Division International Environmental Policy

Climate crisis, biodiversity loss, plastic pollution: we work on the major environmental crises of our time and call for a socio-ecological transformation based on climate and resource justice. This requires a rapid exit from coal, oil and gas, an end to the exploitation of nature and humans, and a critical and precautionary use of technologies.

Recent articles

hbs Bildbeschreiber sagte:Ursula von der Leyen speaks at the Climate Summit 2025 podium, surrounded by seated delegates from various countries.

From Brussels to Belém: Can the EU Demand Ambition While Retreating at Home?

Analysis

At COP30, Europe’s climate leadership is at risk. Recent steps back on the Green Deal and new offset rules make it harder for the EU to convince others to be more ambitious.

Person with traditional feather headdress andn tatoos stands shirtless in front of a fence; behind the fence are military and people near “COP30 BRASIL” building.

COP30: Entrenching a New Era of Climate Colonialism

Analysis

In international climate policy, false solutions are repeatedly promoted: Carbon Dioxide Removal, carbon markets and Nature Based Solutions. What role do they play at COP30?

Tamra Gilbertson

Ein Aufsteller des Logos der COP 30 steht vor einem Gebäude.

COP 30: How Argentina Went from Pioneer to Laggard in International Climate Policy

Analyse

With the start of COP30, Argentina finds itself on the sidelines of international climate diplomacy. The country is currently experiencing a severe dismantling of institutions and new dependence on extractivism – yet it was once a pioneer in climate protection.

Camila Mercure

All articles on International Environmental Policy

Topics

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Plastic

Luftaufnahme einer kleinen Mine in der Nähe von Mt. Isa Queensland.

Resource Politics

Climate

Geoengineering

Illustration: Ein rosafarbener Waschmittelbehälter und eine blaue Einkaufstasche sind überlappend dargestellt.

Info Hub Plastic

Biodiversity

The Rights of Nature

New Economy of Nature

Inside the Green Economy

50 Years of International Environmental Policy

Publications

Water Atlas 2025

Atlas

The Water Atlas presents the complexity and urgency of global water issues in a visually compelling, accessible format - from the unequal distribution of water and industrial pollution to climate-linked water insecurity and geopolitical tensions.

The Cost of Clean Cars

Policy Brief

The global expansion of electromobility is intensifying competition for critical raw materials. A new analysis connects European supply chains to specific mining sites for the first time, identifying key environmental and social risks.

Johanna Sydow et al.

From Forest to Furnace

E-Paper

The burning of wood for energy is increasing worldwide, putting pressure on forests and ecosystems. This paper analyzes the development in Europe, North America, East Asia, Africa, and South America.

Almuth Ernsting

A change of course. On the road to a climate-just world

Is it utopian to insist on a good life for all in the face of the climate crisis? No more unrealistic than the utopia of endless growth on a finite planet on the backs of the weakest. On the road to a climate-just world” describes ways to create a sustainable world worth living in for everyone - and exposes false hopes and dangerous false solutions.

Susanne Schwarz, Verena Kern, Linda Schneider , Johanna Sydow, Susann Scherbarth, Anika Schroeder

All publications on International Environmental Policy

Cursed Treasures

The global hunger for raw materials and its consequences for people and the environment

In this edition of the Böll.Thema magazine, we aim to deliver insights into emerging trends in resource extraction, associated challenges, and, most importantly, the prospects for transformation.

Read now!