Newsletter "UBA aktuell" - No.: 4/2023 | Umweltbundesamt

What needs to be done to prevent a repetition of fish die-off in the Oder and other bodies of water

The river Oder Source: Marco Rudolph / Adobe Stock

The massive fish die-off in the Oder River in August 2022 showed that science, water management and politics are facing new challenges. Due to climate change and the resulting increase in hot and dry summer periods, this type of fish die-off could be repeated in the Oder and other stretches of water if no counter measures are taken.

The cause of the fish die-off in the Oder was a toxin produced by an algae. The combination of the factors of high salt discharge into the river, high temperatures, low water levels and intense sunlight allowed the algae to proliferate and the toxin to reach high concentrations, causing fish and mussels to die en masse.

To avoid this in the future, the German Environment Agency recommends:

• reducing nutrient inputs and salt discharges into bodies of water, for example by eliminating fertilisation along water margins and by requiring permits for salt discharges from mining and industry to provide for a reduction when water levels are low in summer
• making bodies of water more resilient to similar disasters and to climate change, for example by restoring floodplains and clearing riverbed and bank defences
• monitoring endangered watercourses across authorities and federal states and defining immediate measures in the event of a crisis, such as reducing salt discharges or discharging unpolluted water from dams
• Increasing research, for example on improving water monitoring and on early warning systems.

More on the findings and recommendations is summarised in the following five-page factsheet.

Teaching modules on the CO₂ calculator commended

The teaching materials with the title “ich, du, wir, sie – Was kann die/der Einzelne für den Klimaschutz tun?” (I, you, we, they – what can the individual do for climate protection?) were subjected to an independent quality check by the service portal for consumer education of the vzbv (Federation of German Consumer Organisations) and rated as "good". They provide templates and building blocks for up to six school lessons at intermediate level. The starting point is the theme of the UBA CO₂ calculator. read more (in German)

First half of 2023: Less renewable electricity, but proportion increases

The expansion and use of renewable energies developed differently in the various sectors in the first half of 2023. In the energy sector, less renewable electricity was generated than in the previous year despite an increase in installations. In the heating sector, on the other hand, there was significant growth. In the transport sector, approximately the same amount of biofuels were used as the year before, but significantly more renewable electricity was consumed. read more (in German)

Expansion of onshore wind energy: Two per cent target is sufficient

A key prerequisite for the expansion of onshore wind energy is sufficient usable land. The German Wind Energy Area Requirements Act stipulates that 2 percent of Germany's land must be designated for wind energy by 2032. A study for the German Environment Agency has now calculated that this area target is sufficient to achieve the expansion targets for onshore wind energy. read more (in German)

New info centre: emissions trading explained in simple terms

Through a new information centre, the German Emissions Trading Authority at the German Environment Agency explains the basics of CO₂ pricing in Germany. It also answers questions from citizens about the emissions trading systems and emissions reductions. read more (in German)

Winners of the RE:DESIGN EFFICIENCY creative competition announced

They make the invisible visible and the unwieldy topic more memorable: the picture entries on energy saving and energy efficiency for the creative competition RE:DESIGN EFFICIENCY. This raises the profile of the often neglected energy demand side as a central pillar of the energy transition. The winners have now been chosen. The jury also included Dr. Jürgen Landgrebe, head of division at the UBA. read more (in German)

Launch of the "Strengthen Nature – Protect the Climate" campaign

On 5 June – World Environment Day – the starting signal was given for the campaign "Strengthen Nature – Protect the Climate" organised by the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV). The focus is on forests, peatlands and floodplains, which are among the key spheres of action in the Climate Action Programme and whose conservation and restoration will be strongly promoted over the next few years. read more (in German)

Environmental pollutants: what is polluting humans?

