Renewable Energy

Renewables' share of almost 20 percent can be achieved by 2020

At its meeting on August 4 the Federal Cabinet adopted the national renewable energy action plan presented by Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen. [ more]

• National renewable energy action plan

Air quality control

New EU Directive on Ambient Air Quality transposed

On 6 August 2010 more stringent air quality standards came into effect in Germany. This is to transpose the new EU Directive on Ambient Air Quality into German law.
[ more]

• Air Pollution Control

International / Water

The human right to water is an important signal

Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen has welcomed the UN resolution that declares access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation to be a universal human right.
[ more]

• Water Management

Sustainability

Indicator Report 2010 on German Sustainability Strategy

The 2010 Indicator Report shows that developments in the two key environment policy action fields - climate protection and renewable energies - point in the right direction.
[ more]

• 2010 Indicator Report on the German Sustainability Strategy

Energy / Economy

CCS act an important step for a future technology

Federal Economics Minister Rainer Brüderle and Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen presented key elements of the joint draft act on the demonstration and application of technologies for the capture, transport and permanent storage of carbon dioxide (CO2). [ more]

Nature conservation / business

Presentation of new TEEB report

The new TEEB for Business Report concludes that companies can only meet today's market requirements if they integrate sustainable biodiversity management into their corporate strategy. [ more]

German Unity / Environmental Technology

New Länder are pioneers of modern environmental protection

The number of innovative environmental and energy technology companies in eastern Germany is higher than average. These companies generate added value in ecological and economic terms and create jobs. [ more]

Solar Energy

Röttgen welcomes Mediation Committee conclusions on support for solar energy

Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen has welcomed the agreement reached yesterday in the Mediation Committee on lowering the support rate for solar power under the Renewable Energy Sources Act. [ more]