Publications | Umweltbundesamt

Climate | Energy, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters, Digitalisation

Carbon leakage in AI-driven data center growth?

An assessment of drivers and barriers to the localization of data center operations and investments with respect to carbon pricing policies

This study offers a comprehensive first assessment of the global carbon leakage potential associated with AI-driven data center operation and investment. The focus is on carbon leakage from costs imposed by emission trading systems (ETS) on data center electricity consumption. The study estimates AI’s current and near-future electricity consumption and evaluates the technological feasibility as we...read more

Climate | Energy, Economy | Consumption, Water, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Cost allocation and incentive mechanisms for environmental, climate protection and resource conservation along global supply chains - Recommendations for selected incentive mechanisms

This report summarizes the findings of the research project "Cost allocation and incentive mechanisms for environmental, climate protection and resource conservation along global supply chains" and investigates four selected supply chain management instruments which have a high potential to increase incentives for environmental protection in global supply chains:price premiums,pay-per-performance...read more

Transport, Water

Particulate Matter emission reduction in international maritime shipping

Analysis and discussion of current status and outlook

In addition to the air pollutants nitrogen oxide (NOX) and sulphur oxide (SOX), seagoing vessels emit considerable quantities of particulate matter (PM). These emissions are not yet regulated either internationally or regionally.The report provides an overview of PM measurement methods and limit values in other transport sectors. It also describes ship-specific measures to reduce PM emissions, inc...read more

Climate | Energy, Soil | Land, Agriculture, Water, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Nature-based Solutions and their Governance Structures for Climate Action in the Alpine Region

The German Environment Agency initiated a project to promote nature-based solutions (NbS) in the Alpine region. The aim is to highlight the importance of NbS for biodiversity, climate protection and adaptation, and to analyze political and cross-sectoral governance mechanisms for the Alpine Convention (AC) region. Eight pilot projects from seven AC countries were examined to identify success facto...read more

Water

Terrestrial biological monitoring on Fildes Peninsula (Maxwell Bay, Antarctic)

The analysis of decades of data series on the occurrence of penguins and seabirds in Maxwell Bay contributes to the understanding of the effects of climate change on the marine ecosystems in the area of the northern Antarctic Peninsula. The species spectrum of penguins is shifting further in unfavour of the "true" Antarctic species, while sub-Antarctic penguins continue to increase in population....read more

Climate | Energy, Chemicals, Economy | Consumption, Air, Waste | Resources, Soil | Land, Water

Pollutants of the PRTR - Situation in Germany - Reporting years 2007 - 2023

This publication provides an overview about data of the German PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register). For each pollutant, the number of reported facilities and their releases to air, water and land and their off-site transfer in waste water are clearly displayed. Data for industrial sectors of the current reporting year 2023 are summarized in tables while their developments since 2007 are...read more

Climate | Energy, Water

Analysis of Polyquaternium Compounds in Environmental Samples through Non-Target Screening

Polyquaternium (PQ) compounds are water soluble polymers which are widely used in high volumes, e.g. in body care products. They are assumed to be persistent in the environment and to be toxic to aquatic organisms. Information on their occurrence and environmental concentrations is essential to assess the risk these chemicals may pose and determine if regulatory action is required. In this study i...read more

Economy | Consumption, Waste | Resources, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters, Digitalisation

Product Information 4.0

Extension of legal information requirements for products and digital implementation by the example of energy-related products and textiles

The project lays the groundwork for a European digital product passport by expanding legal information requirements, developed in collaboration with stakeholders using textiles and energy-related products as examples. It explores how key product data can be digitally tracked, combined, and made accessible across the life cycle. Existing tracking approaches and information flows are identified and...read more