The Independent Institute for Environmental Issues (UfU) is a scientific institute and registered non-profit association based in Berlin. It was the first independent institute for environmental science to be founded in the new federal states and was initiated in November 1989 by East German scientists. The experiences that many of our founding members had in the GDR continue to shape our work to this day. The main focus of our projects is on promoting democracy and education in environmental and resource protection. Our aim is to strengthen the democratic rights of participation and involvement so that all people have access to intact nature and livable environmental conditions. At the same time, we are strongly committed to education in schools and run numerous projects on climate neutrality, energy transition, and resource conservation in schools throughout Germany and Europe. UfU currently employs approximately 35 people, works regularly with freelance colleagues, and carries out around 60 projects per year.