In 2021 24.7 % of the lakes in Germany were in at least good ecological status or showed at least a good ecological potential.According to the Water Framework Directive the target was 100 % by 2015. Now there is a deadline extension until 2027.Germany is still far from achieving this target. The timeframe until 2027 must be used to achieve these ambitious goals. read more
Umwelt-Indikator
Indicator: Ecological status of lakes
Water
Germany’s HELCOM Chairmanship 2020 – 2022
On 1 July 2020, Germany took over the chairmanship of the Helsinki Commission for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea for two years. Selected pressures, the protection of species / habitats and climate change are among Germany's priority topics. The focus is on the revision of the Baltic Sea Action Plan, which will be adopted by a ministerial conference in October 2021. read more
Agriculture
Nitrogen
In as much as nitrogen is an indispensable nutrient for all living things, the use of mineral and organic nitrogen fertilizers to increase crop yields is a common practice. It is essential that such fertilizer be used judiciously and on a needs oriented basis. Nitrogen surpluses can damage terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and can have harmful climatic, air quality, and biodiversity effects. read more
Agriculture
Ammonia, dust and odour emissions
Intensive livestock farming is a key agricultural sector in Germany, but one that unfortunately generates ammonia emissions, odours and dust that are hazardous to the environment and a nuisance to persons living in close proximity to livestock farms. read more
