Topics | Umweltbundesamt

Ten environment agencies released "Building an Alliance – For a Sustainable, Resilient, and Just Future in Europe," with 36 recommendations for the 2025-2030 EU policy cycle. Highlighting urgent issues like climate resilience, circular economy and biodiversity, it calls for ambitious implementation of the European Green Deal, with agencies committed to supporting a just, sustainable future. read more

The Alps are the largest natural and cultural space in Central Europe. The mountains shape the landscape and lifestyle of the population in eight different countries. In addition, holiday makers from all over the world are attracted to their fascinating beauty. The international Alpine Convention treaty was adopted to protect the region and its unique climatic, ecological and natural features. read more

Substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) which deplete the ozone layer have long been subject to an international phase-down on their production and use. In 2016 the international community took steps to phase down another group of substances that are particularly damaging to the climate – hydrofluorocarbons (HFC). read more

Sulfuryl fluoride (SO₂F₂, also known as sulfuryl difluoride) is a colorless and odorless toxic gas that has a high global warming potential. Sulfuryl fluoride is used for pest control in overseas containers, among other things. Practicing container fumigation is associated with high emissions into the atmosphere, which have a non-negligible impact on the global climate. read more

Oceans and seas absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. With increased uptake of CO₂, the pH level of seawater decreases, making it more acidic. This chemical change affects the development of marine organisms. Indirectly, humans will also be affected, for example through the effects on commercially important species in fisheries and aquaculture. read more

Greenhouse gas emissions of the manufacturing industry fell by around 35 % between 1995 and 2023.Over the same period, productivity in the manufacturing industry grew by about 46 % (adjusted for price).Germany is aiming for greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. read more

Electricity accounts for around a fifth of the total final energy consumption. This share is set to increase in the future.The share of renewable energies in gross electricity consumption rose from 6.3 % to 51.8 % between 2000 and 2023.The German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) stipulates that the share of renewable energies should increase to at least 80 % by 2030.If Germany achieves its ambit... read more

Gross final energy consumption includes all types of final energy consumption by end consumers, primarily electricity, district heating, fuels and fuels for heat generation.So far, the development has been in line with the previous target of a 30 % share of renewables in 2030.However, as part of the new targets for the EU Renewable Energy Directive, the German target will soon be increased to 40 %... read more