Empowering Europe for fair and sustainable societies.
Das Vertrauen in eine stabile Energieversorgung ist in Europa deutlich gesunken – gleichzeitig wächst die Sorge vor den Folgen des Klimawandels. Eine neue Studie der E.ON Foundation, die heute in Warschau vorgestellt wird, zeigt: Mehr Menschen erwarten entschlossenes Handeln ihrer Regierung, während die Bereitschaft zum eigenen Beitrag zurückgeht. Gemeinsam mit dem Soziologen Armin Nassehi hinterfragen wir die gesellschaftlichen Hürden in der Energiewende. Wir diskutieren, warum wissenschaftliche Fakten und Aufklärung zu selten zu Verhaltensänderungen führen und was es jetzt braucht, um die Transformation konsequent voranzubringen. Nassehi plädiert für einen „konfliktstabilen Pragmatismus“, analysiert die Verlockung autokratischer Effizienz und fordert eine Politik, die Mut und Durchsetzungsvermögen beweist. Our energy system can become more affordable, more resilient and more indepen-dent – if it is designed with circularity at its core. This is the central message of the report Energy & Cradle to Cradle: Circular Energy Systems with Positive Impact for Power, Heat and Transport, which Cradle to Cradle NGO and the E.ON Foundation presented yesterday evening at the C2C LAB in Berlin and handed over to repre-sentatives from the political sphere. Germans largely support the goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2045, but consider its implementation unrealistic. As of March 1st, David Radermacher has joined the management of the E.ON Foundation. Together with Stephan Muschick, he will shape the foundation’s development and take on responsibility for its finances. The second European Emissions Trading System (ETS 2), set to take effect in 2028 for buildings and transport, is intended to become the centerpiece of EU climate policy. However, a recent Civey survey commissioned by the E.ON Foundation reveals a significant gap between Brussels’ economic expectations and the perceived reality among the German public, business leaders, and political decision-makers. Artificial intelligence (AI) is considered a key technology for the energy transition–from managing decentralized grids and integrating renewable energies to optimising consumption and storage. But public acceptance depends on trust, and trust grows through transparency and knowledge. On January 29, we opened a new chapter with the launch of the E.ON Foundation – and we did so at a place that could not have been more fitting: the E-WERK Luckenwalde, a former coal-fired power plant. The energy transition is polarising: With its new study Energy Transition Worlds: Societal Attitude Patterns in the Climate Debate, the E.ON Foundation examines how skepticism toward climate action and the energy transition is taking root among parts of the population. On 20 and 21 November, around 30 representatives of climate initiatives from Germany, Poland and Slovakia gathered in Berlin to connect, exchange knowledge and strengthen cross-border cooperation on climate action. The E.ON Foundation has announced the winning projects of the European Climate Fund 2025 for Germany. With a new mission – “Empowering Europe for fair and sustainable societies” – the foundation is placing an even stronger focus on the social dimensions of Europe’s climate transformation. A total of 30 projects in Germany, Poland, and Slovakia will receive funding of €300,000.Fördersumme von 300.000 € unterstützt. The E.ON Foundation is stepping into the future with a new name and a sharper profile: the E.ON Stiftung is now the E.ON Foundation. With its new mission – “Empowering Europe for fair and sustainable societies” – the foundation will place the social dimensions of Europe’s climate transformation at the heart of its work. The Energy of Society IV A new representative study shows that climate protection remains a central concern for European citizens — but trust in political governance is dwindling and personal willingness to change is declining slightly. Generation Energiewende? Altersübergreifende Einblicke in die Klimadebatte. In the midst of global crises and economic uncertainties, the desire for a climate-neutral industry remains strong. A recent study conducted by the Wittenberg Center for Global Ethics (WCGE) and funded by the E.ON Foundation shows that 80% of employees want a climate-neutral economy. Inmitten globaler Krisen und wirtschaftlicher Unsicherheiten bleibt der Wunsch nach einem klimaneutralen Umbau der Industrie stark. Das zeigt eine aktuelle