What is the annual average level of atmospheric particulates (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone pollution in Germany? All the answers are now available, totally free of charge, from the Federal Environment Agency at http://gis.uba.de/Website/luft/index.htm. The data in this geographic information system (GIS) provide a quick look at the regional distribution of air pollution in Germany, dat... read more
Experts explain climate change
What are the origins of climate change? What impact does the current change in climate have on ecosystems in the various regions around the globe and on human health? Climate experts at the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) have the answers to these and similar questions in a newly published brochure. It is based on findings from the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climat... read more
When tags interfere with recycling
Some consumers have already taken notice of them: ever more packaging with adhesive tags or unusual labelling. It is a system using so-called Radio-Frequency identification, or RFID tags, which will eventually replace the barcode commonly used today. Their advantage is that they store more information on minimal space and are quickly read by readers. RFID tags are well-placed everywhere where good... read more
One in every five supermarkets still using refrigerant R 22 and damaging the climate
The Federal Environment Agency is urging quick replacement of the refrigerant R 22 with climate-friendly alternatives. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are still being used as coolants at butchers’, in canteen kitchens, air conditioning systems, or in supermarkets. Although it damages the ozone layer if it leaks, one in every five supermarkets in Germany still uses R 22. The European Union has ban... read more
Kids’ quiz on environment and health
How can I tell if a bathing lake is clean? Why should I air the bath after taking a shower? What is a noise signalling light? Kids (and adults, too!) can now playfully test their knowledge about the environment and health with these and 57 other quiz questions! The lovingly illustrated quiz is available for two age groups: the easier version targets children aged 8 and older, and the more advanced... read more
Sustainable mobility on foot, by bike, bus, and rail
The motto of this year’s European Mobility Week is ‘Improving City Climates’. This is the first year that the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) is participating in the Mit dem Rad zur Arbeit (Going to work by bike) campaign co-sponsored by the Allgemeine Deutsche Fahrradclub (ADFC) and the Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse (AOK) with 140 active cyclists. In mathematical terms, participants cycled the equ... read more
Heading for sustainable management
The steady growth in world population and the rising per capita consumption of energy and material goods demand a speedy change in the thinking of the private sector, the political forum and society as to how to handle natural resources, that is, with renewable and finite raw materials, water and soil. Climate protection along with protection of resources features on the agenda of international en... read more
In German: Bilder aus dem ewigen Eis
Seit Beginn seiner künstlerischen Laufbahn hat der bayerische Maler Gerhard Rießbeck eine Vorliebe für die karge Natur der Polargebiete. Zu Fuß und mit dem Kajak durchquerte er atemberaubende Landschaften, beispielsweise in Island, Norwegen und Grönland. Seine Erlebnisse fanden künstlerischen Ausdruck in zahlreichen, oft großformatigen Ölbildern, die nach Skizzen im Atelier entstanden. read more
