The German Environment Agency's (UBA) Environmental Monitor 2024 once again presents a mixed picture of the state of the environment in Germany. While there have been successes in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, many indicators show a clear need for action. read more
Water
Water body of the year 2024 – Shallow coastal waters of the Baltic Sea
The shallow coastal waters of the Baltic Sea are not only popular with holidaymakers, but also provide a home for many creatures in seagrass meadows, dense algae forests, rocky reefs and mussel beds. read more
Antibiotic resistance: Study shows high pressure to take action
The AOK medical insurance association, under the leadership of AOK Baden-Württemberg, together with the IWW Rhine-Westphalian Institute for Water Research and with the support of the German Environment Agency, launched a pilot study on ecological sustainability in antibiotic supply. read more
Environmentally friendly handling of fertiliser in ports
Handling of fertilisers in German ports can cause nutrients to enter coastal waters. This can lead to oxygen depletion in the waters and have a severe adverse effect on living organisms. During transshipment, between 0.025 and 0.00000083 per cent of fertiliser can end up in the water. Protective covers between the ship and the quay wall and cleaning of the transshipment areas can counteract this. read more
CO2 storage must not hinder phase-out of fossil fuels
In a new position paper, the German Environment Agency (UBA) advises testing carbon capture and storage (CCS) in waste management. read more
OECD handbook reinforces environmental protection in raw material
The new OECD Handbook on Environmental Due Diligence in Mineral Supply Chains is a milestone for environmental protection in global value chains. For the first time, a clear description is given of how companies can identify, assess and prioritise environmental issues at the beginning of their global supply chains and take measures to prevent, mitigate or find solutions to arising problems. read more
Water resources must be better protected
Slow-to-degrade, mobile and partly toxic chemicals, so-called PMT/vPvM substances, can endanger our water resources over a long period of time. That is why the German Environment Agency – in line with the European chemicals regulation REACH – is calling for emissions of such substances into the environment to be minimised. The urgent need for action is shown by four new UBA studies. read more
Wherever spraying takes place, streams are damaged
A new study commissioned by the German Environment Agency shows that pesticide contamination of small bodies of water is particularly high where many pesticides are used on surrounding fields. In 80 percent of the investigated streams in Germany's agricultural landscape, the pesticides measured exceeded the limits set for animals and plants. read more