United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)

What United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) does

The United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) is a non-profit research institute established in 2003 and headquartered in Bonn, Germany. It operates within the United Nations University system under the UN General Assembly and conducts research on environmental and human security, with thematic focus areas including climate change, disaster risk reduction, loss and damage, water security, sustainable cities, and ecosystem preservation. The institute serves policymakers, academic researchers, students, the general public, and international media, functioning as a science-policy bridge between academic research and intergovernmental decision-making.

UNU-EHS produces research publications, flagship reports such as 'Interconnected Disaster Risks,' expert explainer content, and educational programs, distributing them free of charge through its website, social media channels, and direct engagement at global policy forums such as the June Climate Meetings in Bonn. Its go-to-market motion is community- and policy-led, leveraging its UN affiliation to reach global audiences via publications, expert media appearances, and conference participation rather than commercial sales.

The institute is funded through UN system allocations, member-state contributions, and voluntary donations, and does not operate a commercial pricing model. Its competitive position rests on its unique regulatory access within the UN system, the credibility of the UN University brand, and its ability to attract leading researchers in environmental security and climate science.

Name

United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)

Legal name

United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security

Website

https://ehs.unu.edu

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

UNU-EHS is a United Nations research institute in Bonn, Germany, conducting policy-relevant research on environmental and human security. It serves policymakers, academics, students, and the public via free publications, flagship reports, and engagement at global climate forums, funded by UN member-state contributions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental and Human Security Research

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (54162)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Climate Risk & Scenario Analysis (TCFD/IFRS S2) (EUAHAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Climate Hazard & Catastrophe Modeling (Flood, Wind, Wildfire, Heat, Sea-Level Rise) (EUABALAA), Climate Risk Data & Benchmarking Services (Hazard Layers, Loss Databases, Indices/Scorecards) (EUABALAL)

Keywords

• Environmental security research
• Climate adaptation studies
• Disaster risk reduction
• Policy research services
• UN academic institute

Headquarters

HQ city

Bonn

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. UN System Funding: As a research institute under the United Nations University system, UNU-EHS is funded through member state contributions, UN system allocations, and voluntary donations. Revenue is not generated through commercial product sales or services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

UNU-EHS conducts cutting-edge interdisciplinary research on environmental and human security risks, including climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, loss and damage, water security, sustainable cities, and ecosystem preservation. The institute delivers this research through flagship publications such as the 'Interconnected Disaster Risks' report, expert commentary for policymakers and media, and educational programs for students and the public. Outputs are freely disseminated to inform international policy processes and global public understanding.

Product overview

UNU-EHS is a United Nations research institute focused on cutting-edge research on risk, adaptation, and transformation related to environmental and human security issues. Rather than a commercial product platform, UNU-EHS produces research publications (such as the 'Interconnected Disaster Risks' flagship report), maintains expert databases, publishes educational content, and facilitates climate policy discussions. The institute operates through interconnected workstreams including research projects, publications, expert networks, and educational programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Interconnected Disaster Risks (Flagship Report) A science-based flagship report designed to be accessible for the general public, focusing on interconnected disaster risks and their implications. Distributed free of charge through the dedicated interconnectedrisks.org microsite and UNU-EHS channels, targeting policymakers, researchers, students, and the general public.

Quantifiable outcome

• Research outputs inform international climate policy discussions and High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC): Berlin-based research institute applying economic and policy analysis to climate change. Comparable as a German/European policy-oriented climate research institute producing analyses used in international negotiations.
• German Development Institute (DIE): Bonn-based policy research institute advising on international development and global policy challenges. Comparable given shared Bonn location, policy advisory role, and engagement with UN climate processes.
• Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI): Independent research organization working on environment and development issues with strong policy engagement. Comparable in mission, funding model, and policy-facing research output on climate adaptation and disaster risk.
• World Resources Institute (WRI): Global research organization producing data-driven analysis on environment and development. Comparable in producing accessible flagship reports (e.g., Interconnected Disaster Risks analogue) and engaging directly with climate policy.
• International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA): International research institute conducting systems analysis on environmental, economic, and social challenges. Similar in being a multinational, mission-driven research organization addressing climate, risk, and sustainability questions.
• International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD): Independent policy research institute focused on sustainable development. Comparable as a policy-facing research organization producing reports and briefs on climate adaptation, resilience, and environmental security.
• adelphi: Berlin-based think tank working on environment, climate, and development. Comparable as a German policy research organization producing applied research for governments on climate adaptation and environmental security.
• Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK): Leading German research institute producing climate impact and Earth system science. Directly comparable as a publicly funded, policy-relevant climate research body publishing flagship reports and engaging in international climate policy.

Emerging players

• Climate Central: US-based nonprofit producing climate science research and visual communications. Comparable in producing accessible science communication products on climate impacts, but with a more media-driven and US-focused operational model.
• Institute for Climate Economics (I4CE): Paris-based institute producing financial and economic analysis for climate action. Comparable as a policy-research organization producing applied climate analysis, though more focused on climate finance than environmental security.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/unuehs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)