Parties to the Paris Agreement are updating their plans for climate action. Less than half of the countries analysed as part of a project funded by the German Environment Agency are increasing their ambition. Many are lacking a clear plan for implementation. This is the result of a new methodology, which analyses 20 recently submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). read more
Climate commitments need to be more ambitious and tangible
New study shows risks of climate change in Germany
If climate change continues unchecked, the risks from heat, drought and heavy rainfall throughout Germany will increase sharply in the future. read more
Making the EU Emissions Trading System fit for the future
Apart from aligning the cap with the new climate target for 2030, the upcoming EU ETS reform also includes a review of the market stability reserve (MSR). A research project commissioned by the UBA proposes to adjust central MSR parameters in order to strengthen its function to stabilize the market in the event of external shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic. 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
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
UBA information film on emissions trading for fuels in Germany
A national emissions trading scheme for heating oil, petrol and other fuels was launched in Germany on 1 January 2021, but how exactly does it work? Our short film explains it in just over 3 minutes. read more
Award for sustainable building UMWELT & BAUEN 2021: call for entries
The UMWELT & BAUEN award recognises projects that are already realizing the idea of a new European Bauhaus in terms of sustainable building. The prize will be awarded for the second time in 2021, this time in four categories. All stakeholders in the building sector are eligible to apply by the 25 May 2021 deadline. read more