Environmental Policy

Does offsetting contribute to climate protection or does it obscure the view of the real solutions?

Do market-based instruments actually bring in that much money for nature conservation?

Do figures on natural capital actually deliver the information that we need for the necessary changes in industry and society?

Does economic valuation make nature more visible and hence lead to better decisions for nature conservation?

Does economic valuation not inevitably pave the way for the commodification of nature?

Can an economic valuation of nature actually internalise environmental costs?

Does the valuation of nature really mean that those who destroy nature are forced to pay for it?

Can market-based instruments replace conventional regulation in nature conservation?

Does emissions trading work in a mix of environmental policy instruments?

So why does REDD+ not prevent deforestation?

The United Nations play a key role in establishing the idea of nature as natural capital. However the practical implementation lags behind the noble goals stated in their documents and decisions.

You want to know more about the key terms mentioned in this dossier? Hereby we are delivering the explanations for the terminology of the "New Economy of Nature".

Ecological modernization is the key to a just society of the future. The core project of such a modernization is the transformation of the energy system - as it was discussed at the conference "Work in Progress: Energy Transition".

Southeast Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. Anyway the countries are planning to cover lacks in energy demand and supply mainly with coal. However, renewables from solar over biomass to wind have a huge potential in the region.

Organic food production is still a niche market in ASEAN countries, yet one on the rise. Health and ecological concerns have brought sustainable farming methods including small-scale and organic farming back to the table. Perspectives from Thailand, Myanmar, and Singapore.

Our economy is obsessed with productivity and growth. How can we transform it into one built around a broader sense of prosperity? One that makes our lives worthwhile instead of destroying our planet?

More than 640 million Africans live without electricity. This has negative impacts not only on the population’s health and education outcomes it also limits the development the economy.

The current discourse on renewable energy tends to centre on the positive reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy security, while the risks of social and environmental injustice are largely ignored.

The mounds of garbage on some coasts pose clearly visible problems. Other types of pollution are less visible – but every bit as serious.

President Donald Trump declared that he would start measures to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, putting his country back into the “rogue state” category in international climate negotiations.