Forum for Environment and Sustainability

Deliberating the transition to a decarbonized and sustainable society

The Forum for Environment and Sustainability focuses on fostering exchange of ideas and best practices among researchers and practitioners in Israel and Europe to address the urgent challenge of climate change and its impact on the ecological system. Our goal is to promote cooperation and knowledge sharing in the field of environment and sustainability, drive progress towards a more sustainable future.

Energy Transition

Circular Economy

What is the Circular Economy

Understanding the Circular Economy: Principles, Benefits, and Applications

Explainer
The circular economy marks a significant evolution in the global approach to production, consumption, and waste management. Diverging from the traditional linear model, which is characterized by a 'take, make, dispose' process, the circular economy is predicated on the principles of reducing waste and pollution, maintaining products and materials in use for as long as possible, and regenerating natural systems​​.
Landfill

Germany´s Transformation Towards a Circular Economy

Backgrounder
Policy makers in Germany are increasingly aware that the transformation towards a circular economy is a crucial necessity: From an environmental point of view, the Paris climate targets will only be achievable by drastically increasing the circularity of the German economy. At the same time, Germany’s future competitiveness will depend on new circular business models that offer results and services instead of simple products.
By Henning Wilts
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Promoting Circular Economy in the Construction Sector: A view from the Netherlands

Explainer
The construction industry has a considerable environmental impact as it requires a vast amount of resources and materials, while generating a significant amount of waste. Accordingly, the recognition of the acute need to prioritize and accelerate the transition from a linear to a circular system in the construction sector is gaining momentum among policymakers and industry leaders across the world.
By Anne Rademaker

Transportation and Mobility

THE GOOD STREET

The Good Street: a new framework for sustainable mobility and urban design

Case Study
As cities continue to grow in popularity and size, an inevitable tension between two key urban features has emerged: place and flow. The challenge lies in finding a balance between these two factors.  Mobycon, together with partners from the Netherlands, has developed “The Good Street,” a city planning approach that seeks to strike a balance between place and flow within the urban environment.
By Anna Wyner

Environmental Policy

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What are Germany's Traffic-Light government’s plans for accelerating the country's energy transition?

Spotlight
Germany has ambitious targets to drastically cut its greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years and to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. This Spotlight takes a closer look at the German government’s plans announced so far to move forward the Energiewende, a task that has become even more urgent in light of the fossil fuel price increases and security of supply concerns that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
By Sascha Samadi
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What is Germany's cleantech strategy?

Backgrounder
Since the 1970s, Germany has been a leader in cleantech and environmental protection, initially focusing on pollution control across water, air, soil, and waste. In the 1980s, attention shifted towards ending nuclear power and boosting renewable energy. With the millennium, the Energiewende, or energy transition, began affecting many sectors. Germany's strong high-tech and engineering background has increasingly concentrated on energy issues in recent decades, underlining the importance of understanding the evolution of its environmental policies.
By Severin Beucker
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What is the German “Energiewende”?

Backgrounder
“Energiewende” (German for “energy transition”) is the term used in Germany to describe the country’s efforts to transition away from an energy system dominated by fossil and nuclear fuels towards an efficient and sustainable energy system based predominantly or entirely on renewable energy sources. This text provides an overview of the “Energiewende”, whose roots can be traced back to the first large protests in Germany against the use of nuclear power in the 1970s.  
By Sascha Samadi
sustainable-finance

The Many Facets of Sustainable Finance: Perspectives from France and Italy

Explainer
Sustainable finance in France and Italy marks a vital shift towards eco-friendly and socially responsible investments. These countries lead by example, but the path is layered with challenges. It highlights the urgent need for clear standards and transparent practices to genuinely drive a greener, more inclusive future. Reflecting on this, the real test lies in enhancing and enforcing sustainable finance measures globally to unlock its transformative impact.
By Marine Cornelis

Explainers

Publications
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Electric Vehicle Batteries

Using Second Life Electric Vehicle Batteries To Store Renewable Energy

Policy Paper
Analysis of the environmental, economic and regulatory aspects of using second life batteries with an emphasis on the Israeli and German cases.                                                                                                                                                                                         
By Rafael Fleischman
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Related articles

Pricing carbon

Study
Both in Germany and internationally, the debate on the pricing of greenhouse gas emissions is experiencing a renaissance. However, an enlightened and realistic discussion of ways and means is needed so that CO2 pricing instruments can play a stronger role in climate policy. In this study, climate and energy expert Felix Chr. Matthes of the Öko-Institut examines the relevant elements of a CO2 pricing strategy. He gives an overview of design criteria and mechanisms of action.  
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Pollution

License to pollute - Carbon markets and the new economy of nature

Emission trading systems aim to put a price on carbon, to save emissions where it is cheapest and benefit the global climate. But the approach has failed so far. In the EU, the price for carbon has dropped to a low, so producers can easily continue polluting. And they are actually making huge profits from the permits they receive. This external content requires your consent. Please note our privacy policy. Open external content on original site This external content requires your consent. Please note our privacy policy.

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