in Ukraine can affect its operation. In view of rising energy prices and economic uncertainties, it becomes clear that the EU ETS needs to improve its legal resilience to crisis situations. The report highlights necessary reforms to make emissions trading more resilient and effective in the future.

Rechtsgutachten zur Krisenfestigkeit des EU-ETS

Year

Read more
Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover of the GOVAQUA policy brief titled 'Building water resilience: towards better implementation of ecological flows and water allocation in Europe,' dated 7 October 2024. The top half of the cover shows a cracked, dried soil surface with a green plant growing from it, symbolizing water scarcity and resilience. The lower half of the cover presents the policy brief text with key messages and is co-branded with logos of the European Union, UK Research and Innovation, and GOVAQUA.
As Europe faces increasing droughts and water shortages, it is crucial to rethink how we manage water resources. A new policy brief explores strategies to improve ecological flows and water allocation, offering vital insights for policymakers and stakeholders. Discover how these measures can safeguard ecosystems and support sustainable water use in the face of climate change.

Building Water Resilience

Towards better implementation of ecological flows and water allocation in Europe

Year

Read more
Publication:Article
 
Cover of a publication from 'Cambridge Prisms' titled 'Plastics.' The cover features a gradient background transitioning from deep red to blue, with white lines cutting across the lower half. The title 'Plastics' is displayed in simple white text.
In this article, we delve into the first zero draft of the treaty, offering a critical examination of its approach and potential shortcomings. Our analysis not only identifies key gaps in the draft's problem definition and scope but also underscores the urgent need for a more comprehensive and holistic strategy that addresses both upstream and downstream solutions, i.e. the whole life-cycle. For policymakers, environmental advocates, and stakeholders eager for a robust global response to plastic pollution, this open access article offers essential insights into the path forward.

The Missing Consensus: An analysis of problem definitions and key motivations in the first zero draft for a global plastics treaty

Year

Read more
Publication:Report
 
Cover page of a report titled 'Pricing methane emissions from the energy sector: Considerations of options for the EU.' The report is authored by Raffaele Piria and Benjamin Görlach, with the final report date being September 30, 2024. The Ecologic Institute logo is featured at the top, and the design includes grey and blue geometric shapes on a white background.
This paper examines whether an EU-wide pricing mechanism should be introduced and explores feasible design options. It concludes that the EU should price CH4 emissions from the energy sector to complement the EU-MER, providing an economic incentive to reduce CH4 emissions beyond the mandated level.

Pricing Methane Emissions from the Energy Sector

Consideration of options for the EU

Year

Read more
Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the "Ponderful: Ponds for Climate" technical guide. The top section shows a serene pond surrounded by lush greenery and a large tree in the foreground. Below, the title "Ponds and Pondscapes" appears on a blue background, followed by the subtitle: "A technical guide to the use of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation." The bottom section features an underwater image of a colorful newt among aquatic vegetation.
The technical handbook of the PONDERFUL project shows how ponds and pond landscapes can be used as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and water scarcity. The PONDERFUL handbook provides practice-oriented guidelines for dealing with these valuable ecosystems and shows how ponds can be integrated into existing landscapes so that nature and people benefit equally.

Ponds and Pondscapes: A technical guide to the use of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation

Year

Read more
Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the "Using Ponds and Pondscapes as Nature-Based Solutions" guidance document. The left side shows a young girl sitting on a wooden pier extending into a calm pond surrounded by lush greenery. The right side features the title and subtitle in bold white text on a green gradient background: "Using Ponds and Pondscapes as Nature-Based Solutions: Guidance for policy makers on the use of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation."
The recently published guide "Using ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions" is a practical guide for policy makers. The guide provides detailed recommendations on using ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions, in particular to adapt to climate change and promote biodiversity. In addition to the policy dimension, it contains practical suggestions for monitoring, management and restoration of ponds.

Using Ponds and Pondscapes as Nature-based Solutions

Guidance for policy makers

Year

Read more
Publication:Web Application
 
Screenshot from an online course platform for a course titled 'Nature-based Solutions: How to regenerate nature to make neighborhoods more livable, biodiverse, and resilient to climate change.' The image shows an aerial view of a neighborhood with the course title overlaid. On the right, it states 'All lessons have been completed,' and a progress bar shows 100% completion. Below, a section for reviewing an introduction module is visible along with the Interlace project logo.
Urban areas across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges – pollution, climate change, urban sprawl – and traditional solutions are falling short. Join the Interlace project's free online course to discover how nature-based solutions offer a promising approach to help create resilient, sustainable cities.

