The German government's 2023 Projection Report, coordinated by the German Environment Agency (UBA), analyses current climate protection policy. The report shows that the achievement of the national climate targets by 2030 and 2045 is at risk without additional measures. read more
Additional measures needed to achieve climate targets
European emissions trading undergoes comprehensive reform
The European Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) will be aligned with the European climate protection target of reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. In May and June 2023, the legal acts entered into force. Now the European Commission, in agreement with the member states, must draw up a variety of rules to implement the reform. read more
UBA study: This is how Germany can achieve its 2030 climate targets
Germany can still achieve its climate targets by 2030. This is the conclusion of a new study by the German Environment Agency (UBA). To do so, Germany would need, among other things, more rail traffic, a reform of the motor vehicle tax and restrictions on fossil-fuel heating. In addition, all emissions would have to be priced and charged to the polluter. read more
Spree faces increased water shortage after coal phase-out in Lausitz region
A new study for the German Environment Agency (UBA) foresees enormous tasks for the water supply along the Spree River if significantly less groundwater is pumped into the river with the end of brown coal mining in the Lausitz region. According to the study, in dry summer months this can lead to up to 75 per cent less water in the Spree locally. read more
UBA forecast: 2022 greenhouse gas emissions down by 1.9 percent
Germany's greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) fell slightly by 1.9% in 2022. GHG emissions were around 746 million tonnes – some 15 million tonnes less than 2021. Overall, emissions in Germany have fallen by 40.4% since 1990. While this means that Germany is generally on track to meet the targets of the Federal Climate Change Act, emissions in the energy sector increased significantly. read more
Paludiculture: More climate action with rewetted peatlands
Rewetting peatlands can do a great deal to protect the climate. Drained peatlands in Germany emit some 53 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents every year, which is about 7.5 percent of all its GHG emissions. read more
New quality seal for air conditioning systems: good quality air at low energy cost
The air indoors, whether at schools or offices, is often stuffy. Air conditioning systems can provide relief, but they do not always operate as they should. The quality seal for air conditioning systems can help based on its three-phase verification to ensure good indoor air quality and energy-efficiency during planning, installation and operation. read more
Tackling the housing shortage with ecological answers
The shortage of housing is a problem in many large cities and metropolitan areas. The building sector has for years failed to meet its environmental and climate targets. A position paper by the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the Commission for Sustainable Building (KNBau) at UBA investigates how affordable housing can be built without harm to the environment and human health. read more