In 2013 the disturbed soil of peatlands and forests caused emissions with climate impact of about 45 million tonnes CO2 in Germany alone. The drainage of peatland exposes plant material to the air which was previously preserved in airtight conditions and then releases carbon and nitrous oxide. An UBA study develops incentives how to reduce peatland emissions worldwide. read more
Peatland and forest climate protection to reduce GHG emissions
2nd International Conference on Human Biomonitoring: Results
Which pollutants are people exposed to nowadays and which have diminished as a result of environmental legislation? This was one of the topics more than 300 experts from 33 countries discussed on the 2nd International Conference on Human Biomonitoring in April 2016 in Berlin. The presentations, the conference proceeding and impressions from the conference are found on the conference website. read more
Greenhouse gas-neutral freight transport is necessary and feasible
Krautzberger: Move more goods to the rail, substitute fossil fuels. read more
Antibiotics: livestock industry and human medicine can pollute groundwater
Antibiotics used in livestock breeding and in human medicine can find their way into groundwater says a recent study by the German Environment Agency (UBA). Maria Krautzberger, President of UBA, commented: "Groundwater must stay clean. This is the reason why the German Environment Agency has issued a recommendation for a threshold for antibiotics in groundwater." read more
UBA measures new record highs for carbon dioxide
A sad record: concentrations of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide at both of the UBA´s measuring stations on the Zugspitze and the Schauinsland exceeded an annual average level of more than 400 parts per million for the first time. read more
UBA research studies point out ways for efficient integration of renewable energy into the electricity market
Two new research studies completed on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA) show how the electricity market can master the challenges from further developing renewable energy. Their conclusion: the main approach should aim to optimize the existing electricity wholesale market, also known as Electricity Market 2.0. read more
Germany still world's lead exporter of environmental protection goods
Environmental protection continues to be a significant economic factor in Germany's economy, says the latest report by UBA on the environmental industry. read more
Coordination Office of the Working Group on Renewable Energy-Statistics now located at the German Environment Agency
The UBA hosts the coordinating office of the Working Group on Renewable Energy-Statistics since 1 January 2016. The working group is an important player in meeting international reporting obligations and in providing transparent information to policy makers and the public. read more