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Solar farm, solar panels photo from the air by praethip

Beyond the solar controversy – from social conflicts and political opposition to collective engagement in the green transition of local communities

Thursday, August 20, 2026 - 11:00

Around Europe a particular question is becoming increasingly pressing: How do we shape a just transition that makes real sense for local communities, so that it becomes a rooted and shared endeavour, rather than encountering resistance and leading to polarization?

Two wolves in autumn Scandinavian forest with mossy rocks and golden foliage by kjekol

Resistance in relation to rewilding

Monday, August 10, 2026 - 10:30

How to live together with wolves? This question has sparked discussions in the Netherlands before a wolf actually crossed the Dutch border.

Children watch plant trees, hold in their hands. Selective focus. by yanadjana

Whose future counts?

Friday, July 31, 2026 - 11:00

Climate change is not only an environmental crisis—it is also a question of fairness between generations. Decisions made today about energy systems, resource use, and environmental protection will shape the world that today’s children and future generations inherit.

"Klimawende Ausblick 2025"

The role of climate litigation: Insights on Germany´s Path to Climate Neutrality

Monday, March 9, 2026 - 11:34
The newly released report "Klimawende Ausblick 2025" (Climate Outlook 2025) by researchers of the cluster of excellence CLICCS at the University of Hamburg was presented in an in-person meeting gathering researchers, practitioners and politicians.
© Gordon Welters, www.gordonwelters.com

Democratic innovation in polarised times: a perspective from Germany

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 10:35
As part of the 40th anniversary conference of the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) on 09 October 2025 a workshop on the topic of ‘democratic innovation in polarised times’ was organised.
© European Union 2025 - Source : EP

A New Phase for EU Sustainability: Assessing the Implications of the Omnibus I Amendments

Friday, December 12, 2025 - 12:16
On 13 November 13 2025, the European Parliament adopted a negotiating proposal on the "Omnibus I" package aimed at amending the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
Photo designed by Freepik (www.freepik.com).

Populism, contestations and green democratic innovations in Sweden

Thursday, November 6, 2025 - 16:03
The contemporary political landscape in the EU, characterized by the decline of liberalism and social democracy (Krastev 2018; Guérot 2017) and the associated rise of populism, is mirrored also in Sweden. In a drastic policy shift, the formerly self-proclaimed climate frontrunner is suddenly experiencing broad climate policy dismantling and social backlash.
AI Generated Image using Canva

Contentious politics in the digital era

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 - 14:30
Protest actions, demonstrating, and the use of social media are often argued to constitute or support constructive contributions to democracy, active citizenship and participation. However, the role of social media in contentious politics and the positive characterisation of protesting for democracy have been impacted negatively with the sharp rise of populism and extremism.
Warsaw, Poland - Oct 11, 2021: Women (sic) holds a globe of earth and a banner with phrase " The planet is dying. Act now. Ignore. Choose. Environment. Nature. Protest. Crowd. Street. Agreement (photo by Andrii Koval, available in iStockPhotos)

Democracy and Climate at Risk: How Populism is Testing Europe’s Future

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - 12:14

Across Europe, democracy is at a crossroads. Populist leaders and movements are increasingly challenging democratic institutions, deepening societal divisions, and placing progressive climate policies under political pressure.

Sunrise over rural misty fields of corn, with trees casting long shadows in the fog. (Photo by JamesBrey on iStockPhoto)

Using the future as a novel site for examining the future of democracy

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 09:16
This project will take a creative and open approach to imagining the futures of the forms, structures, and processes of power in human communities in order to expand sensing and sense-making in the present.
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