Publications

Within the project OekoRess II, more than 50 mineral raw materials were evaluated with regard to the environmental hazard potential of mining using and further refining the methodology developed in the predecessor project OekoRess I.

This study – provided by the Ecologic Institute Berlin and the Öko-Institute Berlin in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Sebastian Oberthür - develops options for the German government to improve international soil governance in the short, medium and long term.

The present study is a contribution to the linking discussion of emissions trading systems.

The Covid 19 pandemic is causing considerable social and economic disruption worldwide. Short and midterm financial support measures for mitigating the acute consequences of the pandemic must be structured in a way, that they support the needed longterm changes towards a sustainable and climate-neutral society. 

Software plays an important role in determining the environmental impact of ICT products. It has a measurable impact on computer-hardware energy consumption and increasing requirements can make it necessary to replace computer hardware prematurely – a phenomenon known as software obsolescence.

Methan ist ein besonders wirksames Treibhausgas sowie ein Vorläufer von bodennahem Ozon, einem Schadstoff, der die menschliche Gesundheit und Ökosysteme belastet. Die Methankonzentrationen sind derzeit etwa dreimal höher als in vorindustriellen Zeiten und steigen weiter an.

The introduction of reactive nitrogen into the environment affects the air and groundwater quality, the good condition of land and marine ecosystems, as well as climate and biodiversity. Reducing nitrogen emissions is therefore a key task of environmental policy. The report shows the relevant sources, sinks and flows of the nitrogen cycle in Germany.

By 2050, the European Union aims to become climate neutral. The achievement of this goal will require, among others, a massive boost in energy efficiency. Companies and other organizations can make a significant contribution to climate protection through systematic and long-term energy management.

Long-lasting periods of extreme heat - so-called heat waves - have been occurring in unusual frequency in Europe and Germany for about 30 years. The resulting health problems can be considerable, sometimes life-threatening. The summer 2018 was the second hottest since climate records started in 1881.

The brochure describes ways to increase resource efficiency and presents approaches to policies and trends in nine countries.

This report outlines for environmental policy how the research method “trend analysis” can support the analysis of new developments which have possibly an impact on the environment.

The study Federal Republic of Germany 3.0 contributes to stimulate the representative democ- racy in Germany by designing an innovative concept for participation on a national level.