Publications | Umweltbundesamt

Chemicals, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Review of the OECD Test Guidelines relevant to environmental assessment with regard to the state of the art in science and technology

Überprüfung der für die Umweltbewertung relevanten OECD Prüfrichtlinien hinsichtlich des Stands der Wissenschaft und Technik

OECD Test Guidelines (TG) are internationally standardized methods for testing chemicals. Industry, academia and authorities use the data collected with these methods for the evaluation of chemicals (such as industrial chemicals) with regard to their hazards to humans and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary that the TGs be continuously expanded and updated to reflect the state of the art i...read more

Climate | Energy, Waste | Resources, Soil | Land

Funding climate-friendly soil management: Risks and key issues

Key issues to be considered in the design of funding instruments

This report summarises key aspects that should be accounted for in the design of policy instruments to support the implementation of climate-friendly soil management measures. It outlines overarching aspects that need to be considered for any type of policy instruments. Furthermore, aspects that are relevant for all types of results-based funding schemes are elaborated upon. Particular risks exist...read more

Chemicals, Water

Moving forward: The European Commission’s Proposal for a Recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive

This scientific opinion paper discusses the key topics of the European Commission’s Proposal for a Recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. It shows how the proposed changes could affect wastewater treatment in Germany and highlights further refinement needs.In general, the proposal of the revised UWWTD is endorsed. The clear shift from basic wastewater collection and treatment to efficient wa...read more

Climate | Energy, Waste | Resources, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Towards healthy and sustainable diets in Germany

An analysis of the environmental effects and policy implications of dietary change in Germany

Dietary changes towards healthier and more sustainable diets have been highlighted as one of the key strategies for simultaneously reducing the environmental pressures of the food system and the health risks of current dietary patterns. Although there is broad consensus on the long-term need for global dietary changes, much less information is available or accessible at the national level. This re...read more

Chemicals, Health, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Monographs of Environmental Data for Active Substances in Veterinary Pharmaceuticals

The essential base for assessing and managing risks

This scientific opinion paper outlines existing problems related to data gaps, non-harmonized assessments, insufficient post-market control, and data transparency of pharmaceuticals, and identifies possible solutions through the introduction of a monograph system for active pharmaceutical substances. From UBA's point of view, monographs are the crucial bridge between risk assessment, risk communic...read more

Economy | Consumption, Transport

Initial findings on COVID-19-induced changes to material consumption and mobility behavior

This paper presents the results of a multicountry survey on Covid-19-induced changes in consumption habits with a focus on nonessential material consumption and mobility behavior. The survey was carried out in Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States in early 2021. The findings show early trends toward more sustainable behavior in nonessential material consumption, especially a reduction in pu...read more

Climate | Energy

Carbon pricing potential in East and South Asia: Synthesis and case studies for Indonesia, Vietnam, and Pakistan

More and more countries are already implementing or considering the introduction of carbon pricing as a key instrument in order to reduce greenhouse gases. In recent years, market-based instruments in the form of emissions trading systems or CO2 taxes have been established or are currently in the process of implementation in various regions of the world. However, the application potentials for car...read more

Climate | Energy, Chemicals, Economy | Consumption, Waste | Resources, Health, Transport, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Position Paper Advanced Materials

Cornerstones for a Safe and Sustainable Life Cycle

Advanced materials promise technical solutions to support sustainable transformation. They play an important role for a variety of environmental topics worked on at UBA, such as energy transition, circular economy and chemical safety. Various sectors can benefit from the use of advanced materials, but they can also face challenges. The UBA position paper describes the area of tension between the p...read more