Press | Umweltbundesamt

In the modern consumer society, household appliances are often quickly disposed of and replaced with newer and supposedly better products. One argument for this is the greater energy efficiency of the new appliance. read more

Heavy metals, plasticisers or the “forever chemicals” PFAS – there are many environmental pollutants that children and young people come into contact with. But how high is their exposure in reality? And what impact can it have on the health of young people? read more

Glaciers are impressive natural wonders and have a decisive influence on the stability of the planetary ecosystem. These ice masses play a central role in the global water cycle, as 70 per cent of the world's freshwater resources are tied up in glaciers. read more

Titled "Transformation and Irritation: Sustainability and Culture in Times of Radical Change", the German Environment Agency (UBS)'s fifth Sustainability Transformation Conference took place on 20 March 2025 at the dbb forum in Berlin. National and international experts discussed the interactions between environmental, sustainability and cultural policy. read more

Greenhouse gas emissions in Germany fell by 3.4 percent to 649 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents in 2024 compared to 2023, data published by the the German Environment Agency (UBA) shows. read more

The German Environment Agency (UBA) examined second-hand sales platforms as part of an EU-wide investigation by the European Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC). read more

Climate-neutral, sustainable, recyclable – companies like to advertise their products with these or similar environmental claims. However, not all claims are legally permissible. read more

The court has ruled in favour of UBA in its fight against misleading greenwashing. In its ruling of 20 February 2025, the Federal Court of Justice confirmed the decision of the lower court, the Dessau-Roßlau Regional Court. The court had imposed strict controls on general and comparative advertising. Information on offers for CO₂ offsetting must be meaninful and transparent. read more