Publications | Umweltbundesamt

Chemicals

Shaping a proper use of biocides

Learning from national examples to enhance environmental protection during the use-phase of biocides

Further action is required beyond active substance approval and product authorization of biocidal products to protect the environment. This action could be European legislation on the use-phase of certain biocides to shape their “proper use”. Whilst such piece of legislation is missing on EU level, countries have been implementing national measures. Within this document, we compiled examples from...read more

Water

Hearing in Penguins

The project studied the hearing ability of Humboldt penguins. The hearing ability of the penguins was determined psychoacoustically and by auditory evoked potentials (AEP). The results show that penguins hear best between 1 and 4 kHz in air. In addition, an animal audiogram database was created to facilitate comparison between the published audiograms of different aquatic animals. Penguins respond...read more

Climate | Energy

Potential of Blue Carbon for global climate change mitigation

This publication explores the scientific dimensions of blue carbon (BC) for global climate mitigation. BC is defined and criteria for identifying BC measures are outlined based on a comprehensive analysis of current scientific literature. The potential of coastal ecosystems in mitigating climate change and their significance in shaping international climate policy are assessed, while evaluating th...read more

Economy | Consumption

Green Public Procurement: Eco-friendly and cost-saving

Each year, German contracting authorities purchase around €300 billion worth of products ranging from pencils to city buses. This massive purchasing power can potentially be used to reduce environmental pollution, improve the range of environmental products and services, and promote more targeted market launches of innovative eco-friendly products.This flyer provides an overview of the advantages...read more

Air

Critical Limits for Acidification and Nutrient Nitrogen

The International Cooperative Programme on Modelling and Mapping of Critical Levels and Loads and Air Pollution Effects, Risks and Trends (ICP Modelling and Mapping) develops and uses critical loads to recommend science-based emission reductions to policy makers within the UN Air Convention (CLRTAP). A critical load defines the deposition of a pollutant below which significant harmful effects on a...read more

Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

For a green and just transition in Europe

Recommendations for EU environmental and climate policy for the years ahead

The new European Commission should pursue ambitious policies aimed at reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, even as priorities shift to security and defense. Here are recommendations by the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) for giving impetus to climate, environmental and biodiversity policy.Die neue Europäische Kommission sollte e...read more

Climate | Energy, Transport

In-depth analysis 3: Lifecycle emissions of future fuels

This paper examines the life cycle emissions of alternative fuels in maritime transport.read more

Climate | Energy, Transport

In-depth analysis 2: Technical aspects of future fuels in existing fleet and newbuilds

This paper examines the technical challenges and safety aspects on board the ship when using alternative fuels in maritime transport and compares their use in fuel cells and combustion engines. It also looks at GHG and pollutant emissions as well as costs and possible necessary adaptations during operation.read more