Together for a sustainable future

Introducing the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety Publication details

Published by Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) Public Relations and Online Communication Division · 11055 Berlin · Email: [email protected] · Website: www.bmu.de/english

Edited by BMU, Public Relations and Online Communication Division

Design PROFORMA GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin

Picture credits See page 31

Date August 2018

Download of this publication Website: www.bmu.de/en/publications

Notice This publication is part of the public relations work of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. It is distributed free of charge and is not intended for sale.

2 Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU Contents

Foreword 4

BMU statistics 6

The work of the BMU 9

The topics of the BMU 11

Living well through climate action 12

Conservation of biological diversity 19

Protection against nuclear risks 20

Sustainable use of resources 22

Enjoying a healthy life 25

Taking a deep breath 26

Sustainability as a driver of modernisation 27

Subordinate authorities 28

Centre pages

Berlin Office Bonn Office We are here for you Who does what in the BMU?

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 3 Foreword

Germany has had a Federal Environment Ministry since 1986, when a new Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety was set up shortly after the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Protecting nature and the environment remains our core mission. Our founda- tions of life are the most valuable asset we have. We must all preserve the envi- ronment and natural resources – for ourselves, our children and our grandchil- dren. Ultimately, it is not just the Federal Environment Ministry which bears this responsibility – but each individual.

We all have a right to an intact environment, clean air, healthy water and fer- tile soils. That is why Germany, as a modern industrialised country, is focusing on long-lived products and a sustainable lifestyle. Going forward, we want to change our mobility, our economy and our agricultural practices. Germany should lead the way in all these transformation processes with innovative ideas and new technologies. For me, it is equally important that this is done fairly.

4 Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU Everyone loves nature, but nature conservation is not always so popular. That is why we must always consider how environmental protection can be reconciled with other tasks such as the expansion of infrastructure, urban development and business activities. This is best achieved when all relevant information is presented transparently and stakeholders are involved in the process as much as possible.

Environmental protection in Germany is and will remain successful, in spite of the many problems still to be tackled. In the coming years, we will continue to implement the global climate agreement, work to halt biodiversity loss and take care that nuclear waste is disposed of safely. We will ensure that the nec- essary economic and social structural change is socially fair.

Nearly 1,000 staff in our Berlin and Bonn offices are working diligently to achieve these goals. In this brochure you will find details of the tasks and struc- tures of our ministry. I am delighted that you are interested in the work of the BMU and wish you an enjoyable read.

Svenja Schulze Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 5 BMU statistics

Around 1,000 people work at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) in eight different Directorates-General. The ministry is headed by Federal Minister

The Federal Environment Ministers: Dr. Walter Wallmann (1986 to 1987) Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer (1987 to 1994)

Dr. ­ (1994 to 1998) Jürgen Trittin (1998 to 2005) ­ (2005 to 2009) Dr. Norbert Röttgen (2009 to 2012)

Peter Altmaier (2012 to 2013) Dr. Barbara Hendricks (2013 to 2018) Svenja Schulze (since 2018)

The 2018 federal budget allocated nearly 1.978 billion euros for the work of the BMU.

6 Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU The BMU's remit includes four higher federal authorities:

→→ Federal Environment Agency (UBA) →→ Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) →→ Federal Office for Radiation Protection( BfS) →→ Federal Office for the Regulation of Nuclear Waste Management( BfE)

These authorities, with a total of over 2,600 employees, supply the nec- essary scientific bases for the work of the BMU, advise the ministry on environmental issues and perform executive functions. In addition, the ministry is advised by independent panels of experts such as the German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU) and the German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU).

The BMU is also the sole shareholder in three limited liability companies (GmbH): →→ Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft gGmbH (ZUG), responsible in partic- ular for services under environmental support programmes →→ Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung mbH (BGE), the federal company for radioactive waste disposal →→ Gesellschaft für Zwischenlagerung mbH (BGZ), the federal company for interim storage.

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 7 North courtyard of the BMU office in Stresemannstrasse, Berlin. The canopy saves energy and the atrium acts as a climatic buffer. The work of the BMU

The BMU consistently applies the guiding principle of sustainable development when addressing its many and varied tasks. The binding national and interna- tional framework is aimed at securing a decent life for as many people as possible within the planet's ecological boundaries. For more than 30 years, the ministry has worked to protect the public from environmental pollution and radiation exposure, to advance climate action, support nature and biodiversity conservation and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.

Modern environmental policy secures the foundations of economic prosperity, quality of life for each individual and social cohesion. It touches all areas of soci- ety and drives innovation and a transition to sustainable development which will benefit future generations. The BMU is constantly improving the quality of its own environmental protection under the ministry's in-house environmental management. All four BMU buildings are certified under the European Eco-Man- agement and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

For the BMU, modern political action is not just about governing at state level, but about helping to create a future-proof society. The BMU uses a range of instru- ments and measures the introduction concrete action:

1. Legislation: The BMU prepares legal regulations, including those for trans- posing and international provisions into national law.

2. Enforcement: The BMU works in close cooperation with the Länder to ensure that legislation is applied lawfully and appropriately.

3. Research and funding: The BMU provides funding for research and develop- ment and supports of innovative technologies to the market.

