People with little education or low incomes are more likely to suffer from traffic noise and poor air quality than other segments of the population. The health problems associated with particulates and noise are especially high in urban areas with heavy traffic. The consequences of global warming as well as the increasing social polarisation in cities have prompted the need for political intervent... read more
Environmental standards for jackets and trousers
Federal Environment Agency (UBA), industrial and commercial enterprises, associations in the textile and shoe industry, and civic institutions are all toeing the same line on sustainable development: improve environmental standards in textile and shoe production worldwide. President Jochen Flasbarth of the Federal Environment Agency applauds brand-name producers and commercial enterprises for incr... read more
Federal Environment Agency gives the all-clear signal on EHEC in drinking water
The risk of EHEC breaking out via drinking water can be ruled out. Intestinal bacteria are almost never present in large water supply systems that are microbiologically monitored on a daily basis. Even very small waterworks and house wells that are monitored less regularly are highly unlikely to be host to the current strain of EHEC. UBA President Jochen Flasbarth warned against spreading unfounde... read more
Upwards trend in disposable plastic bottles continues
Disposable plastic bottles are squeezing reusable bottles and drinks cartons out of the market. The market share of returnable and ecologically advantageous disposable beverage packaging continues to decline. It sank again slightly in 2009, with a share of only 51.8 percent, which is clearly below the target level of 80 percent that the amended packaging ordinance for mass-produced beverages presc... read more
Large-scale engineering in global environmental processes: an alternative in climate protection?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is currently conducting a debate about large-scale engineering projects, also known as geo-engineering. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) position on this is cautious for reasons of preventative protection of the environment. ”There is no technology at present which can retroactively contain global warming”, said UBA President Jochen Flasbarth. In p... read more
Breezing through the summer - even without air conditioning
Buildings might soon have a considerably lower electricity demand to meet their cooling needs. Savings of 38 percent by 2030 are possible, according to results of a study commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). “There are already a number of proven measures in place today that prevent buildings from heating up. In many cases active cooling with an air conditioning system has become u... read more
World Environment Day 2011: Preserve forests, use them sustainably!
Germany’s forest: a source of wood, clean water, purifier of the air we breathe, and provider of protection against avalanches and floods. All this adds up to a range of services of which we make use almost daily - sometimes even free of charge. Nevertheless, mankind has leaned all too heavily on our forests. Whilst the Middle Ages saw large-scale clearing, the 20th century witnessed air pollution... read more
Enhanced protection against substances of very high concern
The European REACH Regulation obliges companies to register substances of very high concern with the European Chemicals Agency starting 1 June 2011. President Jochen Flasbarth of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) is calling upon companies to carry out an exacting review of their product range. “Substances with these properties do not belong in the products we use in our daily lives. They must b... read more
