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]

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]

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]

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]

• Pictures of the Event

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]

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]

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]

• Documents: Package of Durban
• Overview

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]

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]

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]