Publications

Digitalisation is becoming increasingly pervasive in almost all areas of life. However, its impact on natural resources and climate change needs to be better understood. The UBA research project ‘Digitalisation and resources (DigitalRessourcen)’ investigates these interrelations with the aim of identifying strategic levers for sustainable development.

City centres as places of commercial consumption are facing new challenges, not only due to the growing impact of online retail. At the same time, urgently needed approaches to sustainable lifestyles remain confined to niches. This guide demonstrates how city centres can be revitalised while simultaneously becoming vibrant and future-proof spaces for sustainable consumption.

Emission measurements of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, total organic carbon, methane, and (for oil-firing plants) the smoke number were carried out at 100 medium combustion plants with a rated thermal input between 1 MW and 10 MW. For Germany, emission factors and the emissions in 2020 were calculated, the emissions in 2030 werde estimated in two scenarios. 

The aim of the MICROSOIL project was to identify meaningful endpoints for assessing the effects of plant protection products, veterinary pharmaceuticals and biocides on microorganisms in agricultural soils.

Whether geopolitical polycrisis, progressive social fragmentation, changes in public communication and debates, increasing criticism of transformational governance, but also positive glimmers of hope such as the emergence of new governance approaches that are becoming increasingly digital, polycentric and transformative: the trend study analyses these five trends that could complicate or improv

The study analyses which key trends in the economy and society influence the material foundations of prosperity in Germany. It also shows how the key trends represent both opportunities and risks for climate protection.

The study on environmental awareness in 2024 shows that protecting the environment and climate continues to be a high priority for the majority of people in Germany. However, the importance of this issue has decreased since 2022. Many consider the situation in the health and education sectors and economic development, for example, to be more urgent

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are one of the predominant groups of organic contaminants in the environment and in biota. Their persistence, along with their widespread use, has led to both diffuse contamination of the environment and a very large number of locally highly contaminated hot spots.

As a Party to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (⁠UNFCCC⁠), since 1994 Germany has been obliged to prepare, publish and regularly update national emission inventories of greenhouse gases.

This paper examines the integration of "Blue Carbon Ecosystems" (BCEs) such as mangroves and salt marshes into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Inventory Reports (NIRs). While developing countries are increasingly including BCEs in their NDCs, reporting in NIRs remains insufficient. Only seven countries account for BCE, with mangroves being the most commonly included.

Europe’s green transformation can only succeed if all regions are able to realize their full potential. Cohesion policy should continue to play a key role in this beyond 2027.

The European Union is at a cross-road with the chance to set our path towards a sustainable and just future for all Europeans. Cohesion Policy aims for social, economic and territorial cohesion in the European Union and is a core EU policy to bring the European Union to its citizens, increase their quality of life, while driving simultaneously the green transition.