It is clear to those who care about the environment that the way we live and do business must change if we are to protect our livelihoods. But what is the opinion of the German population as a whole? That is what you will find out in this edition of our newsletter. Strategies for change have been brought to the table. We will introduce you to some of these in this newsletter. This includes, for instance, how supplying heat for buildings can become carbon neutral and how forest management can become sustainable.
Wishing you an interesting read,
The Press Office of the German Environment Agency
Vast majority in Germany in favour of socioecological transition
People surveyed see urgent need for action in agriculture and food sector
Source: puhimec / Fotolia.com
The German lifestyle is not sustainable. If everyone on the planet lived the way we do, it would take three earths to meet the demand for resources. The results of a representative population survey on environmental awareness in Germany in 2020, which was published by the Federal Environment Ministry and the German Environment Agency in late April 2021, show that a large majority of the German populace favours changing this situation and protecting our livelihoods.
90% of respondents are in favour of a rapid and at the same time socially acceptable transformation to a sustainable economy. Around 80% are in favour of Germany taking on a leadership role on the international stage when it comes to climate action. The survey also shows that the coronavirus pandemic has not sidelined the issue of environmental and climate protection by any means. 65% of Germans consider environmental protection and climate action to be a very important issue. Climate action in particular remains just as important during the pandemic for 70% and has actually become more important for 16%. The people surveyed see a need for action above all in energy, agriculture, food sector and transport, for instance in the form of better bus and rail services and cycle lanes, less packaging waste and more vegetarian and vegan food in canteens and restaurants.
German Environment Agency President Dirk Messner: “The people in Germany are very aware that ambitious environmental protection and climate action ultimately sustains their own livelihoods. This decade is decisive for whether we succeed in setting the right course for a sustainable future or not. We must not let this unique window of opportunity pass us by - especially since a socioecological transition not only creates a better quality of life, but also stimulates the economy.”
In the 2020 bathing season, the EU Commission rated 90 per cent of all German bathing water sites 'excellent'. 96% of bathing waters in lakes, rivers and on the coast complied with the quality standards of the European Bathing Water Directive.
German drinking water rated “very good” once more
Drinking water from large centralised facilities continues to be of very good quality in Germany. That is the conclusion of the German Environment Agency's latest report on drinking water quality. As in previous years, there were only isolated cases of limit values being exceeded. read more (in German)
UBA positions
Heat supply for buildings must become carbon neutral
If Germany is to achieve its climate protection goals, the way in which heat is supplied to buildings must be redesigned. To achieve this, buildings must be renovated to be more energy efficient, for example, and all the rest of the heat demand must be derived from renewable energy sources in the future. Expanding and decarbonising heat grids will also be crucial. read more (in German)
A study by the German Environment Agency (UBA) is the first to undertake a systematic investigation of the fate of plastics in the environment for Germany. These plastics are the quantities that are not removed by any relevant measures after their discharge. The study shows that about 133,000 to 165,000 tonnes of plastic per year remain in the environment due to transport.
The 2020 data for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are available for all air monitoring stations in Germany. Six cities exceeded the air quality limit of 40 micrograms NO₂ per cubic metre of air (µg/m³) as an annual average.
The German Environment Agency proposes a national cap on nitrogen emissions. By 2030, no more than 1 million tonnes of nitrogen per year is to be emitted into the environment. Only then can existing protection goals for water bodies, terrestrial ecosystems and human health be achieved.
Better supra-regional flood protection is possible, say the results of a five-year research project carried out by the German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA). Simulations indicate severe flooding along Danube, Elbe and Rhine rivers could be considerably reduced in the event of a future emergency.
The world's oceans are becoming increasingly burdened by man-made noise. This noise can disturb or even harm marine animals. An international research project entitled "Hearing in penguins", which is funded by the German Environment Agency (UBA), shows that penguins, just like whales and seals, also hear and react to noise in the sea.
