The German Environment Agency proposes a national cap on nitrogen emissions. By 2030, no more than 1 million tonnes of nitrogen per year is to be emitted into the environment. Only then can existing protection goals for water bodies, terrestrial ecosystems and human health be achieved. read more
Final data on nitrogen dioxide pollution 2020: downward trend continues
The 2020 data for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are available for all air monitoring stations in Germany. Six cities exceeded the air quality limit of 40 micrograms NO₂ per cubic metre of air (µg/m³) as an annual average. read more
Trifluoroacetic acid from fluorinated refrigerants contaminates rainwater
Current rainwater measurements commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA) show that TFA concentrations have risen sharply since the 1990s. read more
Expert information drinking water and swimming pool water - No.: 18/2021
Dear Reader,The website Distributing Drinking Water, Evaluation Criteria an Guidelineshas been updated as follows:• The Transposition of the Elastomer Guideline and the TPE Transitional Recommendation into the Evaluation Criteria Document for Plastics and other Organic Materials in Contact with Drinking Water (Transitional Regulation of Elastomer Guideline) has been updated and is now availab... read more
Strengthening environmental and climate protection in corporate reporting obligations
A recent study on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA) shows that even though German companies increasingly report on climate, water, resources and waste, significant gaps remain. Only about 20 percent disclose information on air pollution and biodiversity. Apparently, the identified gaps in corporate reporting are often due to insufficient legal provisions. read more
Fluorinated refrigerants in the EU: additional CO₂ savings potential of 100 million tonnes
A new publication by the German Environment Agency (UBA) proposes an even stronger regulation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to protect the climate. HFCs are used as refrigerants in cooling and refrigerant systems which may escape to the environment during filling, operation and disposal. Ammonia, water and hydrocarbons are available as climate-friendly alternatives. read more
Expert information drinking water and swimming pool water - No.: 17/2021
Dear Reader,The website Distributing Drinking Water, Evaluation Criteria an Guidelineshas been updated as follows:•The transitional regulation KTW-BWGL has been updated and is now available in its 2nd amendment. Document adaption was necessary due to entry into force of the KTW-BWGL as of 21 March 2021. Your department for Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water Hygiene at UBA. read more
Germans consider environmental protection and climate action highly relevant – despite coronavirus pandemic
The survey results indicate broad support among the population for socioecological transition. For instance, a clear majority of around 80 percent is in favour of Germany taking on a leadership role on the international stage when it comes to climate action. For about 60 percent of those surveyed, environmental protection and climate action should play a greater role in agricultural policy, and ab... read more