The Federal Ministry for the Environment and the Federal Environment Agency issued their first environmental economic review today. The joint publication reveals a close correlation between ecology and the economy and the new role played by environmental politics. ”The environmental economic review will help to make any debate about the environment and the economy more objective. In light of the g... read more
Climate change makes adaptation necessary
Climate change and its consequences is the subject on everybody’s lips these days, ever since the World Climate Council issued its 4th Assessment Report in 2007. Climate changes can already be perceived in Germany, but just how will a changed climate affect mankind and the environment? What can we do to be prepared? By building up on current research reports, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) h... read more
Climate protection: EU resolves to switch off light bulb starting 2009
The range of energy efficiency in households lamps is broad. Use of more efficient lighting can help protect the climate while also saving consumers money. On 8 December 2008, the EU Member States, upon recommendation of the EU Commission, resolved certain minimum efficiency requirements in household lighting fixtures. They stipulate that lamps with low efficiency should be withdrawn from the mark... read more
Environmental awareness among Germans is high
The environmental awareness of Germans remains at a high level: 91 percent of the population rates environmental protection as important, according to the results of a new study on environmental awareness in Germany which was commissioned by the German Federal Environment Ministry and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). The study also points out that consciousness of the risks and consequences o... read more
EMAS environmental management at five sites
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) presented its new EMAS environmental statement on 2 December 2008 in Berlin, making a plea for environmental management at a high standard in public offices and businesses. ”The Federal Environment Agency practices what it preaches”, said Dr. Thomas Holzmann, Vice President of UBA, and pointed out that there are now five Agency sites that meet the strict requir... read more
Giving sun this Christmas and protecting the environment
Solar power is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly source of energy. Be it watches, pocket calculators, milk frothers or lighting systems for house numbers: Products showing the German environmental label ”Blue Angel” that run without batteries or power sockets give a good example of how forward-looking solar technology can also be effectively applied in the home. Using solar energy not... read more
More safety at industrial installations
Today, 25 November 2008, marks the start of the Fifth Parties of the Conference to the Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents in Geneva. At the three-day event the 37 signatory states, which include Germany, will discuss the state of development in implementation of the Convention. The Convention governs international efforts to prevent transboundary industrial accidents a... read more
Building and living still place greater strain on environment than necessary
Construction, operation and use of buildings and roads is still taking too high a toll on natural resources, and it promotes global warming. Not only is the continuing high demand for fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas for heating and warm water responsible for the poor environmental balance in the building and housing sector, the great demand for building materials such as rocks and soil, met... read more
