Umweltbundesamt
Chemicals are a major driver for global warming, biodiversity loss and pollution. Bold political action is urgently needed. The Fifth World Chemicals Conference (ICCM5) 25-29 September 2023 in Bonn/Germany is bound to set up a stronger policy framework for the sound management of chemicals at global level. read more
In a study for the German Environment Agency, a research team from Öko-Institut and Ecologic Institute has examined the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) for global climate action and international climate policy. The results show that their potential to mitigate emissions is probably overestimated in the literature. Nevertheless, NbS can bring various benefits and should be promoted actively. read more
The German government's 2023 Projection Report, coordinated by the German Environment Agency (UBA), analyses current climate protection policy. The report shows that the achievement of the national climate targets by 2030 and 2045 is at risk without additional measures. read more
The European Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) will be aligned with the European climate protection target of reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. In May and June 2023, the legal acts entered into force. Now the European Commission, in agreement with the member states, must draw up a variety of rules to implement the reform. read more
Germany can still achieve its climate targets by 2030. This is the conclusion of a new study by the German Environment Agency (UBA). To do so, Germany would need, among other things, more rail traffic, a reform of the motor vehicle tax and restrictions on fossil-fuel heating. In addition, all emissions would have to be priced and charged to the polluter. read more
A new study for the German Environment Agency (UBA) foresees enormous tasks for the water supply along the Spree River if significantly less groundwater is pumped into the river with the end of brown coal mining in the Lausitz region. According to the study, in dry summer months this can lead to up to 75 per cent less water in the Spree locally. read more
Germany's greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) fell slightly by 1.9% in 2022. GHG emissions were around 746 million tonnes – some 15 million tonnes less than 2021. Overall, emissions in Germany have fallen by 40.4% since 1990. While this means that Germany is generally on track to meet the targets of the Federal Climate Change Act, emissions in the energy sector increased significantly. read more
Rewetting peatlands can do a great deal to protect the climate. Drained peatlands in Germany emit some 53 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents every year, which is about 7.5 percent of all its GHG emissions. read more
The UBA’s motto, For our environment (“Für Mensch und Umwelt”), sums up our mission pretty well, we feel. In this video we give an insight into our work.
