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.
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?
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.
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)
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?
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)
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?
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.
Not only on the roads, but also in the air, traffic is increasingly encountering emission-reducing measures. Schiphol presents its strategy to lead passenger air traffic into a more sustainable future. With a ban on night flights and the banning of private planes, Amsterdam Airport wants to become cleaner.
E-fuels are increasingly being considered in the context of the transport transition - for example, as part of the strategy to make the internal combustion engines still in circulation after 2035 more sustainable. But what impact do they actually have on air quality and climate? And what would their approach mean for the environment and climate-protecting transport measures after the end of the combustion engine?
