The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) is making an urgent plea for more commitment in the area of noise protection. "Noise is a source of stress which may only be felt locally, but noise occurs practically everywhere in Germany. Every second person in Germany feels disturbed or annoyed by noise, and noise can also make you ill", said the Agency's President, Jochen Flasbarth, upon publication of UBA... read more
Greenhouse gas emissions up by 1.6 percent in year 2012
According to the first preliminary calculations and estimations of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), greenhouse gas emissions in Germany rose by 1.6 percent in 2012. Nevertheless; Germany clearly exceeded its reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol. When compared with 1990 greenhouse gas emissions in 2012 have dropped by 25.5 percent; a 21 percent decrease was needed on average for the years... read more
Slight decline in particulate pollution
Nitrogen dioxide and particulates continue to impact air quality in Germany, according to interim measurement data for 2012 provided by the Länder and the Federal Environment Agency. Nitrogen dioxide pollution remains high. Median concentrations of particulates - measured in PM10 - were at the same level in Germany in 2012 as in 2008 and thus well below the levels of the previous three years. The... read more
Pesticides can harm amphibians
Amphibians are the most endangered group of vertebrates worldwide. More than half of the frogs, toads and newts in Germany are also on the Red List of Threatened Species. The results of a current research project done on behalf of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) indicate that the application of pesticides in agriculture is in part responsible for the disappearance of amphibians. Tests conduct... read more
The REACH regulation as an effective way of regulating nanomaterials
There is currently a need for better identification and assessment of potential hazards arising from nanomaterials for humans and their environment in the future. With this aim, the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) have, at the suggestion of the Federal Environment Ministry, develop... read more
Brilliant colours and sharp print definition
Recycled paper saves up to 60 per cent of energy and 70 per cent of water compared to primary fibre papers, and it produces less waste and emissions. But surely this means sacrificing printing quality? The Federal Environment Agency’s answer is ‘no’ in its new publication Papier. Wald und Klima schützen (German), which also clears up other misunderstandings on the topic. The publication is an appr... read more
Greenhouse gas emissions fall by 2.9 percent in 2011 despite nuclear phase out
Greenhouse gas emissions are dropping further despite the decommissioning of eight nuclear power plants in 2011. When compared with emissions from 2010, emissions in 2011 fell by 2.9 percent, mainly due to weather conditions. This amounts to 27 million tonnes less carbon dioxide equivalent. The greatest reductions were recorded in combustion plants for the generation of space heating and as a resu... read more
Greenwashing is not enough!
“Greenwashing is not enough!“ is the motto of this year’s Bundespreis Ecodesign competition which was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Environment (BMU) and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and relaunched on 14 January 2013 for the second time. Environmental compatibility and good design have long ceased to be a contradiction in terms. The sponsors of the competition hope to demonstrate th... read more
