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Publications on the topic of “Sustainability needs Innovation”

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Adobe Stock/ 1xpert

The European Union – stabilized internally, confronted externally

Results of the Panorama Analysis 2025

The Panorama Analysis 2025 provides a comprehensive insight into the current development of the European Union and its environment in a year-on-year comparison. The analysis presents a multithematic assessment of the current situation in the areas of innovation and competitiveness, the attitudes of member states towards the EU, and the global environment. By using qualitative and quantitative indicators, it provides sound insights into current trends and developments.

Titelbild mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

No Fear of Numbers: Why Math Belongs in Early Childhood Education

Strengthening Educational Opportunities Through Early Support

Early math education strengthens logical thinking, STEM skills, and social participation. Even toddlers develop a sense of patterns, quantities, and structures when supported by skilled early childhood educators. Introducing mathematical learning in preschool not only improves future career opportunities but also promotes equity, democratic understanding, and a sense of agency. To achieve this, we need strong structural support, professional development, more qualified staff, and political commitment.

Adobe Stock / kaliel

Do not rely on deceptive energy security!

Energy policy consequences of the Iran-Israel war for Germany

The conflict between Iran and Israel reveals Germany's continuing vulnerability in terms of energy supply. Despite progress in infrastructure and diversification, dependence on global markets remains a risk. Decisive action is needed now - for lower energy prices, resilient supply chains and a secure, economically viable energy transition.

Generated with the AI Adobe Firefly, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

Quantum Technology and Germany's Security Policy: A Geopolitical Necessity  

Key Technology with Enormous Potential for Military and Civilian Applications

Quantum technology is a key security technology with disruptive potential. It threatens today's encryption systems, revolutionizes navigation and communication, and acts as a catalyst for other future technologies. Germany must become “quantum ready” – through strategic integration, agile innovation promotion, and international cooperation – in order to maintain digital sovereignty and security.

Titelbild mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

What’s next for ETS2?

Suggestions and Considerations for Implementation and Strengthening Credibility

The new ETS2 stands at a critical juncture in the European climate architecture. Delays or weakening of the system could jeopardize the credibility of ETS1 and the entire EU climate policy. To prevent this, targeted safeguard measures and an improvement in the consultation process are necessary. However, political pressure could lead to premature adjustments that undermine long-term investments in emission reductions. Complementary measures and the targeted use of auction revenues for social compensation are essential to facilitate the introduction of ETS2.

Titelbild mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

What Canada and Singapore teach us about promoting basic skills at an early age

High-quality early childhood education for equal opportunities and educational success

Early childhood education strengthens foundational competencies, promotes social participation and educational success, and generates high social returns. Canada and Singapore demonstrate how successful systems can emerge through mandatory educational plans, high quality standards, public funding, and targeted support for disadvantaged children. Germany should strategically expand early childhood education, introduce mandatory curricula, and strengthen quality development as well as evidence-based governance.

KI-generiert mit Adobe Firefly, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

CO₂ limits in the construction sector – an intervention justified by regulatory policy

A CO₂ cap in construction as a supplement to CO₂ pricing: reduce emissions, promote investment and create planning security

The construction sector is responsible for a significant portion of CO₂ emissions, making it crucial to achieving climate goals. A building-specific CO₂ cap, similar to those in France and Denmark, could provide clarity, encourage investments, and foster sustainable construction. This cap, which would be technology-neutral, could complement the emissions trading system and offer regulatory certainty. It would drive innovation and help meet climate targets while maintaining competitiveness in the sector.

Nuclear power plant in VietnamKI-generated with Adobe Firefly, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

A second chance for nuclear energy in Vietnam

The increasing energy demand in Vietnam is leading to a (re)entry into nuclear energy

Vietnam, one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, faces the urgent challenge of sustainably and reliably meeting its steadily increasing energy demand. Power shortages and blackouts in recent years have alarmed foreign investors. In light of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the need to diversify the national energy mix, nuclear energy is increasingly coming into focus.

Adobe Stock / Николай Крапивин

China's role in development cooperation

A critical look at Chinese development efforts and what Germany can learn from them

China's development cooperation combines development policy and commercial measures. Sustainability standards are subordinated, and individual fundamental rights are relativised due to a different understanding of human rights. Nevertheless, Germany could learn from China's pragmatic approach to align its development cooperation more strategically and interest-driven. In the interest of credibility, this also includes respect for human rights and the rule of law. At the same time, the partner countries' need for economic development must become more of a focus of development cooperation.

Privatfoto / Vasilis Kougionis

Forest and vegetation fires in Greece 2024

Challenges, Impact & International aid

The year 2024 in Greece was marked by numerous and devastating forest fires. This season once again represented a considerable burden for the Greek civil protection and civil protection as well as the fire brigades. The damage to the environment was high, although it should be noted that significantly less area was burned than in the previous year. The government's measures for early detection  fires, the equipment of fire brigades, the reduction of fire loads and the harsh penalties for arsonists seem to be having an effect.  This report analyses the main causes and effects of the fires in Greece, compares the figures with 2023, identifies the structures of civil protection and presents international aid and its possibilities for improvement.