Newsletter "UBA aktuell" - No.: 3/2020 | Umweltbundesamt

Advice and infomation about the coronavirus

The novel coronavirus Source: Getty Images / Radoslav Zilinsky

Like many other organisations, the German Environment Agency is investigating the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. There are a number of different aspects to consider: 

The possible means by which the virus is transmitted: Can SARS-CoV-2 be transmitted via tap water or water from swimming pools and bathing lakes? Fortunately, we can largely dispel this theory based on the evidence currently available to us: transmission is highly unlikely. In the case of ventilation and air conditioning systems, the situation is more complex: here it depends on type, operating method and maintenance. 

The impact of environmental pollution on COVID-19 infections: Polluted air certainly appears to play a role in COVID-19. As particulate matter and nitrogen oxide can cause or contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, this could mean that people in areas with high levels of air pollution are at an increased risk of a possible SARS-CoV-2 infection taking a severe course. 

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the environment: In Germany, as in virtually every other country of the world, there is currently less air travel, car travel and manufacturing as a result of the pandemic. Naturally, this is leading to lower levels of greenhouse gases, air pollutants and noise. However, at best, this will only have a short-term effect on the environment and health. Long-term improvements beyond the end of the crisis can only be achieved by means of a targeted climate and environment policy. 

Concrete advice for everyday life: The more time spent at home, the greater the importance of a healthy indoor air climate. Adequate ventilation and home cleanliness are important – cleaning with disinfectants, on the other hand, can even be harmful to humans and the environment. 

Detailed advice and information can be found under the following links. 

Zeilengrün

Under the heading Zeilengrün (Green Line), the German Environment Agency in cooperation with the online magazine www.LizzyNet.de is launching a nationwide writing competition for adolescents and young adults. The search is on for short stories or essays from budding authors between the ages of 12 and 26. read more (in German)

Ever increasing household energy consumption calls for political action

The energy consumption of German households is on the rise – despite appliances becoming increasingly efficient. This is due to the increase in the quantity and size of appliances being purchased as well as the increase in per capita living space. It is imperative that policy makers help citizens adapt their behaviour and save energy by means of financial incentives, increased guidance and energy-saving obligations. read more (in German) 

Giving water bodies more space

Less than ten per cent of German rivers and streams are in a good ecological condition. In order to fully achieve the goal set out in the Water Framework Directive, the German Advisory Council on the Environment (Sachverständigenrat für Umweltfragen – SRU) recommends in its Environment Report 2020 that water bodies be given more space as a prerequisite for a good ecological condition. The UBA supports this recommendation. read more (in German) 

Drought in Germany - Questions and Answers

April 2020 was far too dry. Due to the fact that there was far too little rainfall in Germany in 2018 and 2019 and that this was only partially offset in the winter months, many parts of the country are experiencing an extreme drought even in the deeper soil layers. What does this mean for vegetation, groundwater and agriculture? Is it a sign of climate change? And how can we adapt? read more (in German) 

Continued high volume of litter in the environment

The thoughtless disposal of waste in public spaces, otherwise known as “littering”, is a global phenomenon that has significant ecological, aesthetic and economic consequences. As part of a study commissioned by the UBA, data about the type, volume and sites of litter were collected and possible strategies for reducing the incidence of littering were examined. read more (in German) 

Tackling climate protection and the energy transition in a socially responsible way

Climate protection and the energy transition can only succeed if tackled in a socially responsible way that meets with broad acceptance. A UBA study illustrates how this can be achieved. By way of example, the energy-related modernisation of residential buildings in accordance with socially responsible principles and the promotion of more energy-efficient household appliances can help to ensure that energy costs for low-income households stay within reasonable limits. read more (in German) 

LNG trucks deliver virtually no climate benefit

Trucks that run on liquefied natural gas deliver only a very limited climate benefit compared with diesel trucks. This is the conclusion drawn by a study commissioned by the German Environment Agency. The study involved assessing the climate impact during service life, while also taking fuel supply into account. Given the findings, it is hard to justify road toll exemptions for LNG trucks on climate protection grounds. read more (in German) 

