New publication

International agricultural trade: Leopoldina discussion paper on positive effects for biodiversity, climate and food security

The way humans use the Earth’s land has a major impact on food security, biodiversity and the climate. High demand for soy as animal feed or palm oil as a cheap, versatile vegetable oil, for example, leads to land being intensively farmed or newly developed. This is often accompanied by a loss of biodiversity and accelerated climate change. However, the mechanisms of international agricultural trade can also be used to positively influence these conflicting goals, according to the authors of a discussion paper published today by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. In the paper ‘How can international agricultural trade contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate protection and food security?’, they describe the political, legal and financial framework conditions for positive leverage. The digital dossier ‘Agricultural Trade and Consumption’, published at the same time, illustrates the topic using the examples of soy, coffee and palm oil. Prof. Zengerling is one of the authors.

W rob project – Conference in Würzburg

On 11 November 2025 Clara Brühl, a scientific researcher in the W rob project, participated in the conference “Implementing Heat Planning: Challenges and Solutions for Energy Infrastructure and Building Efficiency”, hosted by the Foundation for Environmental Energy Law (Stiftung Umweltenergierecht) in Würzburg. The event brought together legal experts from both practice and research, offering multidisciplinary perspectives on the heat transition. Presentations and discussions focused on the legal frameworks, scenarios for improving building efficiency, expanding district heating networks, and phasing out gas grids. The exchange highlighted key legal conditions, barriers, and opportunities for successfully implementing heat plans. The conference provided valuable insights that will influence the ongoing work of the W rob project.

W rob project – World Café in Düsseldorf

On 6 November 2025 Clara Brühl, a scientific researcher in the W rob project, presented the project at the event “Communication Strategies for the Heat Transition” organized by the thematically related project “Q4Q – Quartier für Quartier” (“Neighborhood by Neighborhood”). The event took place in the impressive premises of Düsseldorf’s municipal utilities and was led by Katharina Renout and Charlotte Schmid. It provided a platform for exchange between research and practice partners. As part of a World Café, Clara Brühl moderated a table on the topic “Designing and Implementing Activation Strategies in the Context of the Heat Transition”—a key issue for both projects. Presentations from different perspectives enriched the event.
It was inspiring to see the diverse communication strategies being applied in municipal heat transition efforts, which underlined the relevance of our research approaches. We look forward to further exchange!