No.: 2/2020Newsletter "UBA aktuell"

Dear Reader,

The coronavirus crisis is proving to be a major challenge for Germany. This does not provide any reason to neglect the climate crisis, however. Although the consequences of climate change may have become less evident due to their slower development, they could nevertheless affect the world's population far more seriously over the long term. Despite the fact that greenhouse gas emissions in Germany fell in the year 2019, as our leading article in this newsletter shows, a lot of work remains to be done. You can find more information in this issue on topics including the development of renewable sources of energy, the emissions of air pollutants and the economic factor of protecting the environment in Germany. We also address the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the environment and the hygiene tips at home that help protect human health and the environment. Also, read the personal statement of our President, Dirk Messner, on the risks and opportunities in responding to the coronavirus crisis.

Wishing you happy reading and all the very best for your health,

The UBA press office

Greenhouse gas balance 2019: a clear fall in emissions is recorded in Germany – but not from transport or buildings

in einer futuristisch anmutenden Szenerie mit blauem Licht stehen Solarpanels auf einer Wasserfläche, im Hintergrund Windkraftanlagen und Strommasten
Germany must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 95% – with all sectors contributing.
Source: Kalafoto / Fotolia.com

In 2019, emissions of greenhouses gases in Germany amounted to some 805 million tonnes – a fall of approximately 6.3 percent in comparison with 2018. This is shown by the latest greenhouse gas balance from the UBA. In comparison with 1990, emissions in Germany were 35.7 percent lower.

The greatest progress in 2019 was in the energy sector, with a reduction of almost 17 percent in comparison with the previous year. UBA President, Dirk Messner: “Despite the progress achieved, especially in the area of renewable energy over the last 20 years, we are well aware that we should not rest on our laurels. It is necessary for us to continue installing more wind turbines, which is the only way to make up for the power from coal fired sources that is no longer available on the power grid.” Major efforts are also required in the areas of transport and buildings. These two areas recorded a rise in greenhouse gases in 2019, among others, because more gasoline, diesel and fuel oil was used. The transition towards renewable sources of energy is continuing to progress much more slowly in the areas of transport and heating.

In terms of the overall balance, there has never been a greater annual fall in emissions under normal economic circumstances since 1990. Only in the year 2009, at the height of the global financial and economic crisis, was the fall slightly bigger. The coronavirus crisis may cause greenhouses gas emissions to fall much further in 2020. “However, that can never replace a structured policy on climate change or the sustainable transformation of our economy towards a climate friendly future,” explained UBA President Dirk Messner discussing the temporary impact of the crisis. “Clever climate protection means preventing crises, avoiding costs, creating a sustainable economy and increasing our quality of life.” The packages to boost economic growth in the wake of the coronavirus crisis should therefore be oriented to strengthening climate protection and sustainable investments.

Consumer tips

Everyday hygiene tips

Washing your hands, cleaning your home, doing the laundry – our tips for environmentally-friendly hygiene in your home. read more (in German)

Coronavirus: transmission through drinking water unlikely

Drinking water is one of the best-monitored foodstuffs in Germany. Tap water is protected against all viruses very effectively, including the current coronavirus, and can be consumed without hesitation. In a multi-stage process, the purification of drinking water ensures as many pathogens and harmful substances are removed from the water as possible. read more (in German)

UBA explanatory film: greenhouses gases and the greenhouse effect

What is the greenhouse effect, and which gases play a role in it? How are man-made greenhouse gas emissions changing the Earth's atmosphere, and what steps need to be taken to further to limit global warming? read more (in German)

No recycling unless waste is separated

A lot of waste packaging in Germany is disposed of together with non-recyclables waste rather than in the yellow sack or the yellow bin – and therefore finds its way to a waste incineration facility instead of a recycling plant. This has a negative impact on resources and the climate. A Germany-wide campaign for the dual systems is now informing citizens on the best way to separate waste and its importance. The UBA also has some tips. read more (in German)

UBA positions

Science and research

Dicker, schwarzer Rauch kommt aus dem Schornstein.

Slight decline in Germany's air pollutant emissions

The trend in Germany's air pollutant emissions continues on a slight decline, says the annual report by the German Environment Agency (UBA) submitted to the European Commission. In 2018, sulphur (SO2) compounds decreased by nearly 4.2 percent compared to 2017, bringing levels to 95 percent below 1990. read more

Oil refinery

Research project on critical constituents in intermediates

A large amount of petroleum- and coal-based chemicals is used as intermediates. A research project recently launched by UBA is intended to clarify, whether intermediate product applications result in the transfer of constituents of concern in the value chain or their release into the environment. read more

The impact of the coronavirus crisis on the environment

Less traffic on the streets, industrial production partially paralysed, offices deserted – what impact is the coronavirus crisis having on the environment? Will the air improve, and could the coronavirus even save our climate? The German Environment Agency responds. read more (in German)

