Press | Umweltbundesamt

Compared to the previous year, total greenhouse gas emissions in Germany in 2008 were reduced by almost 12 million tonnes, which constitutes a decrease of around 1.2 percent. Total emissions amount to 945 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent and are therefore within the target corridor of the Kyoto Protocol, according to which Germany has to reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions by an average 21... read more

Global warming is a fact, and as the climate changes so do humans’ living conditions- also in Germany. Although we are making efforts to reduce climate-damaging emissions of carbon dioxide, global warming has made its mark and impact on ecology, the economy, and culture. There are two art exhibitions soon to be held at the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) in Dessau-Roßlau that focus on these theme... read more

Businesses will soon not only be leading cars and computers but also chemicals. The  Federal Environment Agency (UBA) makes this proposal in its ”Sustainable Chemicals” paper. The idea is simple: producers or importers no longer sell a chemical, say a solvent used in printed-circuit-board production, but instead provide the benefits obtained from the chemical, including its professional and ecolog... read more

The new edition of Leitfaden für die Innenraumhygiene in Schulgebäuden [Guidebook on indoor air hygiene in school buildings] has been published. The Indoor Air Hygiene Commission of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has reworked it and added new current topics. The 140-page guide offers tips and advice about particulate matter, carbon dioxide, as well as other chemical substances and acoustic p... read more

At this year’s 79th International Motor Show in Geneva, which runs from 5-15 March, a myriad of Minis, hybrid and electric cars are pointing towards tomorrow’s trend: fewer emissions and low fuel consumption. It seems the automotive industry has responded to customer demands. Yet a customer’s search for a passenger vehicle fitted with a green air- conditioning system will be in vain.  All the same... read more

Information and communications technology (ICT) is the backbone of a modern national economy. However, digitalisation in households and offices, as well as the Internet, are causing high electricity and materials consumption. It takes about ten power plants to cover the power needs of ICT in Germany’s modern households alone. Be it the digital camera, notebook, games console, mobile phone or plasm... read more

The German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt) at the Federal Environment Agency is issuing the ‘emissions allowances’ for 2009: they will be issued to operators’ accounts in the German Emissions Trading Registry by 28 February. The total 2009 budget in Germany is 451.86 million emissions allowances, of which DEHSt allocates some 390 million free of charge to 1,625 participating installations and... read more

Climate change is real, and the human population worldwide must adapt to its unavoidable consequences.  This is especially true in developing and newly-industrialising countries which, although they are particularly affected by climate change, are often least to blame for the problem. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) is coordinating a project of adaptation to climate change in Brazil, which is... read more