Stepping up for environmental protection | Umweltbundesamt

Efforts in environmental protection may not let up despite the tangible presence of the international economic and financial crisis. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) believes that far-reaching climate protection measures are urgent. UBA President Jochen Flasbarth expressed support for the goal set by the Federal government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 to 40 percent lower than 1990 levels, and to achieve emissions reductions of 80-95 percent by mid-century, saying, “We must now lay the groundwork for necessary ecological restructuring of the economy, for economic development that disregards ecologic principles is impossible. The area of climate protection in particular cannot afford to set its sights on short-term success alone. The necessity of a low-carbon economy requires long-term vision in environmental, energy, and economic policy”.  Flasbarth underscored the key role played by emissions trading in achieving declared climate protection targets. read more