The winners of the German “Blauer Kompass” Prize 2024 confirmed. With over 300 applications, the nationwide competition for the highest state honour for climate crisis preparedness and adaptation once again set a new participation record. read more
Climate | Energy
Majority of German cities and municipalities are faced with the challenges of the climate crisis
Am 1. Juli 2024 ist das Klimaanpassungsgesetz (KAnG) in Kraft getreten. Für die Bundesländer bildet es den Rechtsrahmen, eigene Klimaanpassungsstrategien vorzulegen, und dafür Sorge zu tragen, dass die Kommunen Klimaanpassungskonzepte aufstellen. Eine erste bundesweite, repräsentative Umfrage im Auftrag des UBA zeigt nun, dass eine Mehrheit der befragten Kommunen bei dem Thema aktiv ist. read more
Renaturalised bodies of water can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Water bodies can contribute to climate change as sources of greenhouse gases – this is the conclusion of a new UBA study. Modified water bodies in particular emit carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Renaturalisation and the reconnection of floodplains can help to reduce these emissions and enable water bodies to act as greenhouse gas sinks. read more
First half of 2024: Renewable electricity generation continues to rise significantly
Capacity expansion must be further accelerated to meet climate and energy targets. In the heating sector, mild weather led to lower demand for heating. In the mobility sector, the use of renewable electricity in transport increased slightly. read more
European emissions trading: record decline in greenhouse gas emissions in Germany
The European Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS 1) covers emissions from energy-intensive industry, the energy sector and intra-European aviation. In 2023, the 1,725 stationary installations in Germany covered by the EU ETS 1 emitted around 289 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-eq). This corresponds to a reduction of around 18 per cent compared to the previous year. read more
Making cities resilient to extreme weather events
Sponge city concepts are an essential basis for adapting cities to extreme weather events such as heavy rain, heat and drought. Many local authorities are working toward that aim. However, it is becoming increasingly important to remove barriers so that towns and cities can better prepare for changing climate conditions. read more
Federal Environment Ministry supports preventive health measures in the climate crisis
On World Environment Day, the German Environment Ministry (BMUV), together with the German Environment Agency (UBA), the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), provided comprehensive information on the health risks and protective measures related to the climate crisis at the Environment Week event. read more
Environmental and climate protection remain important for youths
For almost eight out of ten young people in Germany, protecting the environment and the climate is an important issue. This was the result of the representative study “Future? Ask young people! 2023”, which was conducted on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV). This is less than in the last survey two years ago. read more