sustainability

The Application Lab for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (AI Lab) at the German Environment Agency leverages methods of AI and Big Data for environmental and sustainability applications. As an innovation space for the environmental sector, it focuses on the added value of AI for both people and the environment and conducts research on the sustainable use of AI and Big Data applications.

Latvia will assume the two-year rotational chairmanship of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) on 1 July 2022. Germany’s Chair focused on biodiversity and climate, sought solutions for unexploded ordnance and underwater noise and extended measures to combat pollution of the Baltic Sea through eutrophication, hazardous substances and marine litter.

Digitalisation is becoming increasingly pervasive in almost all areas of life. However, its impact on natural resources and climate change needs to be better understood. The UBA research project ‘Digitalisation and resources (DigitalRessourcen)’ investigates these interrelations with the aim of identifying strategic levers for sustainable development.

The German Environment Agency is addressing the potential of advanced materials for environmental and climate protection and is participating in discussions on the open questions on advanced materials with regard to chemical safety and the sustainability over the whole life cycle of their applications.

December 11th is the designated International Mountain Day. The day was designated by the UN to show the important role of mountain regions for sustainable development. In line with this, UBA has published a background paper describing the Alpine region on its way to becoming a model region for green economy.

The German Environment Agency (UBA) supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at all levels after the UN Member States adopted them in September 2015. In addition to implementation at national and local level, UBA's efforts in the area of sustainability focus on an implementation of the SDGs at EU level.

Organic products are not only tasty and healthy, but their cultivation also helps the environment. Organic farming is particularly resource-efficient and based on the principle of sustainability.

Average per capita land use in Germany for residential purposes alone amounted to 47 square meters in 2011 – a figure that is likely to rise. At the same time, new construction on greenfield land is on the rise, while increasing numbers of apartment buildings, other structures, and lots stand empty. In our view, this overdevelopment should be curbed, and land should be used sparingly.