Economy & Environment

Windräder bei Nacht

German environmental industry remains strong

Enironmental protection continues to be an important factor in the German economy. Yet, Germany’s international competitiveness has declined markedly in the past ten years. This is the result of two recent reports by the German Environment Agency (UBA) on production, sales, foreign trade and on research and patent applications in the environmental industry. read more

UBA report on developmental prospects for agriculture

High rates of environmental pollution and a growing world population present major challenges for agriculture. In this respect, organic farming is considered particularly environmentally friendly. There is also room for improvement in organic farming, however. A recent report completed on behalf of the UBA shows how both organic farming and conventional methods of farming can become more environmentally friendly. read more (in German)

Options for the continued operation of biogas plants from 2030

There are some 9,000 biogas plants in Germany. For many, the fixed payments for electricity generated according to the German Renewable Energy Act will expire by 2030. A new study shows how the plants could subsequently be operated on an ecological and economically efficient basis. Potential can be found in an increased use of liquid manure and time-flexible production of electricity according to the capacity utilisation of the power grids, for instance. read more (in German)

Incidents from 2015 to 2017: chemical industry affected the most often

In the years 2015 to 2017, ZEMA recorded 86 incidents and disruptions during standard operations in German industrial plants – most of which occurred in chemical plants. Further information is available in the annual report of the Accident Reporting and Assessment Unit (ZEMA) at the German Environment Agency. read more (in German)

Environment at municipal level

Blaues Logo des Wettbewerbs 2020

Nomination of climate change adaptation projects

The German Environment Agency (UBA) has nominated 15 climate change adaptation projects to compete in the Blauer Kompass contest. Many exemplary actions are included, ranging from educational training modules in agriculture and climate-adapted housing, to heat protection for day care centres, schools and nursing homes. read more

Guidelines for greater quality of life in residential areas

Attractively-designed streets in residential areas reduce harm to the environment and improve quality of life. A new set of guidelines from the UBA presents effective traffic-calming and traffic management measures to relieve streetscapes in residential areas from excessive use by cars, allowing them to become sustainable living spaces read more (in German)

New brochure: what is the best way to plan and design pavements?

How wide should pavements be? How can they be designed so that they are accessible to all? And what needs to be taken into account if they are also to be used by bicycles? A new brochure provides a condensed overview of the existing guidelines, standards and key figures surrounding the planning of pedestrian traffic – for staff in administrative bodies and planning offices, but also for citizens. read more (in German)

Environment at international level

UBA welcomes EU action plan for the circular economy

The EU Commission wishes to encourage the more sustainable use of resources through more sustainable production processes, more durable products and clean recycling processes with a new action plan for the circular economy. New rights are also being introduced for consumers. The UBA welcomes the action plan, which came to fruition in the scope of the European Green Deal. read more (in German)

Law & legislation

Open for nominations now: award-worthy laws providing protection against chemicals

The Future Policy Award of the World Future Council recognises laws which encourage just, sustainable and peaceful societies. In 2020, nominations for laws and measures are sought which prohibit or regulate the use of environmentally-harmful chemicals, thereby protecting human health and the environment. You can submit your proposed nominations until 30th April 2020. read more (in German)

Pollutants from businesses: have your say now on improvements to the PRTR Act

On the basis of the PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) Act, Germany operates a register which is available to access online by all interested parties, to which businesses report data on their waste and wastewater or the pollutants they release into the air, soil or water. Until 17th April 2020, you can have your say on how you think this law could be improved. read more (in German)

UBA news

UBA news: measures to fight the coronavirus

The German Environment Agency (UBA) is following the current developments surrounding the coronavirus pandemic in Germany and worldwide with concern. Due to the fact that maintaining social distancing is of such importance in containing the virus, we are also taking stringent measures at the UBA. read more (in German)

Dr Torsten Bischoff new Director of the Central Office Division

On 1st April 2020, Dr Torsten Bischoff became Director of the Central Office Division of the UBA. The Central Office Division is responsible for service tasks surrounding personnel, finance and the administration of the service buildings. It is also the base of the Environmental Library and the Citizens’ Service, which is the place to go for inquiries to the UBA. read more (in German)

Administrative bodies on the path to becoming greenhouse gas neutral

Administrative bodies in Germany want to play an exemplary role in protecting the climate. In addition to most of the federal states in Germany, several cities and municipalities as well as the German federal government and the EU Commission have all decided to make their administration work greenhouse gas neutral in the future. On 29th January 2020 in Wiesbaden and 13th February 2020 in Berlin, the German Environment Agency invited administrative bodies to share their experiences on this topic. read more (in German)

