Climate | Energy

Nearly 4 million tons more greenhouse gases emissions than in 2015 – transport sector tops 1990 levels

Many mine lakes have the potential to develop very good water quality and they are often cleaner than natural lakes. However, lignite remains the dirtiest of all sources of energy. In 2014 alone lignite caused environmental damage in the amount of 16.8 billion euros. A phase-out of lignite-fired electricity is urgently needed.

Germany recorded total emissions of 901.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents for 2015, which is 2.3 million tonnes (0.3%) less than in 2014 and 27.9% less than in 1990. This data is based on calculations which the German Environment Agency (UBA) has reported to the European Commission. The greatest reductions were achieved in the energy industries (11.8 million tonnes).

The goals of the Climate Action Plan can only be achieved through an energy transformation in the transport sector. Electromobility is the most economical of all greenhouse gas-neutral solutions.

The international community resolved to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. The mitigation activities proposed by the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will not be enough to achieve that goal. An UBA report shows how the gap can be narrowed even before 2020, for example with more efficient electrical appliances and through renewable energy support.

2016 has made it especially clear what is going to happen when anthropogenic climate change and the resulting warming of the Earth meet the natural climate phenomenon El Niño. Global temperatures have jumped to new highs: it has been the hottest summer worldwide and may well be the hottest on record since 1880. The numerous droughts and flooding incidents have shown the extreme side of weather.

People with higher incomes usually consume more energy and resources – regardless of whether they perceive themselves to be environmentally aware or not. These are the findings of a new study by UBA.

In 2013 the disturbed soil of peatlands and forests caused emissions with climate impact of about 45 million tonnes CO2 in Germany alone. The drainage of peatland exposes plant material to the air which was previously preserved in airtight conditions and then releases carbon and nitrous oxide. An UBA study develops incentives how to reduce peatland emissions worldwide.

Krautzberger: Move more goods to the rail, substitute fossil fuels.

UBA cancels credits for greenhouse gas emissions

A sad record: concentrations of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide at both of the UBA´s measuring stations on the Zugspitze and the Schauinsland exceeded an annual average level of more than 400 parts per million for the first time.

The UBA recommends a swift move to renovate Germany's building stock comprehensively. A new UBA study shows how it can be done.