News

Biomass materials such as wood, maize starch or vegetable oil should not automatically be used for energy.

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) and UBA present joint recommendations for action.

Poor air quality can have serious impacts on our health and the environment. How is Europe’s air quality? What are the main sources of air pollutants? How do they affect our health and the environment? What does Europe do to improve air quality?

Urban transport in the EU is undergoing a change. This is the outcome of the latest Transport and Environmental Reporting Mechanism (TERM) Report by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Commercial ocean fertilization activities are now subject to an international ban, although certain research activities will be permitted. This was the decision taken by the Parties to the London Protocol on 18 October 2013 and which has now been publicised.

The UFOPLAN 2014 which has just been announced reflects the thematic areas in which the Federal Environment Ministry will focus environmental research next year and which projects will actually be launched.

Global warming is to be contained to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius. This was the goal agreed by the 194 Member States of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2010. However, the global climate protection measures agreed to date will not achieve this goal.

Efforts to reduce air pollution must continue on a wide scale to protect man and the environment. This became clear at the "Reine Luft" [Clean Air] conference which was hosted by the UBA in September 2013.

UBA President Flasbarth points out the great need for action after the presentation of the IPCC report: "In comparison to the 2007 report, the findings of the latest IPCC report are even more specific and well-founded."

How pharmaceutical residues from sludge and slurry accumulate in the soil and what effect does this have demonstrated a workshop, the UBA held on 18 and 19 June 2013.

Traffic is growing and growing – and presenting cities around the world with similar challenges in terms of climate, environmental and health protection.

An UBA study gives recommendations on what donors should bear in mind in the funding of transport projects in developing and transition regions.