Environment and Sustainability

Environmental issues have always been of central importance to the Greens and to the Heinrich Boell Stiftung. Equally important, have been the connections and links made to social and economic issues, creating a holistic vision of society and sustainability. Therefore, our work in Israel focuses on climate and energy policy, green economy and smart growth, urban resilience and sustainable communities. Jointly with our partners we work in the areas of advocacy, policy development, capacity building and environmental innovation.

For more information please contact the component's coordinator Romy Shapira: Romy.Shapira@il.boell.org

Climate pragmatism or Faustian bargain? What the new US climate law does—and where it fails

Analysis

The Inflation Reduction Act is seen as an expression of climate pragmatism by some and a Faustian bargain with the fossil fuel industry by others. What exactly is it?

By Liane Schalatek

David Dunetz Presentation on Public Participation and Sustainability

Fellow Spotlight - Interview with Dr. David Dunetz

Interview

A conversation with Dr. David Dunetz about his fellowship experience and the importance of sustained international exchange of knowledge in policy debates, and especially in addressing the crises of climate and democracy in the 21st century.

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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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 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

Energy efficiency in Germany - What is at stake?

Explainer

As Germany has few natural resources, energy efficiency helps its industry to lower energy costs and reduce dependency on countries that export fossil energy. Also the long-term goal of reaching 100% renewable energy produced in Germany can only be met if energy efficiency is optimized.

By Senta Schmatzberger

Latest Publications

Leaving No One Behind

Policy Paper

The paper aims to provide decision makers and experts with tangible findings and insights on which segments of the population in Israel might be negatively impacted by a carbon pricing reform. How can the socially unbalanced outcomes be addressed during the planning process?

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Climate Justice and Migration

Study

The publication offers perspectives on the complex relationships between climate change and migration and questions pessimistic basic assumptions on security issues and supposedly necessary (market-oriented) adaptation measures, which currently predominate in the political debates on the topic.

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Pricing carbon