In the second year of the national emissions trading scheme (nEHS), emissions within its scope amounted to 288.5 million tonnes of CO₂. read more
National emissions trading: CO₂ emissions fell by 5.9 per cent in 2022
Climate benefit for electric cars confirmed
Vehicles have an impact on the environment and climate not only during operation, but also during production and disposal. According to a recent study commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA), electric cars registered in 2020 are around 40 per cent more climate-friendly than cars with petrol engines. read more
Detailed greenhouse gas emissions figures for 2022: Emissions fell by 40 per cent compared to 1990 – EU climate protection targets met
A total of around 750 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent was emitted in Germany in 2022. This is 9.6 million tonnes or 1.3 per cent less than in 2021 and 40 per cent less than in 1990. read more
European Mobility Week: Sustainable mobility saves energy
Sustainable mobility saves energy – and in many different ways. As part of the European Mobility Week (EMW), which takes place from 16 to 22 September, municipalities together with local actors are demonstrating that being sustainably mobile can also save energy. 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
Traffic noise can increase risk of depression and anxiety disorders
It has been known for a long time that constant noise can lead to cardiovascular diseases. A new study done on behalf of the German Environment Agency shows that incessant traffic noise can also increase the risk of depression. A 10-decibel increase in road, railroad and aircraft noise can raise that risk by up to four, five and eleven percent. read more
Scrubber discharge bans would protect oceans
The German Environment Agency has commissioned a project to study the effects of discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) of ships on the marine environment. Scrubber discharge contains pollutants such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are classified as extremely hazardous. Discharge bans - at least regional - are recommended. read more
Impact of coronavirus pandemic on public transport
The coronavirus pandemic and the increased use of digital formats that it has triggered is resulting in changes in public transport. Fear of infection and changed work conditions caused demand to drop in 2020/2021 in Germany. Measures such as the 9-euro ticket have proven that it takes innovative approaches to make public transport more attractive. A recent study has evaluated ideas on the topic. read more
