Publications

In the late 19th century, the lack of appropriate waste collection and disposal systems in Europe along with public health issues – the outbreak of epidemics such as the cholera – raised the question: How can waste volumes be reduced and how can waste be managed more hygienically? This marked the beginning of the age of “technical waste incineration“.

Under the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” (Article 3.1 of the UNFCCC) non-Annex I parties have so far been exempted from emission limitation or reduction commitments. However, the pressure is mounting on those countries, especiallymajor emitting developing countries, to contribute actively to the mitigation of climate change.

How does emissions trading influence the competitiveness of the German industry? By increasing the costs of domestic production, emissions trading may induce the relocation of industrial production and the associated emissions – e.g. to non-EU countries with few or no climate protection regulations.

The research project “National Implementation of the UNECE Convention on Long-range Trans-boundary Air Pollution (Effects): ICP Modelling&Mapping NFC; Heavy Metals (Critical Loads, Deposition); Nitrogen + Acidity (Deposition); Nitrogen (Effects); Material Corrosion; Critical Ozone fluxes” (BMU/UBA FE-No.

Air pollutants inside schools present a hygiene problem. The indoor pollution observed inside school buildings can be traced back to a variety of causes, such as poor construction, failings in ventilation engineering, incorrect ventilation routines, and the use of particular building materials, fittings or cleaning products which release chemicals into the air.

When this research project was started in autumn 2006, the discussion on the sustainability of bioenergy – and particularly biofuels – was largely restricted to expert circles. The tenor of the discussion however had already developed in the direction of increasing skepticism.

The objectives of the present research study were twofold: first, to provide a synthesis of the state of the art of research on climate change impacts on water resources and the occurrence of extreme events (floods, droughts and heatwaves) in Europe. Observed and projected changes at regional level are analysed in detail.

In Germany, routine measurements are made in the environmental areas of air, noise and water. These measurements are to ensure that the quality of such media are checked as well as to evaluate any measures necessary in order to insure safety or improve quality.

Proceeding from the UBA report of 19 April 2007 we updated the costs and potentials of technologies that improve the fuel efficiency of cars. For this purpose, extensive research was carried out. The results for six car classes (diesel and otto engines, and in each case small, medium-sized and large cars) are displayed. 

Recently, various press reports on waste management in Germany have drawn attention to a supposed contradiction between waste incineration and waste prevention. The main claim was that the current expansion of waste incineration in Germany would thwart further efforts at waste prevention and block further advances in recycling and waste management.

The recent IPCC assessment reports on climate change and the economic assessments made by the group headed by Lord Nicholas Stern have led to a new round of scientific discussion and political debate.

The aim of the project „Identification of Organic Pollutants in the North and Baltic Seas” was to identify and quantify toxic organic substances in the marine environment of the North Sea and Baltic Sea for which environmental data are either insufficient or not available.