Topics | Umweltbundesamt

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

Chemicals are a major driver for global warming, biodiversity loss and pollution. Bold political action is urgently needed. The Fifth World Chemicals Conference (ICCM5) 25-29 September 2023 in Bonn/Germany is bound to set up a stronger policy framework for the sound management of chemicals at global level. read more

Floods are natural events, they form on a regular basis and are an integral part of the water cycle. The occurrence of floods depends on the strength of precipitation, the characteristics of the catchment area and the morphology of the river itself. Humans can influence and intensify floods, their course and effects. read more

Managing the hazards and risks posed by floods includes precautionary measures, preparation for a flood, hazard prevention during an event and post-event management, including reconstruction. The uniform application of flood risk management has been ensured in the EU-Flood Risk Management Directive since 2007. read more

RESCUE shows that until 2050 greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by 95 to 97 percent (in comparison to 1990). Through the use of sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, even net-zero emissions can be reached. At the same time, primary raw materials consumption can be reduced by 56 to 70 percent. However, the transformation also results in additional demands for single raw materials. read more

When heavy rains or strong winds hit uncovered soil, soil material can be transported downslope or through the open landscape. Soil erodes and will be deposited elsewhere. The result is the degradation of fertile soil, which we need as a basis for life. Erosion limits the functions of soils, pollutes water bodies and damages infrastructures. read more

2023 was the warmest year worldwide since records began 1850.The last nine years have been the warmest years worldwide since 1850.The Paris Agreement stipulates that the increase in global temperature should be limited to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels, and even to 1.5 °C. Due to historical data availability, the comparative period used by WMO for this purpose is 1850 to 1900. read more