Topics | Umweltbundesamt

Compared with 2010, energy consumption by private households and associated carbon dioxide emissions decreased overall.Raw material use stagnated at the level of 2010.In its Sustainability Strategy the German government sets the goal of reducing the global environmental footprint of private household consumption in all three areas. read more

According to initial calculations, greenhouse gas emissions in Germany declined by 48.2 % between 1990 and 2024.Germany aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 % by 2020 and by at least 65 % by 2030 compared to 1990 emission levels. Complete greenhouse gas neutrality is to be achieved by 2045.With the ‘amended Federal Climate Protection Act’ in 2024, the allowed sectoral emission quantities... read more

Renewables are increasingly replacing fossil fuels in the fields of electricity, heat and transport.More than four fifths of the emission reductions were achieved in the electricity sector.The Federal Government intends to considerably expand the share of renewables to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. read more

Greenhouse gas emissions of the manufacturing industry fell by around 35 % between 1995 and 2023.Over the same period, productivity in the manufacturing industry grew by about 46 % (adjusted for price).Germany is aiming for greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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? read more