The German Environment Agency (UBA) recommends measures to increase the lifespan of technological devices and gives advice on how consumers can protect themselves. read more
The German Organic Waste Campaign launches Organic Waste Bin Challenge 2023
A broad alliance of politicians, businesses and associations is campaigning for better organic waste collection. On 26 May, the "Organic Waste Bin Day" will be declared for the first time in Germany. The aim is to increase the amount of separately collected organic waste and to reduce the amount of incorrectly discarded waste. read more
Plastic manufacturers to pay into Single-Use Plastic Fund in future
The new Single-Use Plastic Fund Act requires manufacturers to pay the cost of waste from single-use plastic products generated in streets or parks. For this, companies will pay a levy into the Single-Use Plastics Fund, which is managed by the German Environment Agency (UBA) and administered via the digital platform DIVID. read more
Traffic noise can increase risk of depression and anxiety disorders
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
Call for papers: German Prize for Nature Writing 2023
The publishing house Matthes & Seitz Berlin is once again awarding the German Prize for Nature Writing in cooperation with the German Environment Agency and the Stiftung Kunst und Natur. The competition is under the patronage of President Dirk Messner of the German Environment Agency. Authors’ entries will be accepted until 30 April 2023. read more
UBA forecast: 2022 greenhouse gas emissions down by 1.9 percent
Germany's greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) fell slightly by 1.9% in 2022. GHG emissions were around 746 million tonnes – some 15 million tonnes less than 2021. Overall, emissions in Germany have fallen by 40.4% since 1990. While this means that Germany is generally on track to meet the targets of the Federal Climate Change Act, emissions in the energy sector increased significantly. read more
Paludiculture: More climate action with rewetted peatlands
Rewetting peatlands can do a great deal to protect the climate. Drained peatlands in Germany emit some 53 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents every year, which is about 7.5 percent of all its GHG emissions. read more
New quality seal for air conditioning systems: good quality air at low energy cost
The air indoors, whether at schools or offices, is often stuffy. Air conditioning systems can provide relief, but they do not always operate as they should. The quality seal for air conditioning systems can help based on its three-phase verification to ensure good indoor air quality and energy-efficiency during planning, installation and operation. read more