Publications | Umweltbundesamt

Chemicals

How rapidly do per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) accumulate in different environmental compartments?

Monitoring of samples from the German Environmental Specimen Bank

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are one of the predominant groups of organic contaminants in the environment and in biota. Their persistence, along with their widespread use, has led to both diffuse contamination of the environment and a very large number of locally highly contaminated hot spots. In this project, a comprehensive dataset on PFAS contamination of food webs in Germany was...read more

Climate | Energy

Submission under the United Nations Framework Convention 2025

National Inventory Report for the German Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990-2023

As a Party to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (⁠UNFCCC⁠), since 1994 Germany has been obliged to prepare, publish and regularly update national emission inventories of greenhouse gases. Pursuant to Decision 24/CP.19, all Parties listed in ANNEX I of the ⁠UNFCCC⁠ are required to prepare and submit annual National Inventory Reports (NID) containing detailed and complete information on...read more

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

Blue Carbon Ecosystems in Nationally Determined Contributions and national greenhouse gas reporting

Ad-hoc paper as part of the research project FKZ 3722 42 510 0

This paper examines the integration of "Blue Carbon Ecosystems" (BCEs) such as mangroves and salt marshes into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Inventory Reports (NIRs). While developing countries are increasingly including BCEs in their NDCs, reporting in NIRs remains insufficient. Only seven countries account for BCE, with mangroves being the most commonly included. Report...read more

Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

EU Cohesion Policy post 2027

Proposals for a transformative EU regional policy

Europe’s green transformation can only succeed if all regions are able to realize their full potential. Cohesion policy should continue to play a key role in this beyond 2027. Our recommendations for EU cohesion policy from 2028 onwards include a forward-looking and targeted policy approach, future-oriented investments, the promotion of natural capital, placing regions at the core, stronger partic...read more

Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

A future-oriented Cohesion Policy post 2027

The European Union is at a cross-road with the chance to set our path towards a sustainable and just future for all Europeans. Cohesion Policy aims for social, economic and territorial cohesion in the European Union and is a core EU policy to bring the European Union to its citizens, increase their quality of life, while driving simultaneously the green transition. The alignment of the Cohesion Po...read more

Economy | Consumption

GreenTech made in Germany 2025

GreenTech-Atlas for Germany

The GreenTech Atlas 2025 demonstrates that the German GreenTech industry has since long established itself as a key industry withing the national economy. The industry provides stable employment and contributes significantly to value creation. In regards to foreign trade, the German GreenTech industry holds a strong position. In terms of global innovation, Germany’s GreenTech sector has proven hig...read more

Climate | Energy, Chemicals

Advanced materials for the energy transition

Study to survey the state of knowledge and technology on the application of advanced materials in the various technologies for the production and storage of renewable energies

The report describes the state of knowledge and technology on current and future applications of advanced materials in the various technologies to support the energy transition. Based on a literature review, a systematic overview of applications of advanced materials for the generation, saving, storage and transportation of renewable energies and energy sources is presented. In addition, based on...read more

Climate | Energy

Ambitious GHG mitigation opportunities and challenges in the agriculture sector

Analysis of sustainable potentials in selected countries

Climate change is a major threat to ecosystems and livelihoods, requiring urgent cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Food systems, including crop and livestock production, contribute significantly to global emissions. Monocultures and intense farming worsen biodiversity loss, pollution, and water stress. Transitioning to plant-based diets and adopting better farming practices is essential to meet th...read more