With huge numbers of lorries on Germany's motorways and products that are transported halfway around the world to reach us, making freight transport greenhouse gas-neutral will be a mammoth task. Our vision, which includes over 70 recommended measures and which we present to you in this newsletter, shows how this can be achieved.
Other topics include adapting our cities to the increasing extremes of weather, the new EU regulation for the eco-design of sustainable products and our recommendations for future policy on climate, the environment and nature conservation in Europe.
We hope you find it an interesting read
The Press Office of the German Environment Agency
Vision for environmentally sustainable freight transport
How can the transport of goods become greenhouse gas-neutral, low-noise and low-emission?
Source: Ana / Adobe Stock
Germany must become greenhouse gas-neutral by 2045 – as stipulated in the German Climate Protection Act. This target also applies to freight transport. A mammoth task, considering that forecasts predict a further 46 per cent increase in freight transport by 2051 compared to 2019. A vision put forward by the German Environment Agency for environmentally sustainable freight transport in 2045 shows how this can still be achieved and how other environmental problems, such as noise and air pollutants, can be minimised at the same time. In order to realise this vision, more than 70 recommendations for action have been compiled for politicians and businesses at global, national and local level.
The recommendations focus on shifting to more environmentally sustainable modes of transport and the electrification of freight transport. Transport by plane and lorry should be shifted as far as possible to the much more energy-efficient transport modes of ship and rail. Instead of fossil fuels such as kerosine, diesel and heavy fuel oil, there should be a complete switch to battery-electric drives for lorries and inland waterway vessels, overhead lines for railways and – where appropriate – for roads, as well as fuels generated with the help of renewable electricity in international sea and air transport. To achieve this, the rail transport system must become more efficient and reliable through strategic expansion, automation and digitalisation. Alternative transport concepts with cargo bikes and micro-depots are needed for cities. However, the most environmentally sustainable form of freight transport is one that does not arise in the first place. For example, by reducing transport through intelligent bundling, shortening transport distance by buying regional products or making transport less frequent by using durable products.
UBA President Prof Dr Dirk Messner comments: “With the increase in freight transport, we will not achieve the climate goals without stronger action. Politicians and industry are now called upon to set the course for environmentally sustainable freight transport – even if the effects are delayed. At the same time, we can all make our contribution by questioning whether and how quickly we actually need a particular product.”
Sponge city concepts are an essential basis for adapting cities to extreme weather events such as heavy rain, heat and drought. Many local authorities are working toward that aim. However, it is becoming increasingly important to remove barriers so that towns and cities can better prepare for changing climate conditions.
The European Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS 1) covers emissions from energy-intensive industry, the energy sector and intra-European aviation. In 2023, the 1,725 stationary installations in Germany covered by the EU ETS 1 emitted around 289 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-eq). This corresponds to a reduction of around 18 per cent compared to the previous year.
Capacity expansion must be further accelerated to meet climate and energy targets. In the heating sector, mild weather led to lower demand for heating. In the mobility sector, the use of renewable electricity in transport increased slightly.
The Global Stocktake assesses the collective progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement every five years. The first Global Stocktake has revealed major gaps on the way to achieving international climate action goals but also pointed at a clear path ahead. On behalf of UBA, researchers analysed the contributions of the Parties to the Paris Agreement.
This publication explores the scientific dimensions of blue carbon (BC) for global climate mitigation. BC is defined and criteria for identifying BC measures are outlined based on a comprehensive analysis of current scientific literature. The potential of coastal ecosystems in mitigating climate change and their significance in shaping international climate policy are assessed, while evaluating…
In addition to CO2, aviation affects the climate through other emissions and atmospheric processes, such as the formation of ozone and contrail cirrus. These non-CO2 effects account for about 2/3 of aviation's total climate impact but can vary widely from flight to flight. In order to target mitigation measures, it is therefore essential to calculate the climate impact at the level of individual…
In addition to CO2, aviation affects the climate through other emissions and atmospheric processes, such as the formation of ozone and contrail cirrus. These non-CO2 effects account for about 2/3 of aviation's total climate impact but can vary widely from flight to flight. Although scientists have complex models to determine the climate impact of individual flights, there was no simple tool for…
Qualitative and quantitative system modelling approaches for policy advice
The Factsheet results from the research project „Machbarkeitsstudie: Modellierung von Anpassungsmaßnahmen: Akteure, Entscheidungen und Wirksamkeit“, introduces the topic of system modelling approaches and their suitability to assess impacts of policies in the field of climate adaptation and summarizes the main findings of the project (what are complex social systems how are system models helpful…
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CO₂ emissions per kilowatt hour of electricity down in 2023
Calculations by the German Environment Agency (UBA) show that the specific greenhouse gas emission factors in the German electricity mix fell again in 2023 following an increase in 2022. The main reasons for this are the increased share of renewable energies, the fall in electricity consumption as a result of economic stagnation and the fact that more electricity was imported than exported. read more (in German)
Federal Blue Compass Award 2024
Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke and the President of the German Environment Agency, Prof. Dr Dirk Messner, will present the national awards, each endowed with 25,000 euros, to the winners on 19 September 2024 in Berlin during “Climate Adaptation Week” which runs from 16 to 20 September 2024. read more (in German)
On World Environment Day, the German Environment Ministry (BMUV), together with the German Environment Agency (UBA), the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), provided comprehensive information on the health risks and protective measures related to the climate crisis at the Environment Week event.
