Transformation: The Wuppertal Institute analyses and develops transformation strategies for a multitude of actors, such as governments and non-governmental organisations from a global perspective. These strategies not only relate to embarking onto sustainable societal pathways, practices and technologies, but also incorporate the deliberate exit (phase-out, exnovation) from unsustainable structures and practices and overcoming related path dependencies.

Sustainability: Ambitious climate policy can only be implemented sustainably if it contributes directly to other aspects of sustainable development, such as access to energy and mobility. The researchers therefore contribute to putting additional sustainability benefits, often referred to as "co-benefits" in international climate politics, front and centre as the "main benefits" of actions that are catalysed through climate policy. For example, a transport transition towards public transport, cycling and walking not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also local pollutants as well as improving public health.