Research

The reduction in greenhouse mgas emissions is crucial to the movement towards economic sustainability. This process necessitates technological, as well as a behavioural changes in society.

The process of guaranteeing environmental quality and ecological sustainability has the character of a public good in that its provision requires both private and governmental action. Numerous policy options can therefore be  considered, and this should ensure an adequate public good provision. Policies should be cost efficient, effective, and negative distributive effects are to be avoided. Moreover, policies must have a long-term focus and require continuous public support. The possible path dependencies of policies for sustainability must also be taken into account.

It is therefore essential that alternative policy pathways are not only examined ex ante, with respect to efficiency, effectiveness, and distributive consequences; but also with regard to their impact on investment and innovation.

The different perspectives and problems are addressed in six thematic work packages.