The environmental risks of pesticide cocktails are being underestimated
Multiple pesticides are often used on our fields at the same time or in succession. No checks are performed during the approval stage to ascertain how the individual substances work when combined. The substances are only evaluated separately. As a consequence, undesirable impacts on the environment as a result of combining pesticides often go undetected. A recent study for the German Environment Agency indicates that this needs to change quickly. read more (in German)
Conserving resources in the health sector
A research project conducted by the German Environment Agency has examined the issue of resource conservation in the health sector in greater detail. Services in the German health sector consumed 107 million tonnes of natural resources in 2016. This equated to 5% of the total raw material consumption in Germany. read more (in German)
UMID 01/2021: Heat-Health Action Plans and Coronavirus
The latest issue of the UMID magazine presents European heat-health action plans and showcases the heat precautions that various federal states and municipalities are adopting. It also focusses on COVID-19, including aspects such as the severity of the disease in the first wave, the link between coronavirus and changes in air quality, wastewater monitoring, disinfection by means of UV-C radiation and the BfR coronavirus monitor on risk perception in the population. read more (in German).
A recent study on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA) shows that even though German companies increasingly report on climate, water, resources and waste, significant gaps remain. Only about 20 percent disclose information on air pollution and biodiversity. Apparently, the identified gaps in corporate reporting are often due to insufficient legal provisions.
A national emissions trading scheme for heating oil, petrol and other fuels was launched in Germany on 1 January 2021, but how exactly does it work? Our short film explains it in just over 3 minutes.
Future-proof forests and sustainable wood use
Our forests perform a number of roles: they protect the climate, provide wood for us to use, filter dust from the air and offer opportunities for recreation as well as habitats for many animals and plants. A recent German Environment Agency paper shows how climate and environmental protection, sustainable forest management and using wood economically can help to preserve our forests, which have been hit hard by climate change. read more (in German)
Emission intensity of specific CO₂ emissions has fallen significantly
The specific CO₂ emission factor for electricity is falling sharply in Germany. The provisional figure for 2019 is 408 g/kWh and the estimate for 2020 is 366 g/kWh. The increased use of renewable energies had a positive impact on the trend in emissions from electricity generation and is therefore making a significant contribution to lowering the specific factor in the emission intensity. read more (in German)
Bauhaus der Erde - an initiative to transform the built environment
The building sector is a significant driver of climate change due to the emissions release through the construction, use and deconstruction of buildings. This must change as soon as possible if the Paris climate agreement is to be successful. Climate researcher Hans Joachim Schellnhuber is therefore calling for a fundamental shift in building policy from all those responsible. read more (in German)
How architects can reduce the impact of pollutants on the environment
Spillages of biocides and zinc from new build or redevelopment sites into the urban environment are worryingly high. These spillages can be almost entirely prevented by planning in a manner that minimises pollutants. This is the underlying message of new guidelines and fact sheets that offer advice on planning façades and roofs. read more (in German)
Development of the National Programme for Sustainable Consumption (NPNK)
During a meeting of the Committee of State Secretaries for Sustainable Development on 3 May 2021, the German government agreed on a broad package of measures to promote sustainable consumption patterns. The National Programme for Sustainable Consumption (NPNK) dating from 2016 will be further developed, with one of its aims being to contribute to halving consumption-related greenhouse gas emissions per inhabitant by 2030. read more (in German)
A new publication by the German Environment Agency (UBA) proposes an even stronger regulation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to protect the climate. HFCs are used as refrigerants in cooling and refrigerant systems which may escape to the environment during filling, operation and disposal. Ammonia, water and hydrocarbons are available as climate-friendly alternatives.
Apart from aligning the cap with the new climate target for 2030, the upcoming EU ETS reform also includes a review of the market stability reserve (MSR). A research project commissioned by the UBA proposes to adjust central MSR parameters in order to strengthen its function to stabilize the market in the event of external shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the context of the EU Green Week, UBA organised a partner event on the need to finally include biocides in Directive 2009/128/EC on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides or similar legislation. Contributions from stakeholders showed the need for regulatory provisions and also highlighted the opportunities this would bring to foster innovation towards sustainability.
In 2013, the Common Agricultural Policy was reformed with the aim of reducing negative environmental impacts of agriculture. Accordingly, farmers had to comply with certain environmentally friendly farming measures, the so-called "greening", to receive the EU subsidies. Despite high costs, however, the effects of the reform have remained small. This has been shown by a recent paper by UBA.
