Umweltbundesamt
According to the Federal Soil Protection Act ( BBodSchG), contaminated sites are abandoned industrial sites or abandoned waste disposal sites that have caused harmful changes to the soil or other hazards to individuals or the general public. This can be caused by improper treatment, storage or disposal of waste and/or the improper handling of environmentally hazardous substances. read more
Life in all its multifarious forms would be unthinkable without the earth’s various soils, which can only assure a plentiful and healthy supply of food and drinking water if their ecology remains intact. But how can we best ensure that our soils are used judiciously and responsibly as habitats and resources? The UBA contributes to soil stewardship among other things by disseminating information. read more
Soil carries out myriad functions that are free of charge and extremely powerful, and that are what make soil so valuable not only to us but also to natural flora and fauna. Clean water and healthy food are only obtainable if our soils are healthy too. And while the soil supports myriad functions, it also needs stewardship. read more
The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) and UBA present joint recommendations for action. read more
Once lost, it is gone forever: the soil beneath our feet. Each year, billions of tonnes are lost due to erosion, indiscriminant environmental exploitation and poor political decisions. Hunger and the intensification of conflicts over land rights are some of the devastating results of this loss. Yet, it is not too late to work against the further loss of our soil. read more
An area the size of 113 football pitches is designated for new settlements and transport areas every day in Germany. A solution to this problem might be the introduction of a system of supraregional trade in land area certificates whereby every city and municipality has a limited amount of land area outside of existing settlements on which new building is allowed. read more
The UBA’s motto, For our environment (“Für Mensch und Umwelt”), sums up our mission pretty well, we feel. In this video we give an insight into our work.
