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Sustainability Monitor

Publications

IMAGO / VectorFusionArt

The Value of Global Health

A study preview on the economic dimension of global health engagement

Global health is under increasing financial pressure. This Monitor provides a brief preview of a study showing that investments in global health generate value far beyond purely humanitarian effects. They contribute to crisis prevention, economic stability, innovation capacity, and the strengthening of international partnerships. The analysis demonstrates that Germany’s engagement not only strengthens global health systems but also creates measurable economic and strategic benefits for Germany itself.

Michael Bayerlein, Marco Alves, Nora Anton, Lars Eddelbüttel, Branwen J. Hennig, Rebecca Ingenhoff, Beate Kampmann
April 24, 2026
Sustainability Monitor
Smarterpix / DavoeWebster

Alarming Decline in Biodiversity

Insights to the value of ecosystem service for the economy

The loss of biodiversity is progressing worldwide on a historic scale and endangers key ecosystem services – from pollination to coastal protection to water supply. Economic activities are among the main drivers of biodiversity decline. At the same time, this creates considerable risks for companies, investments and global value chains. Biodiversity policy should therefore be understood not only as environmental policy, but also as economic policy with all relevant stakeholders playing their part.

Dr. Christoph Biehl
March 19, 2026
Sustainability Monitor
IMAGO / Zoonar

EU Climate Policy in an Uncertain World

How Europe Should Use Emissions Trading for Partnerships and Resilience – and Why This Requires Social Acceptance and Regulatory Clarity

High costs are putting EU climate policy under pressure as global rules erode. Europe’s response should follow Social Market Economy principles: aligning carbon prices globally and create reliable, rules‑based frameworks. The EU can use its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to incentivize climate clubs and rely on Article 6 for targeted partnerships. This requires strong domestic acceptance: revenues from carbon pricing must be returned transparently, fairly, and visibly – and the EU Emissions Trading System must be strengthened as the central rules‑based instrument of European climate policy.

Dr. Christian Hübner
February 9, 2026
Sustainability Monitor
smarterpix / Curioso_Travel_Photography

COP30: Alliances, new climate finance and Brazil's balancing act in the fossil phase-out

First climate conference in the Amazon between new beginnings and disillusionment

COP30 brought progress on climate finance, adaptation and gender policy – but failed with regard to a clear phase-out of fossil fuels. Brazil acted as a bridge-builder, not only through the strong participation of indigenous communities, social movements and young actors, but also lost credibility through its own fossil fuel plans. The EU must stabilise its internal climate target architecture and strengthen credible international partnerships even without US support. Although multilateralism remains capable of acting, it does not reach the pace demanded by science.

Maximilian Hedrich, Anuska Soares, Nicole Linsenbold
December 18, 2025
Sustainability Monitor
Adobe Stock / Nongkhane; generiert mit KI

Water is becoming a critical resource

Perspectives for climate-resilient water management in Germany and the EU

Water scarcity is increasing worldwide – including in Europe and especially in Germany. Extreme weather events as a result of climate change cause costly damage and endanger livelihoods. At the same time, water supplies are coming under pressure due to pollution, overuse and the generation of renewable energies. Economic and ecological conflicts are the consequences that could also endanger security and social cohesion in the future if countermeasures are not taken in time. 

Gisela Elsner
September 15, 2025
Sustainability Monitor
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.

Magdalena Jetschgo-Morcillo
April 14, 2025
Sustainability Monitor
Adobe Stock / Dzmitry

Indonesia’s Climate Policy: Lost in Translation?

Dependency, Governance, and Communication in Climate Policy

Indonesia has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, but it faces substantial challenges in reaching this goal. The country is heavily reliant on coal, both for its electricity generation and export earnings. Phasing out fossil fuels and enhancing climate action will require a comprehensive approach that integrates national policies with local implementation, overcomes financial and structural barriers, and builds on international cooperation. It will further be crucial to foster a deeper climate awareness at all levels.

Linda Yanti Sulistiawati
November 25, 2024
Sustainability Monitor
Adobe Stock / Dzmitry

Colombia’s Energy Transition

Between Export Dependency and High Ambitions

Colombia’s economy is heavily reliant on the extraction of natural resources. The export of coal, in particular, serves as an important source of income for the country, posing substantial challenges in light of the envisioned energy transition. Implementing a non-gradual and accelerated transition away from fossil fuels carries a certain risk for the Colombian economy and society. Therefore, it is essential to support the transition with reindustrialisation policies and export diversification the necessary stability for the country.

Eduardo Pastrana Buelvas, Vanessa Torres Alonso
November 22, 2024
Sustainability Monitor
Adobe Stock / Dancing Man

Kazakhstan’s Energy Transition

Tackling the Challenges on Kazakhstan’s Path to Carbon Neutrality

Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian country to set ambitious targets for renewable energy and carbon neutrality. This makes Kazakhstan a pioneer in the region’s energy transition, but the country faces significant challenges. Despite the progress made so far, there is a need for profound sectoral reforms, effective carbon pricing, and the right balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility to achieve a sustainable and low-carbon future in the long term.

Tatiana Lanshina, Yana Zabanova
November 19, 2024
Sustainability Monitor
Adobe Stock / Dzmitry

Nigeria’s Energy Transition

Approaches for an efficient and pragmatic energy transition and climate protection

Africa’s largest economy is rich in both fossil fuel and renewable energy resources. Nonetheless, the country is faced with severe energy access deficits, stifling its economic growth, industrialisation, and sustainable development. A just and efficient transition to a sustainable energy system requires a combination of political, technological and financial measures. The goal is to ensure fairness, inclusivity and alignment with national priorities in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Chigozie Chigozie Nweke-Eze
November 18, 2024
Sustainability Monitor

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About this series

The publications of the Sustainability Monitor are part of our Monitor publication series. The Monitor series deals with one main topic at a time from the perspective of KAS experts and places it in the political and social context on the basis of a few key points.