Fact check

In social discourse, attempts are often made to present preconceived opinions or a mood as scientifically sound. To this end, scientific analyses are sometimes used in a fragmentary, selective or even distorted manner. We take up such cases and contrast them with the comprehensive scientific facts. In this way, we preserve the neutrality of research and contribute to an objectification of debates.

Energy from the field - is it worth it?

Agricultural land is actually needed for food. However, energy is increasingly being generated on it. That is why there is criticism when energy crops, ground-mounted photovoltaic and wind turbines plants take up valuable arable land. In our fact check, we examine which form of energy supplies the greatest amount of electricity and heat for households and transport if we use one hectare of land to do so.

City frustration? Country lust?

For years, rural areas lost people to the big cities. In the meantime, the migration movement looks different: More and more city dwellers are moving to rural areas. Is this the turnaround? And did Lockdown and Co. trigger the trend during the Corona pandemic?

Meat or Plant?

More and more Germans are giving up animal products. But are plant-based alternatives actually replacing animal protein products? Based on real purchase data from the Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung (GfK), the Thünen Institute has investigated the demand of private households for animal and plant protein suppliers for 2017 to 2020. (in German)

Can CO₂ Certificates for Humus contribute to Climate Protection?

Humus is an important CO₂ store. CO₂ certificates are intended to create an incentive for agriculture to use the potential of humus build-up for climate protection. To be credible, these certificates must meet strict criteria. However, most do not. Learn more in our fact check.

This is why Wheat is not a Carbon Sink

Although agriculture grows plants that bind carbon, it does not contribute to minimising atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, this is repeatedly claimed and supposedly proven with calculation examples. Our fact check shows why agricultural products have practically no climate relevance.