Skip to main content Skip to main menu Skip to footer

Topics

Waste | Resources, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Who will be the winners of the Federal Ecodesign Award 2020?

Die Jury läuft auf die Kameralinse zu.

147 submissions to the contest's four categories "Product", "Service", "Concept", and "Young Talent" were on display and evaluated yesterday at feldfünf, in the open space of the Metropolenhaus in Berlin. 28 projects were nominated by the environmental and design experts of the jury for this year's design award.

Climate | Energy, Economy | Consumption, Air, Waste | Resources, Water

30 years of unified Germany: a plus for the environment too

Der Brocken im Nebel

The German Environment Agency (UBA) reports positive environmental performance 30 years after German reunification. Air, water and soil much cleaner – climate change remains greatest challenge.

Transport

European Mobility Week: Zero-emission mobility for all

Straße mit niedrigen Fachwerkhäusern und einem Zebrastreifen, der von einer Frau mit Blindenstock, einem Rollstuhlfahrer und zwei weiteren Fußgängerinnen überquert wird.

Zero-emission mobility should be possible for all. However, the current German transportation system penalises far too many population groups who, for example, suffer from a lack of accessibility or live on busy roads. During European Mobility Week from September 16-22, 93 towns and cities in Germany will show how mobility can be organised in a socially just manner.

Transport

Current transport policy puts people with low income at a disadvantage

Ein Fahrradfahrer in einem Stau mit Autos

Today's transportation system in Germany shows numerous social injustices, says a position paper by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). Low-income households in particular are disadvantaged, for example because they more frequently live on roads with higher traffic volumes and thus higher noise and air pollution levels - even though they often do not drive.

Chemicals, Water

Pesticides in Europe's waters – data assessment

a man is taking a water sampling

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.

Health, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Ambitious environmental protection benefits health and well-being

people in a green space in the city

Air pollution, noise, climate change, chemicals – Environmental problems are a burden on human health. An intact environment can have a positive influence on health and well-being. Urban green spaces are a good example. A recent report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) describes successes for environment and health as well as challenges that face Europe today.

Transport

Loud motorcycles and cars becoming annoying

red car with silver exhaust in close-up

The only recently revised international noise approval regulations for motor vehicles are not suitable for preventing extreme noise emissions in road traffic. This is according to a recent study for the German Environment Agency (UBA). Various brand-new motorcycles and sports cars that complied with the approval regulations were 20 dB or more louder during measurements outside the type test area o

Waste | Resources

European Resources Forum in virtual conference format

Ein Kohletagebau

For the 5th time, the German Environment Agency will organise the European Resources Forum (ERF) on 3 November 2020. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the English-language conference will take place virtually as an online event for the first time. More than 500 participants from over 40 countries are expected to attend.

Air, Health

Proper airing reduces risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection

a virus in a close-up foto

Aerosols are a possible transmission path of the novel coronavirus. Aerosols spread quickly throughout the entire room, especially in closed indoor spaces. Regular ventilation by shock and cross ventilation or via ventilation systems in the rooms can significantly reduce the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Chemicals, Water

Rodent control measures are contaminating fish

ein Rattenschatten an der Wand

Rat poison that is used in municipal sewer systems is a source of emissions to surface water where it bioaccumulates in fish liver. These are the findings of a new research project done on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA). The active substances used in baits are not degraded completely in wastewater treatment plants and are thus channelled to rivers.

Short link: www.uba.de/t50en