Chemicals
Interreg ECHT
The Interreg project "ECHT", in which the UBA is a project partner, was launched at the beginning of 2024. The aim is to promote the circular economy through the traceability of chemicals in products by means of a digital product passport. read more (in German)
Transport
Transport transition: finally more room for manoeuvre for cities and local authorities
In future, local authorities will be able to create more space on the roads for buses, bicycles and pedestrians. This is because an amendment to the German Road Traffic Act (StVO) in July 2024 will finally allow local authorities to take climate and environmental protection, health and urban development into account in road traffic policy. The introduction of 30 km/h speed limits and parking space management will also become easier. read more (in German)
German Transport Transition Award 2024: showcase railway projects sought
Better air, less noise, improved quality of life: for the second time, the Pro-Rail Alliance is looking for exemplary rail-related projects throughout Germany that are contributing to a successful transport transition. Particularly promising examples will be honoured with the German Transport Transition Award 2024 at the end of the year. Projects can be nominated for the award until 3 September 2024. read more (in German)
This paper presents various fuel options in maritime transport, examines their production processes, sustainability aspects, infrastructure requirements, production costs and looks at the energy required for production.
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Economy / Consumption
New ecodesign regulation for sustainable products comes into force
The EU Ecodesign Directive has been setting minimum ecological requirements for products for the European market since 2005, thereby saving a lot of energy. On 18 July 2024, it was replaced by the new EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This extends the scope of application to new environmental aspects and almost all products and will also save more raw materials in future. read more (in German)
Blue Angel for events and for printing inks
In future, the Blue Angel eco-label will also be awarded to events as well as printing inks, inks in general and toners. The Environmental Label Jury approved the award criteria for these two new ecolabels at its meeting in June 2024. The criteria have been updated for other product groups. read more (in German)
New rules to reduce harmful industrial emissions
After intensive negotiations in the Council and Parliament of the European Union, the new Industrial Emissions Directive (IED 2.0) was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 15 July 2024. Member States now have 22 months to transpose it into national law. It introduces new rules to reduce harmful emissions, and to improve resource efficiency and environmental management in industry. read more (in German)
Nutrition according to new DGE recommendations for “Planetary Health”
Environmental impacts were included for the first time in the development of the recently published new recommendations of the German Society for Nutrition (DGE). An initial assessment commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA) shows how a diet based on these recommendations would affect important environmental aspects in comparison to current consumption and the Planetary Health Diet. read more (in German)
Food Points for sustainable nutrition & rural areas
Food Points (LebensMittelPunkte, LMPs) are a concept idea that originated in urban areas. They are intended to contribute to the food transition, make sustainable food accessible to everyone and promote cohesion in the neighbourhood. An association funding project has helped to set up three LMPs in Brandenburg (Germany). A brochure is helping to establish LMPs in rural areas. read more (in German)
Each year, German contracting authorities purchase around €300 billion worth of products ranging from pencils to city buses. This massive purchasing power can potentially be used to reduce environmental pollution, improve the range of environmental products and services, and promote more targeted market launches of innovative eco-friendly products.
This flyer provides an overview of the advantages…
Leisure activities are important for our well-being and quality of life. We meet friends, pursue our hobbies or go travelling. These activities are linked to the use of natural resources. This project analyses the consumption of raw materials and greenhouse gases and develops a framework for action for a resource-efficient and climate-friendly leisure sector.
