Topics | Umweltbundesamt

The outcomes of the World Climate Change Conference in Baku (COP29) have caused disappointment both in Baku and worldwide. Nevertheless, they still contribute to the international climate action process – an achievement that cannot be taken for granted given the current geopolitical situation. read more

On 11 November 2024, this year's UN Climate Change Conference COP29 will start in Baku (Azerbaijan). The main topics are climate finance and progress in implementing ambitious climate action. UBA experts are also part of the German delegation and are supporting the German government and the EU in the negotiations. read more

As a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Germany is required to elaborate annual emission inventories, including for fluorinated greenhouse gases. read more

In a study for the German Environment Agency, a research team from Öko-Institut and Ecologic Institute has examined the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) for global climate action and international climate policy. The results show that their potential to mitigate emissions is probably overestimated in the literature. Nevertheless, NbS can bring various benefits and should be promoted actively. read more

Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases, i.e. partially fluorinated hydrocarbons, fully fluorinated hydrocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride and nitrogen trifluoride) are used for purposes such as refrigerants, foam blowing agents in certain foam products, and insulating gas in switchgears. Some of these substances have an extremely high Global Warming Potential. read more

The official sessions had long come to a close, but the negotiators were still gathered together. Even though the process was time-consuming and tough, the path to a new climate protection treaty has taken on real shape. read more

Global warming is to be contained to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius. This was the goal agreed by the 194 Member States of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2010. However, the global climate protection measures agreed to date will not achieve this goal. read more

According to initial calculations, greenhouse gas emissions in Germany declined by exactly 46.1 % between 1990 and 2023.Germany aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 % by 2020 and by at least 65 % by 2030 compared to 1990 emission levels. Complete greenhouse gas neutrality is to be achieved by 2045.In 2023, Germany was well below the target of minus 40 % set for 2020. The targets for 2030... read more