Recently published

Cover of broschure Air Quality 2019

Air Quality 2019

Preliminary Evaluation


This evaluation of air quality in Germany in the year 2019 is based on preliminary data which has not yet been conclusively audited from the air monitoring networks of the federal states and the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), valid on January 2020. Due to the comprehensive quality assurance within the monitoring networks, the final data will only be available in mid-2020. The curr...read more

Series
brochure / flyer
Number of pages
30
Year of publication
Cover of flyer Antifouling in recreational boating

Antifouling in recreational boating: Guidelines for a safe and environmentally sound use


This leaflet provides brief information on the most important legally binding regulations for a safe and environmentally sound handling of biocide-containing antifouling coatings and gives further non-binding recommendations for handling. In addition to instructions on selecting a suitable antifouling product and how to clean the hull of your boat, you will find some tips on how to make the ant...read more

Series
flyers and leaflets
Number of pages
8
Year of publication
Cover of publication DOKUMENTATIONEN 01/2020 Conference on Resource-Efficient Decarbonisation Pathways

Conference on Resource-Efficient Decarbonisation Pathways

4-5 November 2019, Berlin (Germany)


At the RESCUE conference (“Resource-Efficient Pathways towards Greenhouse Gas Neutrality”), the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA) shared the results of a project to further explore the mutual dependencies and feedback loops between climate policies and associated resource requirements. Six different quantitative scenarios for Germany were modelled and analysed. These scenarios de...read more

Series
Dokumentationen
Number of pages
16
Year of publication
Cover of broschure How to behave? Visitor Guidelines for the Antarctic

How to behave? Visitor Guidelines for the Antarctic


Since the beginning of Antarctic tourism, which focuses mainly on the Antarctic Peninsula, visitor numbers have increased considerably. In order to maintain the unique fauna and flora in its original state despite the growing visitor interest, internationally binding visitor guidelines to the Antarctic apply. Please observe these guidelines during your stay and make a personal contribution to t...read more

Series
flyers and leaflets
Number of pages
28
Year of publication
Cover der Publikation TEXTE 42/2020 Migration, environment and climate change: Literature review

Migration, environment and climate change: Literature review

First report in the “Migration, environment and climate change” series


With the advance of climate change and environmental changes threatening livelihoods, their impacts on migration and displacement are receiving increasing attention in research, politics, and civil society. The issue is complex and multi-dimensional, with environmental changes affecting human mobility in diverse ways. The three reports in this series thus evaluate the evidence base for policyma...read more

Series
Texte
Number of pages
84
Year of publication
Cover der Publikation TEXTE 43/2020 Migration, environment and climate change: Impacts

Migration, environment and climate change: Impacts

Second report in the “Migration, environment and climate change” series


With the advance of climate change and environmental changes threatening livelihoods, their impacts on migration and displacement are receiving increasing attention in research, politics, and civil society. The issue is complex and multi-dimensional, with environmental changes affecting human mobility in diverse ways. The three reports in this series thus evaluate the evidence base for policyma...read more

Series
Texte
Number of pages
48
Year of publication
Cover der Publikation TEXTE 44/2020 Migration, environment and climate change: Responding via climate change adaptation policy

Migration, environment and climate change: Responding via climate change adaptation policy

Third report in the “Migration, environment and climate change” series


With the advance of climate change and environmental changes threatening livelihoods, their impacts on migration and displacement are receiving increasing attention in research, politics, and civil society. The issue is complex and multi-dimensional, with environmental changes affecting human mobility in diverse ways. The three reports in this series thus evaluate the evidence base for policyma...read more

Series
Texte
Number of pages
74
Year of publication
Cover der Publikation TEXTE 39/2020 REACH Compliance: Data availability in REACH registrations – Part 3: Evaluation of 100 to 1000 tpa substances

REACH Compliance: Data availability in REACH registrations – Part 3: Evaluation of 100 to 1000 tpa substances


In the project the availability and quality of the information on toxicological and ecotoxicological endpoints in lead and individual registration dossiers of the medium tonnage band (100-1000 tpa) under ⁠REACH⁠ Regulation was examined. The availability of standard information (guideline studies) as well as data waiving/adaptations for eight endpoints and the environmental exposur...read more

Series
Texte
Number of pages
182
Year of publication

As recounted

2.6

Germany could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by some 2.6 million tonnes per year if a general speed limit of 120 km/h were introduced on its federal motorways. With a speed limit of 100 km/h, this would rise to 5.4 million tonnes, according to recent research by the German Environment Agency.

Events

Imprint

Umweltbundesamt (German Environment Agency)
Präsidialbereich / Presse- und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit, Internet; Pressesprecher
Wörlitzer Platz 1
06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
Phone: +49(0) 340 2103-2416
Fax: +49(0) 340 2103-2285
Email: buergerservice@uba.de

Editor:
Corinne Meunier
corinne.meunier@uba.de

Six times a year our Newsletter „UBA aktuell“ provides information about the latest activities and work of the German Environment Agency (UBA).

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