Press

Germany generated some 805 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 – 54 million tonnes (6.3%) less than in 2018. These are the results of a preliminary inventory of greenhouse gas emissions taken by the German Environment Agency (UBA), which continues the positive course of development of the previous year. With the exception of the global crisis year 2009, emissions reductions in 2019.

The trend in Germany's air pollutant emissions continues on a slight decline, says the annual report by the German Environment Agency (UBA) submitted to the European Commission. In 2018, sulphur (SO2) compounds decreased by nearly 4.2 percent compared to 2017, bringing levels to 95 percent below 1990.

A general speed limit on German federal motorways would allow reductions of greenhouse gas emissions ranging between 1.9 and 5.4 million tonnes annually, depending on the actual limit imposed. These are the results of new calculations by the German Environment Agency (UBA).

Enironmental protection continues to be an important factor in the German economy. Yet, Germany’s international competitiveness has declined markedly in the past ten years. This is the result of two recent reports by the German Environment Agency (UBA) on production, sales, foreign trade and on research and patent applications in the environmental industry.

Waste is everywhere: be it in the form of a gigantic gyre in the Pacific, particulate matter in the air or microplastics in the food chain. The “Zero Waste” group exhibition showcases some of the international positions of contemporary art which point to the urgency of conserving resources, consuming less and living more sustainably.

A research project by the German Environment Agency (UBA) tested 44 potential substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA) for a number of different applications and products. The result: 43 of these substances are not recommended for use, either because they have a hormone-mimicking effect or a lack of data has not conclusively disproved evidence of such an effect.

Measured concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in 2019 exceeded the annual mean limit of 40 µg/m³ of air at nearly 20 percent of measuring stations located near road traffic, compared to 42 percent in 2018. Nitrogen dioxide pollution overall continues to decline throughout Germany.

Protecting the environment and climate action are hot topics for young people in Germany. A clear majority of the young population is interested in politics, willing to take action and places their trust in democracy. They expect policy makers to do more for the climate and environment and to be mindful of social justice. They also perceive potential in each and every person to do more.

The new award for sustainable buildings, neighbourhoods and ecological innovation will be awarded in 2020 for the first time and aims to distinguish projects that are exemplary role models of sustainability, not only in the classic areas of building stock and new build, but also in five further categories. All stakeholders in the building sector are eligible to enter.

Packaging which is product at the same time? An app that helps users save resources? A new concept for environmentally friendly mobility in rural areas? Businesses, students and unorthodox thinkers are once again called upon to enter the contest with their innovative services, concepts and products by 6 April 2020.

On 1st January, Professor Dirk Messner succeeded Maria Krautzberger, who had held the office for five years and retired at the end of last year. Federal Environment Minister Schulze congratulated the internationally renowned sustainability researcher at his inauguration, attended by staff of the German Environment Agency in Dessau.

Power production from renewable sources energy grew significantly by eight percent in 2019 and now covers 42 percent of power consumption. It was the first year in which the share of electricity from renewable energy was greater than that of all the lignite and hard coal power plants together. But: An historic low in wind power expansion does slow future growth.