The phasing out of nuclear energy use, due to be complete by 2020, will not compromise Germany’s electricity supply. This is the core conclusion of a new study by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) titled Atomausstieg und Versorgungssicherheit [Quitting nuclear energy and supply security]. News headlines last week depicted a situation whereby Germany would experience shortages of electricity by... read more
Summer, sun, climate change
‘Protecting health from climate change’ is the motto of this year’s World Health Day. The effects of climate change and extreme weather events have a negative impact on human health. The extraordinarily long hot season in August 2003 in many parts of western Europe resulted in more than 40,000 deaths than otherwise usual, with some 7,000 cases in Germany. Those affected in large measure were the... read more
The fight against rubbish and stink: advice on ecological spring cleaning
Spring has sprung, and for many it is an opportunity to clear up at home and bid winter farewell. To those concerned not only about cleanliness but also about our environment, the following advice by Prof. Dr. Andreas Troge, President of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA): Use detergents and cleansing agents as indicated. It saves energy, chemicals and water—and is better for health. Lots of... read more
Despite rise in German industry’s emissions in 2007
Although the German businesses participating in emissions trading in 2007 produced some 487 million tonnes of climate-damaging carbon dioxide (CO2) - amounting to 9.7 million tonnes, or two percent more than in 2006 - emissions trading already proved itself effective during the first trading period. Average CO2 emissions of 479 million tonnes in the first trading period (2005-2007) were slightly... read more
Brominated flame retardants: guardian angels with a bad streak?
Flame retardants save lives, for they can prevent fires. Many manufacturers therefore make use of these substances in electrical and electronic devices, insulation materials, or textiles. However, some of these would-be lifesavers are not entirely benign. It is brominated flame retardants in particular which can spread into the environment or accumulate in the food chain or in the human being. Th... read more
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act - ElektroG in effect for three years: Federal Ministry for Environment and Federal Environment Agency deliver positive summary
The Act Governing the Sale, Return and Environmentally Sound Disposal of Electrical and electronic Equipment (ElektroG), which was transposed into law three years ago, has also stipulated for the past two years that used equipment be separated and disposed of. Responsibility for disposal is in producers’ hands. Consumers have since been able to dispose of waste electrical and electronic equipmen... read more
Progress made or a standstill in environmental protection?
How exactly is the state of the environment in Germany? The answers to this question are provided in the new manual with environmental indicators (Umweltdaten Deutschland - Umweltindikatoren) published by the Federal Environment Agency. Whether it is energy productivity, land use or air, water or soil pollutants, the manual lists core facts on environmental issues stemming from the environmental c... read more
How good is drinking water quality in households with children?
Drinking water is a staple in nutrition. Statutory requirements stipulate that drinking water may not prove grounds for adverse health concerns. It must reach all households in impeccable quality. The quality of household drinking water can, however, be poorer than what the water works discharge. Data from the German Environmental Survey for Children (KUS) carried out by the Federal Environment Ag... read more