Environmental degradation, climate change and migration
Changes in the environment, climate change and environmental disasters can cause or indirectly influence migrations. Since there are many different factors that can force people to decide to migrate, they need to be considered specifically and on a case-by-case basis. Any resulting measures must also always take into account the well-being and rights of the people concerned. read more (in German)
Law and Legislation
Packaging Register: launch of the LUCID Government Portal
The new “LUCID Government Portal” operated by the Central Packaging Register Office was launched on 12 April. The portal automatically submits suspected administrative offence cases to the responsible state authorities in digital form. This ensures that evidence files are transferred and enforcement in the event of violations of the Packaging Act is faster, simpler and more secure. read more (in German)
UBA News
Environmental management at the German Environment Agency
Whether it is energy-saving buildings, solar power, reduced business travel or vegetarian catering at events, every aspect of systematic environmental management at the German Environment Agency is examined with the aim of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 at the latest. This short film (in German) demonstrates the different approaches we have adopted and introduces our environmental management policy. read more (in German)
New UBA online education tool: the Consumption Think Tank
Buying organic products, getting by without a car - can our individual consumption decisions save the climate? Or are stricter laws and eco-friendly companies the key to a sustainable lifestyle? The Consumption Think Tank (in German) is designed to help people to understand better what sustainable consumption is all about. The new educational tool is primarily aimed at actors in environmental education, environmental activists and interested consumers. read more (in German)
German Environment Agency launches interactive Environmental Atlas focussing on construction, housing and households
Construction and housing are associated with numerous impacts on the environment and the climate, including greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption and land use. How can construction be made more sustainable? How can we live in a more environmentally and climate-friendly way? The German Environment Agency’s multimedia Environmental Atlas addresses these questions. read more (in German)
Project funding for associations: apply now for 2022
Environmental protection and nature conservation associations can apply for project funding for 2022 until 20 July 2021. read more (in German)
The restriction process is a central instrument of REACH to regulate risks of substances by means of a restriction or prohibition for certain concentration ranges and uses. This project analysed the current implementation of the process based on a literature review and case studies with a focus on the workload for authorities, the duration of the procedure and the role oft he committees. Overall…
The publication describes the preliminary status of German air quality in 2020. Regarding PM (particulate matter) the reduction of pollution has continued. Consistently to this development, there are hardly any exceedances of the EU annul limit value for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). And there was less ozone pollution than in both previous years. The second part of the reports deals with the influence…
A broad consensus exists that carbon pricing is key for cost-effective emission reductions and that it must play a major role in driving the transition to a climate-neutral economy. However, despite significant progress in wider climate policy uptake in recent years, the vast majority of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remain unpriced. Making a success of carbon pricing in individual jurisdictions…
Influence of market structures and market regulations on the carbon market
Electricity generation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in many countries. Most emissions trading systems (ETS) therefore address emissions from electricity generation. The de-sign of an ETS and the structure and regulation of the electricity sector have a large impact on the environmental effectiveness and the quality of the carbon price signal. This report analyses the…
With the indicator report "Data on the Environment – Environmental Monitor 2020", the German Environment Agency provides a condensed picture of the state of the environment, the causes of environmental pollution and starting points for improved policy action. For this purpose, a total of 30 important environmental indicators were selected and, where available, underpinned with existing political…
Operationalizing Articles 6.8 and 6.9 of the Paris Agreement
In addition to market mechanisms, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement (PA) defines "non-market approaches", which are explored in more detail in this project. At the request of some developing countries, these approaches stand as a complement to the market mechanisms for cooperation in meeting the mitigation contributions of the PA and are intended to enable a holistic approach to the goals of…
Part B: Evaluation of the HELCOM zooplankton core indicator ’Zooplankton Mean Size and Total Stock (MSTS)’ along a salinity gradient in the western Baltic Sea
The study operationalized the HELCOM core indicator “Zooplankton mean size and total stock” (MSTS) in the Western Baltic Sea. The indicator is also used under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive to assess food webs and pelagic habitats. On the basis of a monthly data collection 2015-2016 in Kiel Bay, Bay of Mecklenburg, Arkona and Bornholm Basin it was investigated whether, on the basis of the…
This report assesses the role of emissions trading systems (ETS) in electricity sector decarbonization through analyses of carbon market designs and interactions with electricity market regulations, market structures and additional policies. It provides a synthesis of five case studies in EU, California, South Korea, China and Mexico. The authors investigate four carbon price quality criteria…
This report summarises the contents of the conference "Environmental Aspects in Public Procurement in Europe". The conference took place on 1 and 2 October 2020 in Berlin. It was organised as a two-day hybrid and digital conference to which national and international guests and speakers were invited. The conference focused on climate protection, the circular economy, biodiversity and a non-toxic…
Report compiled within the framework of the project ImpEx
The interim report covers the status quo on the use of scrubbers (Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems, EGCS) for sulphur reduction in seagoing ships. Based on a literature study, it includes technical aspects, a market analysis, legal framework and the status of research activities. The focus is on discharge water. Prior research studies demonstrated an acidic pH and the presence of several pollutants…
In our fields, several plant protection products (PPPs) are often applied at the same time and/or in sequence. In the current authorisation, however, PPPs are only evaluated individually. As a result, effects from typical PPP applications often remain undetected and represent a problematic and alarming gap in the authorisation of PPPs.
