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Science

Networking is the bread and butter of research. Our research findings on environmental protection and protecting the public against environmental toxins are available free of charge in our publications, which comprise final reports on our own research, as well as overviews of our findings in various white papers and specialized brochures. And if you’re in search of grist for your own research mill, then be sure to visit our Data area and/or our environmental library. Our Umweltforschungsdatenbank (environmental data research database) enables you to see at a glance texts about environmental research in German speaking countries. And if you have a yen to join the UBA research community, then feel free to apply for one of our research projects.

Transport

Achieving a socially just transport transition

two children with satchels look between parked cars to see if they can cross the road safely

Transport policy is an extremely controversial and emotional issue; many think the transport transition makes sense and is necessary, while others feel it's unrealistic or overwhelming. A study by the German Environment Agency (UBA) reveals the real social challenges involved and provides suggestions for political measures that could help ensure the transition benefits everyone.

Climate | Energy

Global Stocktake reveals climate action gaps and opportunities

H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President and other participants onstage during the Closing Plenary at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 at Expo City Dubai on December 13, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Global Stocktake assesses the collective progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement every five years. The first Global Stocktake has revealed major gaps on the way to achieving international climate action goals but also pointed at a clear path ahead. On behalf of UBA, researchers analysed the contributions of the Parties to the Paris Agreement.

Transport, Digitalisation

Shaping digitalisation in transport sustainably

A woman rents a scooter via an app

Driverless shuttles on the roads, assistance systems in passenger cars and route planning on your phone – these and other current and future developments in the digitalisation of transport, their opportunities and risks, and necessary constraints were analysed in two UBA research projects. The results have now been summarised and published in a brochure.

Chemicals, Economy | Consumption, Waste | Resources

NonHazCity 3 Building Award: Policies for non-hazardous buildings

Newly constructed basement walls are insulated

NonHazCity 3 is a European project under the framework of the EU Interreg Program for the Baltic Sea Region. The project aims to reduce hazardous substances in the construction sector and to support circular construction. A NonHazCity Building Award will be given to celebrate the most effective laws and policies for non-hazardous buildings – nominations are welcome! Deadline is the 15th June 2024.

Climate | Energy

Renewable energies continue to pick up speed in 2023

Wind turbines between agricultural land and a solar park

The total share of renewable energies in energy consumption (electricity, heat and transport) rose to 22 per cent in Germany in 2023. In 2022, this share was at 20.8 per cent. This positive development was the result of a growth of renewables in the electricity and heat sector while overall energy demand declined.

Climate | Energy

Climate protection is also possible without nuclear energy

Installation of a Photovoltaic system on a roof

A recent analysis of global climate scenarios commissioned by the German Environment Agency shows that nuclear energy is not necessary to achieve the climate targets set out in the Paris Agreement. Instead, it is the rapid and targeted expansion of renewable energies that is crucial to advancing climate protection and the energy transition.

Climate | Energy

Consequences of the climate crisis in Germany are becoming more severe

Harvested grain field with yellow stubble and bales of straw. Dark, low-hanging clouds loom menacingly in the sky.

Germany regularly experiences heatwaves, is getting warmer overall and is losing water. This is demonstrated by the new monitoring report on the Federal Government's German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (DAS), which Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke and UBA President Dirk Messner presented in Berlin.

Economy | Consumption

NonHazCity 3 Interreg Project

Logo NonHazCity3

Reducing substances in the construction sector that are hazardous to health and the environment and supporting circular construction – these are the goals of NonHazCity 3, a European project in the EU Interreg Program for the Baltic Sea Region. The project team involves 21 partners from all eight EU countries around the Baltic Sea, including the German Environment Agency (UBA).

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The UBA

Ukrainian UBA guest scientist earns a fellowship and an honour

Dr. Olena Matukhno mit der Urkunde für die „Green heart leader“-Ehrenauszeichnung

Ukrainian guest scientist Dr Olena Matukhno has received the Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers and the Green Heart Leader honorary award. She has worked at the German Environment Agency (UBA) since June 2022. The research is centred around achieving the climate goals in the Ukrainian iron and steel industry through decarbonisation and carbon offsetting measures.

Chemicals

New Global Framework on Chemicals adopted

The 5th International Conference on Chemicals Management took place from 25 to 29 September 2023

The Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) adopted at the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in Bonn sets concrete targets and guidelines for the entire lifecycle of chemicals. In addition to this framework, the conference also adopted the Bonn Declaration, in which ministers and delegation leaders committed to the implementation of the GFC.

Short link: www.uba.de/t86295en