Newsletter "UBA aktuell" - No.: 6/2022 | Umweltbundesamt

German material consumption 30 percent above global average

Recycling keeps materials in circulation and saves primary raw materials. Source: Jan Malburg / Adobe Stock

German consumption of raw materials, such as crude oil, timber or rare earths, has fallen slightly between 2018 and 2019 due to more efficient use. Provisional calculations for 2020 also show a slight drop, presumably due to the Corona pandemic. Total use of raw materials in Germany during 2019 amounted to 1.3 billion tonnes. This meant that the trend has remained relatively consistent over the last 10 years. However, our consumption remains around 30 per cent higher than the global average. In statistical terms, every German citizen has an “ecological rucksack” of consumed raw materials and minerals amounting to 16 tonnes, mainly for nutrition, living, and mobility. This is shown by the “Resources Report for Germany 2022“ from the German Environment Agency.

This also has a negative impact on the CO₂ balance. Around 40 percent of German greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the mining and initial processing of raw materials. Furthermore, the import of products into Germany and the raw materials required for them cause environmental problems due to water and land use in other parts of the world. In 2021 the German water footprint amounted to around 201,318 million cubic metres, and the German land footprint in 2018 was around 74 million hectares. About half of the raw materials used for German consumption came from countries outside the European Union.

Future usage of raw materials can be made more sustainable with an ambitious policy towards raw materials. By 2030, a drop in raw material consumption of more than a third relative to 2019 is possible in Germany. Due to a mix of technological change and lifestyle changes, raw material consumption could be changed from the current level of 16 tonnes to 5.7 tonnes per head by 2050.

Findings of the 27th World Climate Conference

The 27th World Climate Conference was difficult in many respects and could only be described as being successful in parts. The successes include agreement about a fund to compensate for damages and losses to vulnerable countries. On the other hand, little progress was made to globally remedy the urgently required increase in ambition to mitigate climate change. read more (in German)

Numerous reports illustrate the lack of global climate change mitigation

Prior to the 27th UN Climate Conference (COP27), various reports were published, all stating that current global climate change mitigation measures are insufficient regarding compliance with the objectives of the Paris Convention and avoiding dramatic changes to our climate. Some key statements from various reports are summarised here. read more (in German)

Methane - the underestimated greenhouse gas

After carbon dioxide, methane is the second most important greenhouse gas. Reducing methane emissions plays a major part in climate change mitigation as well as protecting both humankind and our environment. The German Environment Agency has prepared a position paper that specifies concrete measures to reduce methane in Germany and worldwide. read more (in German)

Latest information about climate protection for peatland

What is peatland? Where is peatland located? How can they contribute to climate change mitigation? The answers to these questions, along with plenty of other information can be found on the new website for protecting peatlands by the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt), which is part of the German Environment Agency. read more on the DEHSt website

REACH restriction dossier for bisphenols published

Along with the Federal Chemicals Office, the German Environment Agency has submitted an EU-wide restriction proposal to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) as part of the REACH Regulation for bisphenol A and other bisphenols with similar effects on the environment. This restriction proposal has now been published by the ECHA. Public consultation is expected to start in December. read more (in German)

Study in promoting alternatives to rat poison and similar

Biocide-free alternatives for safeguarding health or materials against pests are important instruments to reduce the effects of biocidal agents on the environment. This study investigated the measures used to encourage the use of alternatives. Amongst other things, it considers possible eco-labels, support programs or web-based information services. read more (in German)

Climate target for 2022: Transport sector in Germany still not on course

In 2021, the transport sector in Germany missed the target to reduce greenhouse gases that was set out by the Federal Climate Protection Act. Also, there was no fall in greenhouse gas emissions to the necessary extent in the first half of 2022. This can be concluded from the developments in relevant indicators for the first two quarters. read more (in German)

German Environment Agency recommends 30 as the speed limit within suburban areas

A speed limit of 30 km/h as a control speed within suburban areas could dramatically reduce noise pollution in towns and cities. Air pollution with pollutants from road traffic would fall slightly. This is shown by simulations in three case cities on behalf of the German Environment Agency. read more (in German)

Sustainable clothing - greater focus on longer usage

Focusing on the supply chain and recycling is not sufficient when it comes to reducing the environmental impact of the textile sector. It also requires more durable clothing, measures to improve durability and also reduced consumption. A new study from the German Environment Agency shows why companies and customers should put more emphasis on the durability of clothing. read more (in German)

Increase demand and deployment of recycled plastics

Recycling of plastics can only work if the waste is recycled and the products that are made from this material (recyclate) are in demand. Public procurement and mandatory recyclate usage quotas may be helpful here. A study provides clear support for public tenders and recommends product-specific recyclate usage quotas. read more (in German)

Launch of the EU compass for access grants for the latest funding period

The new EU communal compass for the 2021-2027 funding period covers funding opportunities from the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) for municipal bodies and their project ideas. Database-supported research with various search and filter options mean fast recognition of all offers regarding the environment and sustainability. read more (in German)

New department in the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt)

The German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt) has a new organisational structure since 01/08/2022: With department V 4 “German Emissions Trading Authority: Fuel Emissions Trading and Information Technology”, a fourth department has been created within Section V of the German Environment Agency and it takes on new tasks focusing on national emissions trading for emissions due to heat and transport. read more (in German)