Newsletter "UBA aktuell" - No.: 2/2020 | Umweltbundesamt

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

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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: 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)

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.