It has been known for a long time that constant noise can lead to cardiovascular diseases. A new study done on behalf of the German Environment Agency shows that incessant traffic noise can also increase the risk of depression. A 10-decibel increase in road, railroad and aircraft noise can raise that risk by up to four, five and eleven percent. read more
Traffic noise can increase risk of depression and anxiety disorders
Scrubber discharge bans would protect oceans
The German Environment Agency has commissioned a project to study the effects of discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) of ships on the marine environment. Scrubber discharge contains pollutants such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are classified as extremely hazardous. Discharge bans - at least regional - are recommended. read more
Impact of coronavirus pandemic on public transport
The coronavirus pandemic and the increased use of digital formats that it has triggered is resulting in changes in public transport. Fear of infection and changed work conditions caused demand to drop in 2020/2021 in Germany. Measures such as the 9-euro ticket have proven that it takes innovative approaches to make public transport more attractive. A recent study has evaluated ideas on the topic. read more
European Mobility Week: Sustainable mobility creates connections
Sustainable mobility connects people, towns and places. During European Mobility Week (EMW) from 16 to 22 September 2022, communities throughout Germany and all over Europe will put their creativity and resourcefulness on display to show that sustainable mobility can create ties between us in many – and better – ways. read more
Aviation and maritime transport – Roadmaps to accelerate e-fuels
In this online workshop on 16 November 2021 policy roadmaps for accelerating the uptake of e-fuels in air and maritime transport developed by Öko-Institut, CE Delft and DLR on behalf of the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) will be presented and discussed. read more
European Mobility Week: national competition to start in autumn
Car-free days, free public transport, e-cargo bike trials – Since its launch in 2002, more and more municipalities as well as companies, associations and educational institutions have been taking part in European Mobility Week (EMW). The German Environment Agency (UBA) is launching the first nationwide competition this year to honour this commitment. read more
Two German municipalities among the group of finalists for the international European Mobility Week awards
The EU Commission will award prizes within the framework of EMW in two categories to the municipalities with the most innovative and ambitious programmes. An international jury draws up a shortlist of finalists. Two German cities are among the finalists this year. read more
European Mobility Week: Zero-emission mobility for all
Zero-emission mobility should be possible for all. However, the current German transportation system penalises far too many population groups who, for example, suffer from a lack of accessibility or live on busy roads. During European Mobility Week from September 16-22, 93 towns and cities in Germany will show how mobility can be organised in a socially just manner. read more