The authors of the present study evaluated almost 900 PPP spray…
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are the dominant fraction of fluorinated greenhouse gases, also known as F-gases. HFC emissions in the European Union (EU) amounted to 112 million tonnes CO2 equivalent (Mt CO2eq.) in 2018. This amounts to 2,2% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Main sources of HFC emissions are refrigeration and air conditioning plants and appliances.
The Paris Agreement (PA) has set a more ambitious target for limiting global warming compared to the pre-industrial level. Compared to the architecture of the Kyoto Protocol, the PA also sets stricter but voluntary targets for greenhouse gas emissions limitation in the period after 2020 and aims at global greenhouse gas neutrality in the second half of the century at the latest. In this project…
Findings and recommendations from the project “An Evaluation of the Common Agricultural Policy from the Perspective of Environmental Protection II”
The paper summarizes the most important results of the scientific project "Evaluation of the Common Agricultural Policy II". Land use data sets were used to in order to analyse how the 2013 reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has affected the environment. The results show that none of the greening measures included in the CAP (maintenance of permanent grassland, ecological priority…
This guidance describes methods and criteria to evaluate rodent break back/snap traps regarding their animal welfare impact and efficacy. The assessment follows a tiered approach starting with the tests of the mechanical properties, followed by a semi-field trial testing the animal welfare impact and basic efficacy, and optionally supplemented by the extended efficacy test in the field. The latter…
Climate-impacting refrigerants and blowing agents are often replaced by halogenated substances which, despite their low global warming potential, are not unproblematic for the environment. The study examines quantities used and emissions today and in the future as well as degradation pathways and products. An environmentally relevant degradation product is the persistent trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)…
The review of the market stability reserve (MSR) is one of the key elements of the forthcoming reform of the EU ETS. This report assesses if the MSR is designed in a way that it can fulfil its pur-pose to provide sufficient supply-side flexibility under the cap. The authors discuss different op-tions for adapting and complementing the MSR parameters, such as the intake rate and thresholds for…
National Inventory Report for the German Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990 – 2019
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 (NIRs) containing detailed and complete information on…
Influence of market structures and market regulation on the carbon market
Electricity generation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in many countries. Most emissions trading systems (ETS) therefore address emissions from electricity generation. The de-sign of an ETS and the structure and regulation of the electricity sector have a large impact on the environmental effectiveness and the quality of the carbon price signal. This report analyses the…
Design Options for an effective Global Stocktake process under the UNFCCC
The Paris Agreement combines collective goals with individual countries’ contributions. This hybrid approach does not guarantee that the individual contributions add up to what is required to meet the collective goals. The Paris Agreement therefore established the Global Stocktake. Its task is to “assess collective progress” towards achieving the long-term goals of the agreement as of 2023 and…
The German Environment Agency invites representatives from science, industry, authorities and NGOs to jointly discuss governance options to foster safe and sustainable innovation, use and end of life of advanced materials and their applications.
As recounted
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12 million tonnes of food were thrown away in Germany in 2015. One third of all food is wasted after it leaves the fields but before it reaches our plates. At the same time, many millions of people worldwide suffer from hunger. Food waste also puts considerable strain on the environment, because producing and consuming food is responsible for up to 30% of all environmental impacts in Germany.
