Press

Oeko-Institut warns against weakening due diligence obligations

Water protection is a human right

Water is a vital resource for people, nature and the economy. But this resource is under pressure worldwide: changes in precipitation patterns, extreme weather events and the increasing water needs of agriculture, industry and households are leading to shortages and pollution. However, global companies have failed to systematically take water risks into account to date, even though there are substantial dangers in global supply chains in particular. A recent study conducted by Oeko-Institut shows that the strategic importance of water is often still low.

Check the sustainability of chemicals easily online with ChemSelect

Various substances are available for a wide range of chemical applications. These substances can have very different effects on humans and the environment. ChemSelect is a freely available web application developed by Ökopol and Oeko-Institut on behalf of the German Federal Environment Agency. It helps users of chemicals, including product manufacturers, to assess the sustainability of their products and select good chemicals.

First global carbon calculator for sport: OCEAN Sport CO2 Calculator empowers organisations to take climate action

The European Olympic Committees (EOC) EU Office, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) proudly announce the launch of the OCEAN Sport CO2 Calculator – the first free of charge carbon calculator developed specifically for sport organisations that is available globally.

Oxford Principles Set a New Integrity Benchmark for Using International Carbon Credits

Today’s release of the Oxford Principles for Responsible Engagement with Article 6 establishes an important integrity benchmark for using international carbon credits. “The principles complement the internationally agreed rules under the Paris Agreement and provide concrete guidance to countries and carbon market actors on how to engage with international carbon credits”, says Dr Lambert Schneider, Research Coordinator for International Climate Policy at Oeko-Institut and co-author of the document. The Principles are hosted by the University of Oxford, and authors include leading researchers in the field.

Building Better Climate Futures: What Makes Citizen Participation in Local Climate Action Work

From local ownership to social innovation, meaningful citizen participation is essential for climate transformation – but what makes it effective? We summarize the results from the ACHIEVE project.

Socially just energy efficiency: prioritising those who need it most

Energy efficiency should not be a privilege. Low-income households often have less access to energy-efficient housing and are less likely to benefit from existing support programmes. Yet they are the ones who are most in need of relief. The EU Energy Efficiency Directive now calls for vulnerable groups to be given special attention – in the interests of social justice and effective climate protection.

Long-distance travel without flying – how does that work?

July and August are among the months when most Germans go on holiday. According to statista*, in 2024 alone, more than 56 million German citizens went on holiday around 68 million times, including to faraway destinations. But what about sustainability when travelling long distances? Air travel is usually the mode of transport of choice.

EU Climate Target 2040: Assessment of the Commission Proposal

On 2 July 2025, the European Commission presented its proposal for the EU’s 2040 climate target as well as for the revision of the European Climate Law. The draft foresees a 90 percent reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels. This is a key milestone on the EU’s path to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. At the same time, however, the proposal includes “flexibilities” that, according to analyses by Oeko-Institut, could weaken the impact of real emission reductions.