Publications | Umweltbundesamt

Air

Empirical Critical Loads of nitrogen for Europe

This brochure summarizes the revised empirical critical loads for N compared to 2011. 40 % of ecosystems react more sensitively to N than previously assumed. The ecosystems studied have been visualized to make them easier to understand. Two maps show the distribution of natural and semi-natural ecosystems on the one hand and the distribution of forest ecosystems in Europe and the neighboring count...read more

Climate | Energy

Factsheet: Modelling methods for assessing complex and social impacts of policies

Qualitative and quantitative system modelling approaches for policy advice

The Factsheet results from the research project „Machbarkeitsstudie: Modellierung von Anpassungsmaßnahmen: Akteure, Entscheidungen und Wirksamkeit“, introduces the topic of system modelling approaches and their suitability to assess impacts of policies in the field of climate adaptation and summarizes the main findings of the project (what are complex social systems how are system models helpful?...read more

Climate | Energy, Health, Noise

Informational concept on infrasound and its effects

The public often discusses infrasound as a threat to human health. This research project analysed, what the people know about infrasound. It developed a communication concept for different target groups, based on the scientific knowledge on risk communication. The goal was to provide appropriate information about infrasound and its possible health effects. The project results in this final report....read more

Climate | Energy, Air, Agriculture

Fostering win-win farming practices to reduce nitrogen pollution and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions

A case study from Germany

This paper examines the potential synergies between German nitrogen and green-house gas (GHG) mitigation policies in the agricultural sector. Agricultural practices aimed at reducing air (ammonia) and water (nitrates) pollution can have beneficial effects on GHG mitigation (nitrous oxide and methane) taking into consideration the nitrogen cycle and biogeochemical pathways. This study reviews the e...read more

Climate | Energy, Water, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Climate-relevant greenhouse gas emissions of inland waters in Germany and estimation of their mitigation potential by restoration measures

A review

According to a UBA study, water bodies can be sources of greenhouse gases and thus contribute to climate change. In our surface waters carbon and nitrogen can be transformed into carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The type of gas that is produced, results from various biological and chemical decomposition processes of organic material. In heavily anthropogenically modified surface water, c...read more

Transport

Decision parameters of an MRV scheme for integrating non-CO₂ aviation effects into EU ETS

In addition to CO2, aviation affects the climate through other emissions and atmospheric processes, such as the formation of ozone and contrail cirrus. Although these non-CO2 effects account for about 2/3 of aviation's total climate impact, they have not been regulated in the past.This report summarizes the most important decision parameters that need to be considered by policy-makers for the impl...read more

Climate | Energy, Transport

DLR Review of an EASA Report requested by the European Commission

„Updated analysis of the non-CO₂ climate impacts of aviation and potential policy measures pursuant to EU Emissions Trading System Directive Article 30(4)”

In addition to CO₂, aviation affects the climate through other emissions and atmospheric processes, such as the formation of ozone and contrail cirrus. Although these non-CO₂ effects account for about 2/3 of aviation's total climate impact, they have not been regulated in the past.According to Article 30(4) of the EU ETS Directive, ‘the Commission shall present (before January 2020) an updated ana...read more

Climate | Energy, Transport

Software for a simplified estimation of CO₂ equivalents of individual flights

In addition to CO2, aviation affects the climate through other emissions and atmospheric processes, such as the formation of ozone and contrail cirrus. These non-CO2 effects account for about 2/3 of aviation's total climate impact but can vary widely from flight to flight. Although scientists have complex models to determine the climate impact of individual flights, there was no simple tool for th...read more