Towards a reflexive turn in the governance of global environmental expertise the cases of the IPCC and the IPBES

The role and design of global expert organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) or the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) needs rethinking. Acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all model does not exist, we suggest a reflexive turn that implies treating the governance of expertise as a matter of political contestation

Towards a national ecosystem assessment in Germany

We present options for a National Ecosystem Assessment in Germany (NEA-DE) that could inform decision-makers on the state and trends of ecosystems and ecosystem services. Characterizing a NEA-DE, we argue that its cross-sectoral, integrative approach would have the advantages of increased scientific understanding, addressing specific policy questions and creating science-policy dialogues. Challenges include objections against a utilitarian perspective, reservations concerning power relations, and responsibilities concerning the funding

"Geldkoffer an der Wand": Interview

Seit Jahren erforscht der Soziologe Jens Beckert, warum Menschen viel Geld bezahlen für Dinge, von denen sie wenig verstehen. So will der Direktor des Max-Planck-Instituts für Gesellschaftsforschung in Köln ergründen, wie der Kapitalismus wirklich funktioniert. Ein Gespräch über soziales Prestige - und Träume

Umwelt- und Nachhaltigkeitspolitik unter Corona

Zu Beginn der Corona-Krise wurde schnell klar, dass sie allumfassend auf Gesellschaften und damit auch auf die Umwelt- und Nachhaltigkeitsagenda wirkt. Dies kommt zu einer Zeit, in der zunehmend deutlich wird, dass wir erhebliche Anstrengungen brauchen, um die Nachhaltigkeits- und Klimaagenden tatsächlich umzusetzen

Opportunities and challenges for ecological restoration within REDD+

The Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) mechanism has the potential to provide the developing nations with significant funding for forest restoration activities that contribute to climate change mitigation, sustainable management, and carbonstock enhancement. In order to stimulate and inform discussion on the role of ecological restoration within REDD+, we outline opportunities for and challenges to using science-based restoration projects and programs to meet REDD+ goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and storing carbon in forest ecosystems. Now that the REDD+ mechanism, which is not yet operational, has expanded beyond a sole focus on activities that affect carbon budgets to also include those that enhance ecosystem services and deliver other co-benefits to biodiversity and communities, forest restoration could play an increasingly important role. However, in many nations, there is a lack of practical tools and guidance for implementing effective restoration projects and programs that will sequester carbon and at the same time improve the integrity and resilience of forest ecosystems. Restoration scientists and practitioners should continue to engage with potential REDD+ donors and recipients to ensure that funding is targeted at projects and programs with ecologically sound designs