PFAS perpetual chemicals in waste
In a recent study by the German Environment Agency (UBA), waste was analysed for long-lasting chemicals in the PFAS substance group. PFAS were detected in all materials in low concentrations (0.04 - 5 mg/Kg). The results show, among other things, that rain jackets and other textile products that may have been treated with PFAS should not be disposed of via normal textile recycling. read more (in German)
The International Cooperative Programme on Modelling and Mapping of Critical Levels and Loads and Air Pollution Effects, Risks and Trends (ICP Modelling and Mapping) develops and uses critical loads to recommend science-based emission reductions to policy makers within the UN Air Convention (CLRTAP). A critical load defines the deposition of a pollutant below which significant harmful effects on a…
Water bodies can contribute to climate change as sources of greenhouse gases – this is the conclusion of a new UBA study. Modified water bodies in particular emit carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Renaturalisation and the reconnection of floodplains can help to reduce these emissions and enable water bodies to act as greenhouse gas sinks.
Overall, 98 percent of official German bathing waters on lakes, rivers and coasts met the minimum requirements of the EU Bathing Water Directive. In addition, over 96 percent of bathing waters were again awarded with the top marks of ‘excellent’ and ‘good’.
In the summer of 2022, an environmental disaster occurred in the Oder River: an estimated 1,000 tons of fish, mussels, and snails died. This began in the Polish part of the Oder and continued downstream into Germany. The cause was a toxic brackish algae called Prymnesium parvum.
The project studied the hearing ability of Humboldt penguins. The hearing ability of the penguins was determined psychoacoustically and by auditory evoked potentials (AEP). The results show that penguins hear best between 1 and 4 kHz in air. In addition, an animal audiogram database was created to facilitate comparison between the published audiograms of different aquatic animals. Penguins…
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UBA information film: marine protection starts on land
Oceans are important for us humans. Many pressures on the marine environment originate on land. What are these pressures? A new UBA information video uses the Elbe river as an example to show that marine protection concerns us all. read more (in German)
Relevance of sweeteners as trace substances in water bodies confirmed
The artificial sweeteners acesulfame-K and sucralose pollute water bodies and drinking water. This is shown by data compiled by the German Centre for Micropollutants at the German Environment Agency. The two sweeteners, and thus for the first time food additives, have now been categorised as relevant micropollutant. However, there is currently no health risk to humans from sweetener residues. read more (in German)
This paper examines the potential synergies between German nitrogen and green-house gas (GHG) mitigation policies in the agricultural sector. Agricultural practices aimed at reducing air (ammonia) and water (nitrates) pollution can have beneficial effects on GHG mitigation (nitrous oxide and methane) taking into consideration the nitrogen cycle and biogeochemical pathways. This study reviews the…
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Sustainability / Strategies / International issues
The incoming European Commission should continue an ambitious policy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution, protects biodiversity and distributes the burden fairly. This is the key message of a Scientific Opinion Paper by the German Environment Agency and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation for EU climate, environmental and biodiversity policy in the years ahead.
For almost eight out of ten young people in Germany, protecting the environment and the climate is an important issue. This was the result of the representative study “Future? Ask young people! 2023”, which was conducted on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV). This is less than in the last survey two years ago.
To protect the unique Antarctic flora and fauna, Germany is committed to a coherent and representative network of protected areas in the Antarctic. Thanks to a German-American initiative it has now been possible to expand this network. Seven islands at the north-eastern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, the so-called “Danger Islands”, were declared a protected area.
Learning from national examples to enhance environmental protection during the use-phase of biocides
Further action is required beyond active substance approval and product authorization of biocidal products to protect the environment. This action could be European legislation on the use-phase of certain biocides to shape their “proper use”. Whilst such piece of legislation is missing on EU level, countries have been implementing national measures. Within this document, we compiled examples from…
The first version of the umwelt.info internet portal is available to the public at https://mvp.umwelt.info. Lilian Busse, Vice President of the German Environment Agency, commented: “The online launch of umwelt.info is an important milestone for us. We are testing the portal under real conditions for the first time and are looking forward to the feedback from users.”
The collaboration between the city of Dessau- Rosslau, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences and the German Environment Agency “Dessau- Rosslau Lives Global Openness and Diversity”, which has been running since spring 2021, has been nominated for the German Demography Award in the “Living Diversity” category.
As recounted
300.000
There are around 300,000 standing bodies of water in Germany. These include lakes, ponds and pools.
