News

Climate change will affect the frequency, intensity and regional occurrence of extreme weather events and lead to gradual climatic changes. Although impacts appear locally at first, they spread beyond political borders due to the global physical and economic interconnectedness. A new UBA report provides an overview of the potential impact chains of global climate change on the German economy.

To increase recycling of precious and minor metals, a German Environment Agency study concludes that dismantling and recycling obligations plus information obligations for WEEE and motors with neodymium magnets and end-of-life vehicle electronics may be appropriate. It also recommends consolidation workshops and adjustments to legislation regarding the long-term interim storage of minor metals.

In 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 goals for worldwide socially, ecologically and economically sustainable development (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). The SDG 12 database shows which developments have taken place in Germany since then with regard to Goal 12 "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns". It currently comprises more than 120 activities.

Air pollution, noise, climate change, chemicals – Environmental problems are a burden on human health. An intact environment can have a positive influence on health and well-being. Urban green spaces are a good example. A recent report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) describes successes for environment and health as well as challenges that face Europe today.

Pesticides can cause damage to the environment. A project coordinated by the German Environment Agency for the European Environment Agency provides the first overview of pesticides in rivers. lakes and groundwater reported by EU Member States. The report confirms that additional measures are necessary to ensure compliance with environmental quality standards in waters.

For the 5th time, the German Environment Agency will organise the European Resources Forum (ERF) on 3 November 2020. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the English-language conference will take place virtually as an online event for the first time. More than 500 participants from over 40 countries are expected to attend.

The European chemicals regulation REACH is intended to contribute to a more sustainable chemistry. A current UBA report provides a systematic analysis on the relations between main elements of REACH (e.g. Registration or Information in the supply chain) and main elements of sustainable chemistry (e.g. substitution of hazardous substances or corporate social responsibility of companies).

The ERGO (EndocRine Guideline Optimisation) project aims to improve the identification and regulation of hormonally active substances (endocrine disruptors). It will be shown to what extent the effects of endocrine disruptors in mammals can be extrapolated to non-mammals and vice versa. The thyroid hormone system will be used as the basis for the investigations.

This is the message of a virtual panel discussion hosted by OECD, UBA and UNEP in the context of current debates on the vulnerability of global value chains to crises and the legal regulation of human rights and environmental due diligence. The discussion focused on the need to better dovetail environmental protection and respect for human rights.

What is the greenhouse effect and which gases are involved? How do man-made greenhouse gas emissions cause change in the earth’s atmosphere and what can still be done to limit global warming?

In Germany, some 560,000 end-of-life vehicles arose in 2018. Recycling of these vehicles complied with the European recycling and recovery targets, yet the whereabouts of around 310,000 vehicles are unknown. UBA therefore recommends the introduction of minimum requirements for vehicle registration systems in respect of deregistration of vehicles.

The "EcoDesign Circle" project coordinated by UBA is one of the finalists for the "Regiostars Awards", a competition of EU-funded projects that present inspiring approaches to regional development. The voting for the Audience Award is online on the competition website until 15 September.