Publications

According to the approval under state aid law of the Carbon Leakage Ordinance of the Fuel Emission Trading Act (BECV) by the European Commission (State Aid SA.63191 (2023/N)), a comprehensive evaluation of the regulation is required by 2028.

Urease and nitrification inhibitors are used in agriculture to reduce ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions and the leaching of nitrate. However, the risks of inhibitors for human health and the environment have not yet been sufficiently investigated. Also, the specific effectiveness of different urease and nitrification inhibitors has not yet been sufficiently clarified.

This study offers a comprehensive first assessment of the global carbon leakage potential associated with AI-driven data center operation and investment. The focus is on carbon leakage from costs imposed by emission trading systems (ETS) on data center electricity consumption.

This publication provides an overview about data of the German PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register). For each pollutant, the number of reported facilities and their releases to air, water and land and their off-site transfer in waste water are clearly displayed.

This report summarizes the findings of the research project "Cost allocation and incentive mechanisms for environmental, climate protection and resource conservation along global supply chains" and investigates four selected supply chain management instruments which have a high potential to increase incentives for environmental protection in global supply chains:

In addition to the air pollutants nitrogen oxide (NO_X) and sulphur oxide (SO_X), seagoing vessels emit considerable quantities of particulate matter (PM). These emissions are not yet regulated either internationally or regionally.

The German Environment Agency initiated a project to promote nature-based solutions (NbS) in the Alpine region.

The analysis of decades of data series on the occurrence of penguins and seabirds in Maxwell Bay contributes to the understanding of the effects of climate change on the marine ecosystems in the area of the northern Antarctic Peninsula.

Polyquaternium (PQ) compounds are water soluble polymers which are widely used in high volumes, e.g. in body care products. They are assumed to be persistent in the environment and to be toxic to aquatic organisms. Information on their occurrence and environmental concentrations is essential to assess the risk these chemicals may pose and determine if regulatory action is required.

The project lays the groundwork for a European digital product passport by expanding legal information requirements, developed in collaboration with stakeholders using textiles and energy-related products as examples. It explores how key product data can be digitally tracked, combined, and made accessible across the life cycle.

After five years of operation, a comprehensive evaluation of the KlimAdapt project, consisting of the German Climate Preparedness Portal (KLiVO-Portal) and its accompanying network, was carried out in 2024. The aim was to examine the impact and use of the portal, particularly from a user perspective.

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) aims to develop Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs) in marine regions where there is an interest in deep-sea mining. The REMPs will be a sectoral management tool and offer the opportunity to implement an ecosystem-based management approach.