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Campaign for the energy supply of the future


In early December, when the UN Climate Change Conference took place in Durban, South Africa, the Federal Environment Ministry launched a broad information campaign called Future made in Germany. more

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Overview: Transformation of the energy system

Röttgen schüttelt dem chinesischen Umweltminister die Hand.
Environment / International

Environment Minister Röttgen meets Chinese colleague Zhou Shengxian

The exchange on bilateral environmental cooperation, which is carried out with the central planning commission alongside the bilateral climate cooperation, was at the heart of the meeting. [ more]



Cover
Economy

Future made in Germany: Germany's growth is becoming increasingly sustainable

The 2011 Report on the Environmental Economy presents the latest developments, challenges and prospects of the environmental economy in Germany. It shows that Germany has already made significant progress on the road to new, environmentally sound growth. [ more]



blauer Himmel mit weißen Schleierwolken über grüner Landschaft
Climate Protection

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions a great success

Even in the phase of economic recovery in 2010 Germany met its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Greenhouse gas emissions in Germany in 2010 decreased by almost 25% compared to the reference year 1990. [ more]



Logo for International Year of Sustainable Energy for All
Renewable Energies / International

UN International Year of Sustainable Energy for All

The UN has declared the "International Year of Sustainable Energy for All". UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon proclaimed the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All at the start of the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi. [ more]



The winners and Federal Environment Ministers Dr. Norbert Röttgen.
Climate / Awards

Innovation 'made in Germany' honoured by IKU award 2011

For the third time, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the Federation of German Industries have jointly awarded a prize for outstanding innovations in the field of climate and environmental protection. [ more]



Stift über Blatt mit Graphendiagramm, rote und blaue Linie zeigen Entwicklungsstendenzen
Renewable energies

Renewable energies are key pillar of energy supply

This year the share of renewable energies in Germany's energy supply once again rose considerably. In particular in the electricity sector, renewable energies achieved a strong rise to around 20% of electricity consumption. [ more]



Alte Fernseher in einem Container.
Waste / Europe

Revision of the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

After prolonged negotiations, the Permanent Representatives Committee reached agreement on the revision of the WEEE Directive. The recast is primarily intended to increase collection and recycling targets for waste electrical and electronic equipment and curb illegal exports. [ more]



Logo: From the earth grows a green tree.
Climate protection / International

Major success for climate protection

The Climate Change Conference in Durban (COP 17/CMP 7) paved the way for a legally binding climate agreement between all countries in the early hours of Sunday morning following long and tough negotiations. [ more]



Waste Management

German waste management sector set up the portal "German RETech Partnership"

Representatives of waste management companies and German higher education institutions have established the association "German RETech Partnership" in Bonn, thus turning the Federal Environment Ministry's existing RETech Initiative into a private entity. [ more]



Arbeiter bei Wartung eines Windrads
Energy Roadmap 2050

Renewable energies and energy efficiency pay off for Europe as well

On 15 December the EU Commission presented the Energy Roadmap 2050. It describes different technological and economic approaches to achieving Europe's climate targets. [ more]



Wolkenwirbel
climate / extreme events

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change addresses future risks

The new Special Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that risks from extreme events can be prevented above all at regional and local level. Climate research is a prerequisite for climate protection and will continue to play an important role. [ more]




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seed Awards

SEED Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development

Winners 2011

Beech forests

Image: Beech forest with light, Title: Beech forests - UNESCO World Natural Heritage. A Juwel in Europe

UNESCO World Heritage Certificate for "Ancient Beech Forests of Germany"

25-year anniversary

From fringe issue to the heart of politics - 25 years of German environmental policy,
Editorial by Dr. Norbert Röttgen

Quiet but Effective - Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen, Deutsche Welle TV

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