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Last changed: 14/10/11
The uneven distribution and scarcity of raw materials may lead to conflict. In their research project, adelphi and the Wupperthal Institute have looked into this issue. The sub-reports now available examine various case studies and scenarios and present proposals on how such conflicts could be avoided.
The German Federal Statistical Office and UBA present the latest data and analyses of Environmental-Economic Accounting, which includes for the first time the “backpacks of raw materials” of imports. Although raw material efficiency has risen in recent years, stepped-up efforts are nevertheless required to reach the goal of doubling raw material productivity in 2020 over 1994 levels.
The export of so-called WEEE continues to cause a stir, for used equipment is reused and disposed of under catastrophic conditions in import countries. A new study commissioned by UBA says that the consumer must also do something to solve the problem.
Biomass production and use and global trade in bioenergy sources have seen strong growth in Germany and elsewhere, due to ambitious development targets. In Europe and internationally, this is leading to conflicts between objectives which may frustrate political efforts towards climate, biodiversity and resource protection. This research project aims to elaborate concrete proposals for standards and certification systems and for their implementation at national, European and global level, and to feed them into international processes.
The indicator ”Ecological Footprint” represents the difference between the resources consumed in a country and its available biocapacity. A study commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency analysed the data base and methodology for calculating this indicator and concluded that both must be improved.
Even today, some 60 percent of generated construction and demolition waste is utilised, but predominantly in the form of low-grade material in road construction and backfilling operations. A study commissioned by UBA has now determined the potential for high-quality recycling of construction and demolition waste. The results show that by 2020 construction waste could provide one-quarter of the mineral materials needed for building construction.
Can energy from biomass help to protect the climate and the environment as a whole? Environmental requirements for sustainable biomass cultivation and use have been defined in the “Bioglobal” research project. Key issues focused on greenhouse gas balances including the effects of direct and indirect landuse change (iLUC), protection of biodiversity and natural soil and water resources. The project proposes a long-term strategy for sustainable biomass use.
The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity, with the objective of stopping the loss of biodiversity, highlighting successes in conserving it and creating awareness of the fact that human welfare depends on biological diversity.
This paper shows how the public and private sector can raise resource productivity in global value chains by providing some spotlights on international perspectives and showcasing best practice examples. It was written by the UNEP/Wuppertal Institute Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP) as part of the project ”Resource Productivity and Resource Savings – A Future Dialogue” (”Zukunftsdialog Rohstoffproduktivität und Ressourcenschonung”) commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency.
Practicing sustainability - and protecting natural resources and the environment. On around 120 pages, a brochure provides figures and facts about the use of natural resources in Germany. Indicators and trends show the areas in which efficiency gains are emerging and those in which resource efficiency still needs to be increased.