How the Ministry works

The Federal Environment Ministry

The Federal Environment Ministry was established in 1986 and is responsible for the environmental policy of the German government. The ministry’s official title is the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Usually, however the shortened title, Federal Environment Ministry, or abbreviation, BMU, are often used - like on this website.

The ministry employs circa 800 employees in six directorates-general at its offices in Bonn and Berlin. As of 2012, Federal Environment Minister Peter Altmaier is the head of the ministry. He is supported in his work by permanent State Secretary Jürgen Becker as well as Parliamentary State Secretaries Ursula Heinen-Esser and Katherina Reiche.

Tasks of the Federal Environment Ministry

The aim of environmental policy is to create or maintain a healthy living environment. The environmental policy of the German government encompasses many different areas for which the ministry must then set goals, make decisions and draft legislation.

The ministry is primarily concerned with climate policy, conserving the diversity of fauna and flora, efficient use of resources and energy as well as protecting people’s health from environmental pressures.

German environmental policy follows the principles of sustainability. This means being environmentally aware, maintaining economic productivity as well as living and trading in a way that is socially fair. The objective is to meet today’s needs in such a way that will give future generations a chance to fulfil their own needs.

The Federal Ministry is also very active when it comes to international environmental policy. Two of the greatest global challenges to be overcome are climate change and the loss of biological diversity. As a result of its dedicated commitment to the environment, Germany is often considered a leading example worldwide.

• Budget :
  Expenditures for environmental protection
• Principal Functions
• Organisational Chart