The agricultural sector depends on intact environmental and climate conditions, but it is the cause of many types of pollution at the same time. Intensive livestock farming, high demand for farmland and the intensive use of arable land and grassland put a strain on surface and groundwater and air. Agriculture produces greenhouse gas emissions, jeopardises soil fertility and aggravates biodiversity loss. A transformation of an agricultural system that works at the expense of the environment to one that is ecologically sustainable poses an enormous challenge for farmers, policy-makers and society. The German Environment Agency provides you with information about the environmental consequences of agriculture and points out ways the sector can become sustainable.
EU to retrospectively assess medicines - Internet portal launched for veterinary medical products for farmers and veterinarians
Drinking water could become markedly more expensive in many regions across Germany, and it is because of the high levels of nitrate groundwater contamination. A family of four could then expect to add another €134 per year to their water bill.
Antibiotics used in livestock breeding and in human medicine can find their way into groundwater says a recent study by the German Environment Agency (UBA). Maria Krautzberger, President of UBA, commented: "Groundwater must stay clean. This is the reason why the German Environment Agency has issued a recommendation for a threshold for antibiotics in groundwater."
In its 5-point programme of sustainable plant protection the German Environment Agency (UBA) urges rethinking plant protection in agricultural practice.
The International Year of Soils has come to an end, but soil protection is far from reaching its aim.
The Baltic Sea, a valuable and central part of our natural heritage, is under threat from nutrient inputs from agriculture. A study funded by the German Environment Agency has examined the current state of play in the introduction of nutrient accounting as a prerequisite to good agricultural practice.
In September 2015 the United Nations agreed upon the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They contain targets dealing with soil quality, restoration of degraded soil and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. Yet, what options actually exist to estimate soil and land degradation on global level? This has now been examined by a new report.
The pace of environmental protection in the agriculture sector over the past 30 years has clearly been too slow. Many known problems such as high nitrogen inputs to soil and air remain unsolved despite improvements.
The aim of the research project “Resource-efficient land use – Towards a Global Sustainable Land Use Standard” was to spark a debate on the development of a standard for global sustainable land use, launch the requisite scientific process and explore and identify options for implementing a global sustainable land use.
The purpose of tradable land planning permits is to control the use of new land for settlement and transport. Municipalities would be restricted in developing greenfield land outside of existing built-up areas for new settlement and transport projects. The UBA is currently conducting a countrywide pilot project with selected municipalities.
Life in all its multifarious forms would be unthinkable without the earth’s various soils, which can only assure a plentiful and healthy supply of food and drinking water if their ecology remains intact. But how can we best ensure that our soils are used judiciously and responsibly as habitats and resources? The UBA contributes to soil stewardship among other things by disseminating information.
Soil carries out myriad functions that are free of charge and extremely powerful, and that are what make soil so valuable not only to us but also to natural flora and fauna. Clean water and healthy food are only obtainable if our soils are healthy too. And while the soil supports myriad functions, it also needs stewardship.