Heavy metals, plasticisers or the "eternal chemical" PFAS – what environmental pollutants do people in Germany have to deal with? Which pollutants are found in our drinking water and in our living environment? The sixth German Environmental Health Survey for Adults (German Environmental Survey / GerES VI) gets to the bottom of these and other questions. read more (in German)

Trifluoracetate (TFA): persistent substance found everywhere

An interactive map of TFA – a very mobile and persistent substance – produced for the first time by the German Environment Agency shows the nationwide TFA findings in Germany in surface waters and groundwater with hotspots along the Rhine and Elbe river systems. TFA cannot be removed from the environment on a large scale and therefore accumulates in the environment. read more (in German)

Support for EU restriction of PFAS in fire-fighting foams

The Scientific Committees of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC), have agreed their position on the restriction proposal and their support for an EU-wide restriction of PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) in fire-fighting foams. read more (in German)

Blue Angel eco-label: criteria for 5 new product groups

On 20/21 June 2023, the Environmental Label jury decided on criteria for five new product groups: Heat Pumps, Liquid Coolers, Foam and Water Fire Extinguishers, Building Sealants made of Liquid Plastics, and Event Catering and Canteen Operations. Manufacturers of particularly environmentally friendly products will soon be able to apply for the "Blue Angel" eco-label for their products. read more (in German)

UBA CO₂ calculator: new details in consumer behaviour can be recorded

The CO₂ calculator of the German Environment Agency (UBA) has already been used by over 250,000 people this year. Now the calculator has been fundamentally revised and improved in some parts. Milk and meat consumption can now be entered more precisely, as can computer and clothing purchases and streaming behaviour. For users in a hurry, there is still the quick check with just a few questions. read more (in German)

Sustainable palm oil – problems and possible solutions

The production of palm oil is often accompanied by massive environmental destruction and the violation of human rights. The demand for palm oil that is sustainable in production and consumption is difficult to meet. The German Environment Agency has taken a closer look at initiatives to create more transparency in order to make sustainability visible. The study identified areas in need of improvement. read more (in German)

Requirements for "climate neutral companies" needed

A survey of 34 voluntary business initiatives and networks shows that uniform requirements for the use of the terms "climate neutral" and "greenhouse gas neutral" are necessary. Strict minimum requirements could significantly increase the credibility of statements and ensure an effective contribution to international climate goals. read more (in German)

Starting school with the Blue Angel

200 million exercise books are sold in Germany every year, and only one in ten of them is made of recycled paper. Yet recycled paper is by far the best when it comes to environmental, climate and resource protection. After all, the production of paper places a heavy burden on the environment. It requires a lot of wood, energy, water and chemicals in the production process. read more (in German)

Dry conditions in Germany – Questions & Answers

After dry conditions in Germany in recent years, with 25 % less precipitation in 2018, 7 % less in 2019 and 10 % less in 2020, the evaluations of the German Weather Service show that precipitation will also be too low in 2022. Only in 2021 were precipitation conditions reported to be in balance. read more (in German)

The new CAP – how much climate protection does the first pillar provide?

Negotiations on the Common European Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023-27 have largely been concluded. Germany recently sent its "national strategic plan" to Brussels. The new instruments of the first pillar are intended to make the CAP more environmentally and climate friendly. But on closer inspection, the new first pillar falls considerably short of the climate protection goals it has set for itself. read more (in German)

Questions and answers on livestock farming and nutrition

Intensive livestock farming and the high consumption of animal-based foods are associated with negative impacts on the environment and climate. Changes in production and consumption can reduce the burden on the environment and the climate. read more (in German)

Urban growth regions: exploiting the potential of inner development

Many cities and regions are having to deal with growth. The need for additional housing, social facilities, commercial space and the associated supply infrastructures is increasing. Research shows that inner development offers considerable potential to meet this growth and minimise environmental impacts and costs for additional technical infrastructure. read more (in German)

Claudia Röhl new Head of Division II

On 1 June 2023, PD Dr. med. Claudia Röhl took over as head of Division II "Environmental Health and Protection of Ecosystems" at the German Environment Agency (UBA). She succeeds Dr. Lilian Busse, who previously moved to the post of UBA Vice President. read more (in German)