Since the end of 2005, the DEHStDeutsche Emissionshandelsstelle - German Emissions Trading Authority at the Federal Environment Agency has authorised 112 climate protection projects to be carried out in developing and transition countries with German involvement. The CDM is one of the most important climate protection instruments alongside emissions trading. A new UBA paper gives a positive assessment of the first years.
In order to protect the Antarctic environment including its wilderness value, internationally binding rules of behaviour are in place for visitors to this region. Updated guidelines and a flyer inform visitors and tourists on how to protect the Antarctic’s unique flora and fauna and look out for their own safety.
The climate is changing – also in Europe. A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) identifies clear warning signs for all areas of life and the economy. 40 indicators describe what impacts a change in precipitation levels and temperatures could have.
The refrigerant commonly used in mobile air conditioning units to date is tetrafluoroethane, a greenhouse gas 1300 times more potent than CO2. Measurements on behalf of the Federal Environment Agency have now demonstrated that mobile air conditioning systems based on CO2 are climate-friendly, effective and energy-efficient.
Countries such as Brazil, China, India, Mexico, South Africa and South Korea could do their part to achieve global climate protection objectives without suffering economic losses and even create jobs in the process. Developed countries can help these countries to tap their large emission reduction potentials.
Investigations for the years 1995-2004 show that nitrogen and ozone pollution still exceeds critical loads Critical loads mean a quantitative estimate of the inputs (deposition) of one or more pollutants below which adverse effects are not expected to occur, according to present knowledge and critical levelsCritical levels mean a quantitative estimate of the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere (immission) above which direct adverse effects on receptors (human beings, plants, animals, ecosystems, materials) may occur, according to present knowledge.. The main source for ozone is road traffic while for nitrogen it is livestock farming.
German firms have the lead in the global environmental protection market. With almost 19% of world trade and an export volume of 56 billion euros, Germany once again ranked first in world trade in 2006, before the USA (15 percent) and Japan (9 percent).
13 German cities have established low-emission zones to date to mitigate air pollution by fine particles. Cars and trucks with high emissions of fine particulate matter are not allowed to enter these zones. On 1 October, 11 further cities will introduce low-emission zones, and more are planned for 2009 and 2010. To enter these zones, you must affix a sticker to your vehicle. Information on the locations of low-emission zones and the applicable provisions is available here.