Publications
Publications
Opportunities and limits of recycling in the context of the circular economy
In addition to environmental and climate policy objectives, the Circular Economy is also essential for strengthening the security of supply and for achieving further economic and socio-economic goals. Recycling is one of the key factors along with a range of other approaches and strategies (e.g., longevity, Intensity of use, and the sharing economy).
Update of methane emission factors for natural gas supply
The European Green Deal, the Methane Pledge based on the United Nations Climate Change Conference in November 2021, the German Climate Protection Act, and other national and international efforts intend to reduce global methane emissions. Against this background, it is necessary to reflect the efforts of industry and politics in the national inventories.
Environmental Protection in the Arctic – support of German activities in the Arctic Council in terms of a pilot study on monitoring plastic litter on arctic coastlines applying remote sensing techniques
Uniform monitoring of beach litter in the Arctic is crucial for assessing the state of the environment and the success of measures against plastic debris to protect the marine environment. In this project, remote sensing methods such as satellite imagery and drone imagery were used to efficiently survey beaches in the Arctic.
Aviation in the EU ETS and CORSIA in the ‘Fit for 55’ package
The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council agreed on a series of legislative proposals as part of the 'Fit for 55' package, which are intended to align energy and climate policy instruments with the new climate target of reducing emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels by 2030.
Transformative mitigation actions as an outcome of the Global Stocktake
The Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement offers an opportunity to formulate specific messages for increasing climate change mitigation to inform Parties in updating and enhancing their actions. Based on available literature, an overview of key mitigation actions, including targets as well as potential and further characteristics, are provided.
Environmentally friendly handling techniques of fertilisers in ports
The study examines fertiliser loading in German ports and its potential impact on the environment.
Literature review and assessment of available toxicological data for PFAS
In the present study, a search was carried out on the current toxicological and epidemiological data on 20 perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS, C4-C13 carboxylic and sulfonic acids) regulated in the Drinking Water Ordinance as well as 4 substitutes (GenX, ADONA, 6:2 FTSA, C604).
Qualitative and quantitative modelling of the efficacy of policy instruments
This study presents the results of a comprehensive research of qualitative and quantitative modelling approaches to analyse the efficacy of policy instruments for complex problems and including social aspects. In addition to reviewing existing modelling approaches (e.g.
Land use monitoring and land take in international comparison
The high land take rate is a problem throughout Europe. The EU demands that land take will be reduced to net zero until the year 2050 (no net land take target). However, land take in Europe is recorded at national level using different methods. Depending on whether the surveys are based on aerial photo data or cadastral data, the results differ significantly in some cases.
Consideration of disinfection by-products in the environmental risk assessment of biocidal products
The project compiled data on disinfection by-products (DBPs) as well as biocidal active substances from product types (PTs) 1-5, 11 and 12. DBP formation potential of each active ingredient was evaluated. In a modeling approach, distribution of selected DBPs and biocidal active substances for applications in solution and on surfaces was estimated.
Tailings Management Facilities (TMF) Safety Methodology
The Tailings Management Facility (TMF) Safety Methodology is mainly based on the requirements and principles declared in “Safety guidelines and good practices for tailings management facilities” endorsed by the Conference of the Parties to the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents as well as other comparable international TMF standards.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) - Contribution to the discussion on its integration into national climate action strategies
The UBA position paper assesses the usefullness of carbon capture and storage (CCS for short) as a climate protection instrument. It describes guidelines for sustainable use, as well as the necessary monitoring and risk prevention. The effects of CCS on human health and the environment are also considered.