This is the conclusion of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) - concerned that wood-burning stoves and fireplaces release too much particulate matter during operation. According to a draft law of the Federal Cabinet, heating with wood could be permitted only on a restricted basis in the future.
The so-called traffic turnaround does not only mean sustainable mobility on the roads. The aviation industry must also reduce its emissions – and thus its negative impact on air quality and the environment. What will be the best green drive solution? E-fuels or fuel cells? Will environmental zones soon also regulate traffic in the air?
Following the announcement of tighter environmental zone regulations from next autumn for all diesel vehicles, Denmark is unveiling its plans to say goodbye to internal combustion engines. The possibility of a ban on combustion engines from 2030, including the state of the infrastructure and the social compatibility of the measure, is currently being examined in detail. Will Copenhagen's low-emission zone become a zero-emission zone?
Air quality is improving and cities are responding by removing emission-reducing driving bans. But even where no low-emission zones regulate traffic, instruments to protect the environment could soon be decommissioned. Kiel is reviewing plans to remove the air filter at the Theodor-Heus-Ring.
The mobility revolution is soon to reach the German military as well. Thanks to hydrogen and, in part, electric drives, the Bundeswehr is also to become climate-neutral over the next 20 years. The German government wants to reduce climate-damaging emissions in every sector in order to achieve the climate goals.
Because the air became cleaner, eight cities in Baden-Württemberg already abolished the environmental zone regulations that had been in force for years in 2023. Wendlingen am Neckar, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Ilsfeld and Urbach will now also no longer have low emission zones from this May - yet more German cities planning to abolish them. Are the authorities acting prematurely? Will Germany be able to meet its 2023 climate targets even without the emission-reducing contribution of low emission zones?
From 01.10.2023, diesel cars will also be subject to the environmental zone regulations in Copenhagen, Aalborg, Aarhus and Odense. All Euro 5 or Euro 4 vehicles with particulate filters - registered before January 2011 - will then need to be registered in order to drive legally in a Danish low emission zone. Register your car with Green-Zones now and avoid hefty fines!
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.
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.
Not an isolated phenomenon - More than 8 million cars are at least indirectly involved in the use of illegal defeat devices to manipulate exhaust emissions. This is the result of a recent ICCT study that was able to analyse the actual emissions of numerous vehicles on the road. So what does this development in the diesel scandal mean for the car market and for national and international environmental and transport policy? Will we soon see - in Germany and the rest of Europe - extended environmental zones and stricter driving bans for all affected diesel classes?
