How Sustainable is Brandenburg? Podcast and Publications Offer Insights

The case studies presented in the RIFS Discussion Paper focus primarily on niche areas and transformation processes that remain in an experimental stage – from climate-friendly cultural events and the climate protection potential of peatlands, to sustainable approaches to digitalisation. Some innovations, however, are already entering a phase of stabilisation. In the field of community-supported agriculture, for example, the merging of farms and recent regulatory developments suggest a growing degree of institutionalisation. Meanwhile, Potsdam’s low-car city centre reflects a broader national and international shift toward more sustainable urban mobility.

The chapter "Renewable Heat for All?" highlights how recent geopolitical developments (in particular the cessation of Russian gas supplies) and a new regulatory environment are accelerating change in the energy sector. Nevertheless, the long-term impact of these policy shifts remains uncertain. One area where institutionalisation is already well advanced is the financial engagement of local authorities in wind power projects: new regulations have enshrined the principle of financial participation. However, it is still unclear which participation models will ultimately take hold and whether they will lead to greater public acceptance of wind energy.

The policy paper summarises the most important findings from the case studies into six policy recommendations: 

• Enable participation from the start: Residents must have the opportunity to share their knowledge, ideas, and concerns early in the process to help shape solutions that truly fit their communities. Politicians can leverage digital tools and communication platforms to support inclusive dialogue.
• Allow time to build trust: Trust doesn't develop overnight. Reaching ambitious goals often requires many small steps.
• Tangible benefits bolster acceptance: People are more likely to support sustainability measures when they experience positive impacts in their daily lives. Financial participation in the energy transition can foster a sense of ownership and build acceptance.
• Engage constructively with opposition: Resistance is often tied to issues of identity, lifestyles, and worldviews. But identities can evolve. Policymakers shouldn’t lower their ambitions out of fear of pushback.
• Sustain and strengthen funding measures: The state government should continue to support the transformation towards sustainability by funding change agents, encouraging digital innovation, and expanding the scope of the “Brandenburg Package”. Funding measures should be better targeted but more flexible.
• Harness networks to support change: The state government should invest in areas that are currently underrepresented in its Sustainability Strategy but are key to building public awareness, such as cultural institutions and community networks.
   

Links:

• Schröder, B., Löw Beer, D., & Tang, M. (2025). Negotiating Change: Sustainability in Brandenburg. RIFS Policy Paper, 2025(1).
• Löw Beer, D., Beier, G., Bersalli, G., Beyerl, K., Caseiro, A., Halbach, A.-L., Mar, K. A., Matuschke, I., Mey, F., Niehoff, S., Périllard, Y. D., Rivera, M., von Schneidemesser, E., & Steinmar, K. (2025). Socio-ecological Transformation in Brandenburg: Enablers and barriers in seven innovative projects and initiatives. RIFS Discussion Paper, July 2025.
• The German-language podcast Wandel verhandeln. Nachhaltig in Brandenburg is available on Soundcloud