Studie, durchgeführt vom Wittenberg-Zentrum für Globale Ethik (WZGE) und gefördert von der E.ON Stiftung. While a large majority of supporters of the SPD, the Greens and the Left Party are highly in favour of increased climate protection measures, the supporters of the CDU/CSU and, in particular, of the AfD, have a completely different point of view. CO₂ pricing of fossil fuels has the potential to be an effective and widely accepted instrument for combating climate change. But how should the resulting revenue be used? A clear majority of the German population is in favour of investing these funds specifically in the expansion of networks and renewables. Eine aktuelle Befragung im Auftrag der E.ON Stiftung, durchgeführt vom Meinungsforschungs Institut Civey, zeigt, dass der Klimaschutz weiterhin einen maßgeblichen Einfluss auf die Wahlentscheidung vieler Deutscher hat. Im Auftrag der E.ON Stiftung haben das RWI-Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung und Forsa im Sozialökologischen Panel die Menschen zur Akzeptanz der Energiewende befragt. Jasper von Altenbockum kommentiert in der F.A.Z. vom 19.12.2022. Das im Rahmen unseres Projekts „Lösung ᐧ Stadt ᐧ Vision“ geförderte Team Platzhalter wandelt Litfaßsäulen in Essen temporär um. Die WAZ hat hierzu ausführlich berichtet. Ein Gremium von erstklassigen Fachleuten aus Wissenschaft, Publizistik und Wirtschaft wird künftig die Arbeit der Stiftung begleiten und über neue Projekte und Partnerschaften entscheiden. Die WAZ hat sich unsere Studienergebnisse mit Blick auf das Ruhrgebiet genauer angesehen und stellt fest: Im Revier gibt es ein Nord-Süd-Gefälle. Von Michael Kohlstadt, erschienen in der WAZ | 14. September 2021 Wieso ein Individualverkehr ohne eigenes Auto kaum vorstellbar scheint, es aber trotzdem sinnvoll ist, in Alternativen zu investieren. Von Stephan Muschick und René Mono, erschienen in der FAZ | 03. August 2021 Warum der Status als Weltkulturerbe dem Ruhrgebiet nicht dabei hilft, die anstehenden Probleme zu lösen. Von Stephan Muschick, erschienen in der FAZ | 04.05.2021 Interview von Christiane Hoffmans mit unserer Kuratorin Daniela Berglehn über die künstlerische Auseinandersetzung mit dem Thema Energie, erschienen in der WELT AM SONNTAG | 28. März 2021 Interview von Ulf Meinke mit unserem Geschäftsführer Dr. Stephan Muschick über die Stiftung und Ideen zur Klimaneutralität, erschienen in der WAZ | 01. Januar 2021.
Since 2023, the E.ON Foundation has conducted the European Survey annually to examine Europeans’ attitudes towards climate change and the energy transition. The focus is on the societal dimensions of climate transformation. Together for a climate-positive energy future with innovative circular solutions Understanding societies in transition: Long-term trends on the energy transition and climate change in the RWI Panel The EU Emissions Trading System for Buildings and Transport: An investment hurdle or a catalyst for climate action? Cross-generational insights into the climate debate Guidelines for a Just Transformation Responsible use of AI for the future of energy - How society views AI in energy – balancing opportunities, risks and trust Understanding skeptics of the energy transition: Addressing those who feel left behind, concerned, and distrustful #AI4Society promotes sustainable AI innovations to build trust and drive social change
EYP alumni connect for climate action and a sustainable future for Europe Working together in a fun way for climate protection and a sustainable future The School of Transformation empowers young people to drive change The Ruhr Foundation Network brings people and ideas together for the neighborhood The European Climate Fund is entering its next round – applications are now open!
With this funding program, we aim to support climate action projects within civil society and make a meaningful contribution toward a sustainable future.
Kunst ist Seismograf und Impulsgeber gesellschaftlichen Wandels
Manifesta 16 brings international art to the Ruhr region, creating impulses for a sustainable future
The Energy of Society IV Insights into the foundation’s work and impulses for the society of tomorrow. Engaging discussions, fresh perspectives, and ideas for a fair, climate-neutral future. Join workshops, debates, and networks that open up new perspectives.
E.ON Foundation drives climate action and energy transition in Europe through cooperation and exchange Our history is more than the past – it is the foundation on which we continue to build.