Selecting the right equipment can reduce environmental damage caused by insecticides

When trying to combat the oak processionary moth, it is not always possible to avoid using insecticides. If caterpillars and nests cannot be removed with the help of vacuum equipment, insecticides are applied to affected oak trees using spray cannons, for example. During this process, insecticides are also blown into the surrounding area and can harm other insects. A UBA study has examined how risks for the environment can be reduced by selecting the right equipment. read more (in German) 

Transformation: success factors for social change

If we want to successfully overcome pressing ecological and social challenges, it is not enough to simply ask: “What needs changing?” It is equally important to establish how we can actually bring about the necessary changes. Therefore the focus is now on the success factors for social change and how they can be applied for achieving successful change processes. read more (in German) 

UBA publishes guidelines on the circular economy

Sustainable development is hard to imagine without a strict circular economy. Abandoning a predominantly linear economic approach calls for strategic measures. The UBA has drawn up guidelines for policy makers, businesses and society as a whole, systematically setting out the objectives, scope, principles, requirements and success factors relevant to a circular economy. read more (in German)

Using products for longer

Many products are being used for an ever shorter period of time. This has a negative impact on the environment and the climate because energy and resources are required to produce new goods. Moreover, it generates waste, only a small proportion of which is recycled. A UBA background paper shows how longer product use can be achieved and what potential benefits are offered by recycling, inter alia for the employment market. read more (in German) 

Climate change affects the safety of technical plants

Natural hazards such as heavy rainfall, floods, winter storms or lightning can cause malfunctions. Climate change can alter the intensity, frequency and geographical distribution of such hazards. Risk management procedures have to be adjusted accordingly by operators of plants in which large volumes of hazardous substances are used and by the authorities responsible. read more (in German) 

The EMW 2020 is taking place! Registration now possible

In the light of the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of people have been anxious to know whether the European Mobility Week (EMW) would be taking place this year and, if so, what it would be like. Another question on people’s lips was when local authorities would be able to register. The event has now been given the go-ahead and the first local authority to register for Germany is Lilienthal from Lower Saxony. read more (in German)

Online survey about heat, health and climate change

Heatwaves are linked to significant health risks. This is evident from the heatwaves experienced during the summer months in recent years. How well prepared is Germany for heatwaves? What measures have already been implemented or are still at the planning stage at regional, district and local level? UBA survey launched on the subject of heat and health. read more (in German) 

Submission of comments on the proposed restriction of PFHxA

Germany has submitted a proposal for restricting the manufacture, marketing, import and use of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA). The proposal also applies to PFHxA salts and substances that can be degraded to PFHxA (= precursor substances). The closing date for comments on the proposal is 25 September 2020. read more (in German) 

Oak processionary moth: answers to frequently asked questions

The oak processionary moth is a species native to Germany. Its caterpillars can pose a danger from both a human health and a forestry perspective. When is it appropriate to tackle the problem with pesticides or biocides? What legal provisions need to be considered? And what environmentally friendly alternatives are available? read more (in German)

UBA and BMU play an active role in numerous environment-related standardisation committees

The work carried out by the UBA in DIN, CEN and ISO standardisation committees and funded in part by the BMU has been the subject of a study. The findings confirm that the BMU and UBA are actively involved in the most relevant committees handling environmental issues. According to the conclusions drawn by the study, climate change, digitalisation and European regulations will play a more significant role in environment-related standardisation in future. read more (in German) 

Project funding for associations: submit your application now for 2021

Environmental protection and nature conservation associations can apply for project funding for 2021; the closing date is 31 July 2020. read more (in German) 

In 2019, greenhouse gas emissions in Germany were down by around 6.3 per cent compared with 2018. This is the preliminary greenhouse gas balance drawn up by the German Environment Agency. The positive trend therefore continued throughout 2019. With the exception of the global crisis year of 2009, the reduction seen in 2019 is the biggest annual decline since 1990. The most significant progress was made in the energy sector. In the building and transport sectors, on the other hand, increased greenhouse gas emissions were recorded.