Nearly 4 million tons more greenhouse gases emissions than in 2015 – transport sector tops 1990 levels read more
Climate footprint 2016: Transport sector and cool weather cause spike in emissions
"Wounds" have healed – Water quality of mine lakes has good status
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. read more
2015 greenhouse gas emissions indicate a slight decrease for second year in a row
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). read more
Electromobility has clear economic advantages
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. read more
Climate action: how to reduce emissions even before 2020
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. read more
Global record temperatures and flash floods in Germany – small taste of the summer of the future?
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. read more
Higher income earners usually have higher climate-impact lifestyles
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. read more
Peatland and forest climate protection to reduce GHG emissions
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. read more
