Press | Umweltbundesamt

The 2020 data for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are available for all air monitoring stations in Germany. Six cities exceeded the air quality limit of 40 micrograms NO₂ per cubic metre of air (µg/m³) as an annual average. read more

Better supra-regional flood protection is possible, say the results of a five-year research project carried out by the German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA). Simulations indicate severe flooding along Danube, Elbe and Rhine rivers could be considerably reduced in the event of a future emergency. read more

Current rainwater measurements commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA) show that TFA concentrations have risen sharply since the 1990s. read more

A recent study on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA) shows that even though German companies increasingly report on climate, water, resources and waste, significant gaps remain. Only about 20 percent disclose information on air pollution and biodiversity. Apparently, the identified gaps in corporate reporting are often due to insufficient legal provisions. read more

A new publication by the German Environment Agency (UBA) proposes an even stronger regulation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to protect the climate. HFCs are used as refrigerants in cooling and refrigerant systems which may escape to the environment during filling, operation and disposal. Ammonia, water and hydrocarbons are available as climate-friendly alternatives. read more

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, 65 percent of Germans consider environmental protection and climate action to be a very important issue. Climate action in particular remains just as important during the pandemic for 70 percent and has actually become more important for 16 percent. The people surveyed see a need for action above all in energy, agriculture and transport. These are the results of a... read more

The world's oceans are becoming increasingly burdened by man-made noise. This noise can disturb or even harm marine animals. An international research project entitled "Hearing in penguins", which is funded by the German Environment Agency (UBA), shows that penguins, just like whales and seals, also hear and react to noise in the sea. read more

A study by the German Environment Agency (UBA) is the first to undertake a systematic investigation of the fate of plastics in the environment for Germany. These plastics are the quantities that are not removed by any relevant measures after their discharge. The study shows that about 133,000 to 165,000 tonnes of plastic per year remain in the environment due to transport. read more