Against the background of the war in Ukraine, the German Environment Agency is making an appeal for more economical energy consumption. It is easy for private households to help in the effort: turn down the thermostat, install a water saving showerhead and drive cars less and at slower speed. All these measures can be realized immediately and cost little to no money. read more
Economizing during the energy crisis
Climate risks put quality of life and environment at stake
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change presented the second part of its 6th Assessment Report. The current report focuses on the consequences of climate change and on climate change adaptation. The IPCC warns that the climate risks for ecosystems and humankind are growing rapidly worldwide. Determined climate action and early adaptation to climate change are the only way to reduce risks. read more
Corporate Sustainability Reporting faces major changes
About 500 German undertakings are obliged to include sustainability-related information in their annual reports. According to the plans of the EU Commission more undertakings shall report in the future and apply uniform reporting standards. A study on behalf of UBA recommends precise requirements for reporting on targets, actions and performance indicators and corporate greenhouse gas neutrality. read more
Final data on climate impact in 2020: emissions down 41 percent over 1990 levels
Germany emitted 728.7 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents in 2020. This is around 71 million tonnes or 8.9% less than in 2019, and 41.3% less compared to 1990, according to the results of final calculations submitted by the German Environment Agency (UBA) to the European Commission. Emissions have fallen most significantly in the energy sector. read more
Blauer Kompass contest launches first round as a new federal prize
Applications are accepted starting today for the Blauer Kompass, Germany’s highest state award for climate change adaptation projects. The application deadline is 25 March 2022. read more
Emissions trading 2021: record revenues in Germany exceeding 12 billion euros
The EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) generated 5.3 billion euros for Germany through auctioning in 2021, a sum double that in 2020. An additional 7.2 billion euros was generated through sales of certificates in the new national emissions trading system (nEHS), which came into effect in 2021 and targets the heat and transport sectors. read more
Significant lower share of renewable electricity in Germany in 2021
The share of renewable energies in gross electricity consumption will decline in 2021 – from 45.3 percent in 2020 back down to a level similar to 2019 of around 42 percent. While total electricity consumption increased, five percent less electricity was generated from renewable sources than in the previous year due to weather conditions. read more
Guide for greenhouse gas-neutral administrations published
“Public administrations must pioneer and be a role model in climate protection”, said Dirk Messner, President of the German Environment Agency (UBA) at an online meeting of the Network of Heads of European Environmental Administrations (EPA Network) on November 25th. He presented UBA’s guide on greenhouse gas neutral administrations, now also available in English. read more