The use of pesticides is to be halved by 2030, according to the draft EU regulation on pesticide reduction. This goal is to be verified using pesticide sales data. In the view of the German Environment Agency this method is misleading. Pesticides that are no longer approved are weighted too high. Decreasing sales figures would indicate a decreasing trend, which does not happen in the field. read more
pesticides
News on Water
Pesticide authorisations put our ground-& drinkingwater at risk
The quality of the drinking water in Germany is excellent. Its main source, groundwater, enjoys a high level of protection and should be as free as possible from chemical residues. read more
News on Chemicals
Pesticide authorisations undermine environmental protection
Under the current legal situation, pesticides are authorised in Germany even though scientific findings show that they are harmful to the environment. The German authorities are currently unable to effectively protect the environment from harmful pesticides. This should be re-regulated under European law. read more
News on Chemicals
UBA asks EU Commission to foster sustainable use of biocides
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. read more
News on Chemicals and Water
Pesticides in Europe's waters – data assessment
Pesticides can cause damage to the environment. A project coordinated by the German Environment Agency for the European Environment Agency provides the first overview of pesticides in rivers. lakes and groundwater reported by EU Member States. The report confirms that additional measures are necessary to ensure compliance with environmental quality standards in waters. read more
News on Soil | Land
Managing glyphosate effects complies with European laws
Assessing and managing the effects of glyphosate on diversity and abundance of non-target species fully complies with European and national laws. Glyphosate is expected to have a particularly strong impact on non-target organisms by disrupting food webs in agricultural areas. read more
Water
Chemical Quality Standards and Assessment
In Germany there are EU-wide environmental quality standards and national environmental quality standards for the assessment of chemical substances. On o fit ist the chemical water quality classification. read more
News on Chemicals
Plant protection products threaten farmland birds
The populations of many birds and mammals commonly found in farmlands are in steep decline in Germany and throughout Europe. read more