Press | Umweltbundesamt

Nitrogen dioxide and particulates in particular still had an impact on air quality and on human health in Germany in 2013, say preliminary measurements from the Länder and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). The high levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution measured in previous years remained unchanged. More than half of the stations in urban areas near traffic measured exceedances of the allowable... read more

Four common power adaptors in non-stop operation can cost up to 51 euros in electricity per year. The average household of two can save 250 euros through more economical use of energy. A new brochure by the Federal Environment Agency about saving energy in the home explains how to do it without giving up any comfort. read more

There is a debate in progress about the requirements of a national noise protection plan for Germany. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) believes that such a national plan must help to greatly reduce the public’s exposure to aviation noise. Aviation noise, and that of night flying in particular, is associated with significant human health risks. read more

Germany has far exceeded its target set out by the Kyoto Protocol for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the developments recorded over the past two years have given Federal Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks cause for concern. Hendricks stated: "We must adopt more ambitious climate targets and reverse the negative trend of the last two years." read more

The product life cycle analysis for foods is in a class of its own: fully one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany are traceable to the food sector. Nitrogen surpluses from agriculture contaminate groundwater, while eleven million tonnes of food are discarded and wasted every year. read more

The first phase of the Federal Ecodesign Award (Bundespreis Ecodesign) kicks off on 13 January 2014. The Federal Ministry of Environment (BMUB) and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) are announcing the award for the third time with the slogan of “Grüne Innovation kommt weiter” (Green innovation makes headway). The award is given to products, services and concepts which are especially convincing... read more

Commercial ocean fertilization activities are now subject to an international ban, although certain research activities will be permitted. This was the decision taken by the Parties to the London Protocol on 18 October 2013 and which has now been publicised. The Conferences to the Party must now ensure prior to any ocean fertilization and other geo-engineering activities that research actually tak... read more

The projects planned by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) under the Environmental Research Plan 2014 (UFOPLAN 2014) of the Federal Ministry of Environment (BMU) have been announced online. read more