Climate change is a global challenge that can only be addressed through international cooperation. Climate policy at the international level focuses on developing strategies and measures to protect the climate by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the consequences of climate change, and financing these measures.
The Paris Agreement was adopted at the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 21) in December 2015 in Paris and entered into force in November 2016. The Parties agreed to limit global warming to well below 2 °C and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C compared with pre-industrial levels.
The transport of passengers and freight generates greenhouse gases (GHG) – not only through the actual transport activities, but also as a result of the processes at the individual locations or through services. On behalf of the UBA, a guideline has been produced which provides information for the standardised calculation and reporting of GHG emissions along transport chains.
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.
Ecological, regional and plant-based: The transformation of our food system towards more sustainability was the focus of a research project commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). New UBA brochure outlines strategies for a sustainable change in our diet.
The International Organization for Standardizations (ISO) last year published the first standard on carbon neutrality of organizations and products. In a new factsheet, the German Environment Agency (UBA) outlines its strength and shortcomings and draws some conclusions relevant to companies, verifiers, courts and policymakers.
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?