Nature-based Solutions: How to regenerate nature to make neighborhoods more livable, biodiverse, and resilient to climate change

MOOC

Year

Read more
Publication:Report
 
Cover page of a report titled 'Neue Kooperationsformen für die Transformation regionaler Agri-Food-Systeme' (New forms of cooperation for the transformation of regional agri-food systems). The subtitle mentions that it is a compilation for the field of action 'Access to land.' The cover features the KOPOS logo, which shows a fork splitting a circle with 'Urban' and 'Rural' labels. Logos for the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), FONA, and Stadt Land Plus are displayed at the bottom.
How can regional agricultural and food systems be made more sustainable? This report highlights new models of cooperation that bring together farmers, consumers and civil society actors to improve access to land and strengthen regional economic cycles. A key finding is that such co-operations are not only ecologically beneficial, but also create social and economic synergies for rural regions.

Neue Kooperationsformen für die Transformation regionaler Agri-Food-Systeme

Eine Zusammenstellung für das Handlungsfeld "Zugang zu Land"

Year

Read more
Publication:Article
 
In recent discussions surrounding the Clean Industrial Deal, there has been growing recognition of the need to not only prioritize industrial transformation but also integrate social and environmental considerations. This approach is vital for ensuring that the green transition is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable in the long term. The blogpost, authored by members of the Think Sustainable Europe network, underscores that climate action must go hand-in-hand with social protection measures and environmental safeguards.

Why the Clean Industrial Deal Must Address Social and Environmental Concerns

Year

Read more
Publication:Policy Brief
 
RESTORE4C Policy Brief Coastal Wetlands
The first policy brief of the EU-funded RESTORE4Cs project highlights the importance of European coastal wetlands in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere, promoting their restoration as a climate change mitigation solution.

How Can Coastal Wetlands Help Achieve EU Climate Goals?

A Policy Brief from the RESTORE4Cs project

Year

Read more
Publication:Article
 
Tagesspiegel Standpunkt AfD
The notion of "not giving the AfD a platform" is a widespread conviction and practice. It has not prevented the AfD's successes. It has failed. Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf discusses what should happen next in the Tagesspiegel.

Starker Zuspruch für die AfD – was tun?

Article in the Tagesspiegel

Year

Read more
18 of 2486 results viewed

Recent Multimedia Publications by Ecologic Institute

Event:Digital Event
 
Join us for an exciting virtual expert workshop on 10 December 2024, from 10:00 to 12:30 CET, organized by the Ecologic Institute and AquaEcology. This workshop is part of the German-funded research project MEER:STARK that addresses the urgent need for climate resilience in marine conservation. With a focus on Europe-wide collaboration, this event aims to explore how Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can be adapted to withstand future climate impacts and support adapting to climatic changes.

Climate-Ready Marine Protected Areas: Building Resilience and Supporting Marine Adaptation

Virtual Workshop


online

Read more
Event:Digital Event
 
Promotional image for the Interlace Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) launch webinar. The background shows a scenic cityscape during sunset, with a hot air balloon in the sky and church spires visible. The text invites users to 'Join the launch webinar' and learn more about the course, with the Interlace logo and tagline 'Restoring Urban Ecosystems' at the top left.
Urban areas across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges, including urban sprawl, pollution, and the increasing impacts of climate change. To help address these pressing issues, the INTERLACE project is pleased to announce the launch of a new, free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled: "Nature-based solutions: How nature restoration can make more livable, biodiverse, and climate resilient neighbourhoods". The course was introduced in a launch webinar on 8 October 2024.

Creating More Livable, Biodiverse and Climate Resilient Cities with Nature-based Solutions

MOOC Launch Event


online

Read more
Publication:Web Application
 
Screenshot from an online course platform for a course titled 'Nature-based Solutions: How to regenerate nature to make neighborhoods more livable, biodiverse, and resilient to climate change.' The image shows an aerial view of a neighborhood with the course title overlaid. On the right, it states 'All lessons have been completed,' and a progress bar shows 100% completion. Below, a section for reviewing an introduction module is visible along with the Interlace project logo.
Urban areas across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges – pollution, climate change, urban sprawl – and traditional solutions are falling short. Join the Interlace project's free online course to discover how nature-based solutions offer a promising approach to help create resilient, sustainable cities.

Nature-based Solutions: How to regenerate nature to make neighborhoods more livable, biodiverse, and resilient to climate change

MOOC

Year

Read more