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
pesticides
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 | Agriculture
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 and Soil | Agriculture
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
Soil | Agriculture
Substances in the soil
Soil pollutants are ubiquitous. They stem from natural sources, factories, farming, transportation, and households. Deposits of such soil pollutants can seep into the groundwater or are uptaken by plants, they can pose an environmental and health risk. read more
Soil | Agriculture
Pesticides
Massive amounts of pesticides are used for farming, mainly in order to keep crop plants healthy and eliminate weeds and pests. But pesticides also have a negative impact on biodiversity and on the waterbody quality of nearby biotopes. read more