Report on the Environmental Economy

"Environment and economy have opposing interests". If the Report on the Environmental Economy, presented by the Federal Environment Ministry (BMU) and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), proves one thing it is that this statement is not true. As numerous scientific studies show, quite the opposite is the case: what makes economic sense is also ecologically beneficial - to the economy and to businesses.

The positive interplay between ecology and economy can be illustrated using four points. Environmental protection is becoming an increasingly important economic factor. Environmental goods account for an increasing share of industrial goods production in Germany (5,7 % in 2009) And this sector has a strong rate of increase and high predicted growth. The environmental economy, in which SMEs and research and development play a major role, is in an excellent position to compete internationally. Germany is a top ranking country in trade with environmental goods.

Report on the Environmental Economy 2011