Press | Umweltbundesamt

A revolution was started in Germany over 40 years ago, the ecological revolution. The then Federal Government, in the Social -Liberal coalition under Chancellor Willy Brandt, presented its environmental programme in 1971 and three years later, Germany had its first national environmental authority: the Federal Environment Agency, or UBA. The UBA started out with a staff of about 170 in West Berlin... read more

The 'Blue Angel Prize' contest has been announced for the third time in the framework of the German Sustainability Award. The prize distinguishes companies, initiatives or public institutions which support the cause of the Blue Angel ecolabel in an extraordinary way and which are particularly successful in environmental protection. The prize is offered by the Environmental Label Jury, the Federal... read more

Whether it is wash balls, baking powder or vinegar, there are plenty of widespread myths about ‘green‘ helpers in the household. However, their benefit has seldom been proven. UBA President Maria Krautzberger recommends: “To do laundry in a way that saves resources, is environmentally friendly and low-cost, you must always fill the washing machine to capacity, use the proper amount of detergent an... read more

Airguns can disturb marine mammals at distances as far away as 2,000 kilometres says a new study by the Federal Environment Agency and deteriorate both the physical and psychological well-being of the animals. Maria Krautzberger, President of UBA, said: “Noise pollution in the oceans is increasing and seems on course to continue, for one because of the expected exploration for natural resources in... read more

For the first time, a woman will head the Federal Environment Agency. On 5 May 2014 Maria Krautzberger is taking office as the President of Germany's biggest national environment authority. On 30 April the Federal Cabinet nominated her to succeed Jochen Flasbarth, who at the end of 2013 became State Secretary at the Federal Environment Ministry. Ms Krautzberger's last position was as Permanent Se... read more

The fight against the oak processionary has begun in many of Germany's Länder, including in Berlin and Brandenburg. The caterpillars of this moth have bristles which contain a toxin that can cause health problems. The caterpillars are controlled with either chemical or biological agents before they develop these bristles, usually beginning in late April through early May. read more

Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced, and be reduced soon. This is the conclusion of the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was published today. Emissions reductions can only be achieved with very ambitious climate protection measures that take effect quickly. However, if no reduction efforts are made over the next 10 years it will hardly be possible t... read more

A research project on behalf of the Federal Environment Agency has shown the magnitude of the contamination of the environment by pharmaceuticals: traces of more than 630 different pharmaceutical ingredients and their degradation products have been recorded in many regions of the earth. They can be found in water, soil, sludge and organisms. read more