On 28th October 2013 the IÖW hosted the Green Talents 2013 – a group of 25 international scientists who won the BMBF-competition ‘Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development’. As one of the jury members, IÖW-Director Thomas Korbun was involved in assessing over 430 applications from 80 countries. The young scientists were distinguished for the interdisciplinary character of their work as well as their engagement with sustainability. more

Technological innovations are commonly seen as decisive for overcoming environmental exploitation and degradation. That this view is too narrow was the common sense of an encounter of Europe’s leading sustainability experts which took place in Brussels from 10-11 October 2013. The researchers stressed that only the interplay with social innovations can lead to a significant step towards a sustainable society. The experts’ gathering was attended by 38 sustainability experts from 12 countries. It was part of the European project RESPONDER, which enables scientists and policy makers to exchange experiences and knowledge with regard to sustainable consumption issues. more

The new IÖW Annual Report 2012/2013 presents projects, events and publications of the institute with an international focus. Among the projects are, e.g. the designing of the science-policy-interface at the European level, biofuel case-studies from Brazil and Malawi or means of equipping the Baltic States to deal with climate change. The IÖW works together on many of these topics with international cooperation partners and on behalf of international sponsors. The aim of IÖW's work in a nutshell: Promoting practicable, everyday sustainability. more

On August 12th IÖW scientist Dr Andrea Liesen was presented with the Best Dissertation Award 2013 by the Organizations and the Natural Environment (ONE) Division of the Academy of Management (AOM). In her PhD thesis ‘Climate Change and Asset Prices – Evidence on Market Inefficiency in Europe’, written at the University of Leeds, Andrea Liesen examines the efficiency of financial markets to correctly price companies’ climate change induced systematic risks. The prize was awarded at the 73rd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management in Lake Buena Vista (Orlando), Florida, in cooperation with Sage Publications. more

Openness and cooperation are major principles of the German Adaptation Strategy. The development and implementation of adaptation policies is therefore accompanied by broad and diversified stakeholder participation processes. The IOEW has analysed the individual participation processes and found out that different levels of participation were achieved, ranging from simple communication through consultation and co-production to co-decision. From the "lessons learned", the report recommends the development of participatory processes and suggests appropriate approaches and methods depending on which aim is to be achieved. more

Why are houses and apartments in many European countries empty, whilst in other parts people cannot afford to buy or rent a living space? Because the building sector is mainly used as an engine to boost economic growth, say Europe’s leading experts on sustainable housing. From 6-7 June 2013 European housing experts convened in Barcelona to discuss the future of housing in the workshop “Sustainable Housing in a Post-Growth Europe”. More than 50 professionals from 15 European countries took part in the event and now they demand a paradigm shift: The building sector should no longer be seen as an engine of economic growth, but instead better fulfil its basic function, i.e. provide liveable and affordable space for the Europeans to reside. more

European finance experts this week convened in Brussels to discuss necessary changes of the finance system for promoting the transition to a sustainable economy. Though the finance system has nearly collapsed in 2008 it is still largely in the same shape as before, claim the experts. Fundamental changes are needed in order to limit the “short-termism” of finance institutions and take a longer term perspective of financial allocations. In brief, the specialists call for less speculation and more investment, integrating ecological values in the finance system and the return of banks to their core function as intermediates between savers and businesses. more

For two days more than 50 specialists from 15 countries discussed current food consumption trends and necessary reforms in order to achieve a sustainable food system. Identified hotspots that call for interventions are, firstly, the damages to environment that are caused within the food chain, such as soil degradation, water pollution or eutrophication. Secondly, also health issues are high on the agenda. About a quarter of the world population suffers from nutritional problems: About 800 million people around the world lack adequate access to food, in contrast to at least one billion people overweight, especially in industrialized countries. The experts emphasised the need of strong governance structures and actions in order to make food consumption more sustainable. more

Berlin aims to be climate neutral in the year 2050 – how this goal can be reached is to be shown by a team of experts from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), the IÖW and others, on behalf of the Berlin Senate. "Europe and the whole world is monitoring the Berlin metropolis," PIK director Hans Joachim Schellnhuber says. "If the German capital is pioneering in climate protection, this is a contribution to maintain the two-degrees-limit in regard to global warming – to achieve this, states have to act as well as bold local authorities." Energy expert Bernd Hirschl from the IÖW, deputy head of the project: "A climate neutral Berlin will cooperate with the state of Brandenburg on different levels. We want to emphasize the economic advantages of climate neutrality". more

Urban mobility is crucial for making Europe’s cities more sustainable. The key for improvement is concerted and goal-directed planning, say Europe’s leading mobility experts. It is important that the cities develop long-term goals for their respective mobility future. Last week, more than 60 professionals from 16 European countries discussed in Bratislava the trends, barriers and approaches for sustainable mobility in European cities. The experts agreed that it is necessary to focus on clever combinations of technological and infrastructural solutions with measures to stimulate changes on the demand side. In a nutshell, sustainable urban mobility in the future has to opt for clean technologies, smart infrastructures and to favour the change of modal split towards more walking, cycling and public transport. more