Publications | Umweltbundesamt

Climate | Energy

Update of methane emission factors for natural gas supply

Comparison of previous greenhouse gas reporting methods with new findings from emission measurements in Germany

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. Extensive measurement programs of transmiss...read more

Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

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. The results show that a combination of satellite imagery, drone imagery,...read more

Climate | Energy

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. According to the paper, CCS cannot replace greenhouse gas reductions and the...read more

Klima | Energie

Aviation in the EU ETS and CORSIA in the ‘Fit for 55’ package

The EU agreement of June 2023

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. This factsheet presents key aspects of the agreement on aviation in the framework of the...read more

Climate | Energy

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. A compilation of key messages on climate change...read more

Waste | Resources, Agriculture, Water

Environmentally friendly handling techniques of fertilisers in ports

The study examines fertiliser loading in German ports and its potential impact on the environment. The aim of this study is to examine the loading of fertiliser in Germany's ports with regard to a possible environmentally hazardous discharge of fertiliser into water bodies, to identify the best available technology or the best available environmental practice, and subsequently to develop practicab...read more

Chemicals, Health, Water

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). The aim was to prepare this data as a basis for the toxicological assessment of the substances with regard to their oc...read more

Climate | Energy, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Qualitative and quantitative modelling of the efficacy of policy instruments

Opportunities and limitations for applicability to the field of climate change adaptation

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. System Dynamics and Agent-based Modelling), this study addresses the opportunities and limitations of applying the findings to th...read more