April 2023
Diesel scandal: Emissions fraud was no secret
Years after the emissions scandal erupted, the criminal proceedings against then-Audi group boss Stadler and two other defendants could come to an end. Those responsible would have known long ago that the after-treatment of exhaust gases could be illegal. Now they will face prison sentences and fines.
Catalytic converter theft: How car thieves contribute to air pollution
All too often, according to police reports, catalytic converters are stolen from petrol and diesel cars because of the rising price of the metals they contain. A problem for the unfortunate car owner, but also for the environment. For the pollution potential of cars without catalytic converters can be extreme.
Headphones, for low emission zones?!
Expensive, but groundbreaking. New headphones with air purification function enable much more than just listening to music. On the streets, "Zones" is supposed to help people breathe clean air - even if the surrounding air is rich in pollutants. Is this our future? (Image: Dyson)
Electric: Next Generation Solid State Batteries?
According to experts, electric vehicles can become up to 75% more sustainable in the coming years. Advanced battery technologies, such as solid-state batteries, can make the difference in terms of climate neutrality. They are greener, more efficient and powerful. But their use in the car market is still a long way off.
E-car: Too heavy for the roads?
Today, new vehicles weigh almost twice as much as old cars. Electric cars in particular, with their heavy battery, put too much strain on the traffic infrastructure - and raise doubts about whether parking spaces and roads can cope with the heavy weight of electric vehicles.
Penguin droppings in the fight against climate change
The Earth's ecosystem is a play of complex interrelationships in which humans, plants and animals can contribute to the preservation of the planet in terms of climate protection. According to new findings, even penguins, as a crucial part of the South Pole ecosystem, contribute to the fight against climate change. They support the carbon cycle and air pollutant sequestration.
Environmental zones protect against lung cancer and dementia
Breathing fine dust is dangerous - with long-term health consequences that can plague those affected for a long time. Studies now reveal how particulate matter can lead to lung cancer and dementia. Is it time for stricter limits - in the interest of health and the environment?
"Liquid trees" instead of environmental zones?
In many places in Belgrade there are now water containers filled with algae that can bind CO2. With the so-called "liquid trees", the LIQUID 3 pilot project wants to counteract the heavy air pollution and compensate for the lack of green space. Will this innovation also have a future in other cities? (Picture: LIQUID 3)
New environmental zones thanks to satellites?
A rocket with a satellite was launched from the US state of Florida to measure the level of air pollution over North America. Will this technology soon be used worldwide in climate protection, for example to monitor emissions?
Easter bonfires: Beware of fine dust
It's time again to gather around an Easter bonfire and welcome spring. But there are apparently also negative consequences of this tradition. The culprit? Besides smoke and soot particles, certainly the fine dust produced by burning - and its effects on the environment and health.