Öko-Institut e.V. (oeko.de)

In Focus

Green Economy

A repackaging exercise?

In September 2015, the world’s leaders met at the United Nations in New York and adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The launch of a process to develop a set of SDGs was agreed at the Rio+20 Summit three years ago. The Summit also adopted a decision on the Green Economy. So what was the thinking behind that decision, and how far has the debate progressed today? What is the Green Economy? And how does it add value? According to the declaration adopted in Rio de… more

Green Economy

Green Finance

Investing in climate protection

We’re big spenders, aren’t we? We splash out on the latest electronic gadget, a smart new outfit, a fast car ... We also put much of our wealth aside for a rainy day, holding it in pensions, savings accounts or life insurance. But what do the banks and insurers do with all our cash? Although green investment opportunities often promise to deliver a healthy profit, they are not being exploited to an adequate extent. For example, German insurers held a staggering 1.4 trillion euros… more

Green Finance

“There is great willingness to cooperate”

Interview with Professor Markus Lederer (University of Münster)

When we talk about the Green Economy, we generally only hear about the benefits: more economic efficiency, resource conservation, and a stronger emphasis on the social dimension. But do these advantages apply to a Green Economy in emerging and developing countries? Or can a Green Economy only ever play a subordinate role in these countries, particularly in relation to food and energy security? What potential does a Green Economy have to offer for developing countries and emerging… more

“There is great willingness to cooperate”