4. International cooperation: The BMU represents the Federal Republic of Ger- many within the European Union (for instance in the context of EU legisla- tion) and in international organisations like the UN, on all issues relating to environment, nature conservation and sustainable development. The BMU works to strengthen environmental policy internationally, through multi- lateral processes and in bilateral cooperation with partner countries.

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 9 5. Further development of environmental and nature conservation policy: The BMU elaborates future-oriented goals and strategies and draws up pro- grammes of measures which are implemented in a dialogue-based process.

6. Public relations: The BMU keeps the public informed through brochures, webpages, social media sites and campaigns. It also maintains dialogue with associations, civil groups and the public.

The goal of the BMU's sustainable environmental policy is to achieve ecologi- cally sound, socially just development which is still economically viable. This policy can only bear fruit if it is pursued at every political level and in close cooperation with the relevant social stakeholders. As well as regulating individ- ual sectors such as transport and agriculture and adopting specific measures, the BMU is increasingly focusing on integrated policies. These will bundle activities, exploit synergies, facilitate broad support in society and put in place a solid framework for action.

10 Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU The topics of the BMU

The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety deals with the following areas:

Climate action

Nature and species protection, conservation of biodiversity

Nuclear safety and security

Water, waste, soil and resource conservation

Environmental health

Air, noise, mobility

Sustainable economic practices and products

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 11 Living well through climate action

Anthropogenic climate change is caused by green-

house gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. They enter the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil for energy generation, transport and agricultural activities. This leads to global warming. As a consequence, the glaciers in the Alps and the ice in Greenland are melting, sea levels are rising, heatwaves and droughts are occurring more often and more frequent storms and floods are causing devastation. For many people across the globe, the foundations of life are under threat. Climate change is making itself felt in Germany too, with extreme weather events such as heatwaves and flooding increasing in fre- quency.

The Federal Environment Ministry, as the climate ministry, is responsible in Germany for greenhouse gas reduction and adaptation to the impacts of cli- mate change. The German government has set itself ambitious climate targets:

12 Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU By 2030 it aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent compared to 1990, and to cut greenhouse gas emissions in Germany to vir- tually nothing by 2050. These targets are in line with the United Nations 2015 Paris Agreement, which adopted the goal of limiting global warming to below 2° Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. To achieve the targets we need a climate-friendly restructuring of our economy and lifestyle. It is vital that we ensure this change is socially fair.

Alongside this, measures must be implemented to limit the unavoidable adverse effects of climate change, such as heavy precipitation events, on environment and society. The German Adaptation Strategy provides the basis for this action. Over the past years, more than 140 measures have been implemented, including in agriculture and forestry.

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 13 Berlin Office

Visitors' address:

Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety Stresemannstraße 128-130, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Other offices: Köthener Straße 2-3, 10963 Berlin, Germany

KrausenstraßeBrandenburger Tor 17-18, 10117 Berlin, Germany U2 Stadtmitte U2 Spittelmarkt

Krausenstraße

Mauerstraße Mauerstraße Krausenstraße Charlottenstraße BMU Schützenstraße

Potsdamer Platz Schützenstraße Friedrichstraße Friedrichstraße

Zimmerstraße

straße straße m BMU Wilhel

Axel-Springer-Straße

BMU Rudi-Dutschke-Straße

Kochstraße Kochstraße

straße straße m Charlottenstraße

Anhalterstraße Wilhel Friedrichstraße Friedrichstraße

14 Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU Brandenburger Tor U2 Stadtmitte U2 Spittelmarkt

Krausenstraße

Mauerstraße Mauerstraße Krausenstraße Charlottenstraße BMU Schützenstraße

Potsdamer Platz Schützenstraße

Bonn Office Friedrichstraße

Zimmerstraße

straße straße m BMU Wilhel

Axel-Springer-Straße

BMU Rudi-Dutschke-Straße Visitors' address: Kochstraße Kochstraße

Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and

Nuclear Safety

Charlottenstraße

straße straße m Anhalterstraße Wilhel Robert-Schuman-Platz 3, 53175 Bonn, Germany Friedrichstraße

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 15 We are here for you

If you have any questions or are interested in specific topics: We are here to help!

Email us at [email protected]

You can reach our telephone switchboard at +49 30 / 18 30 50

To find out more about the latest events, background information, topic areas and publications visit our website at www.bmu.de/english

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: www..com/bmu.bund

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BMU

Instagram: www.instagram.com/umweltministerium

YouTube: www.youtube.de/umweltministerium

16 Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU FUSSZEILE Who does what in the BMU?

Colour key:

1 Functions performed in Bonn Minister 2 Functions performed in Berlin Svenja Schulze Functions performed in Berlin and Bonn

Parliamentary State Secretary State Secretary Parliamentary State Secretary Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter Jochen Flasbarth

Directorate-General Z Directorate-General P Directorate-General G 2 Directorate-General IK 2 Directorate-General S Directorate-General WR Directorate-General IG Directorate-General N

Central Functions, Planning, Strategy; Strategic and Cross-sectoral International and Nuclear Safety, Water Management, Immission Control, Nature Conservation Administration, Budget, Press, Communication Aspects of Environmental Policy, European Policy, Radiological Protection Resource Conservation Safety of Installations, and the Sustainable Research, Digitalisation Sustainable Development, Climate Policy Transport, Chemical Safety; Use of Natural Resources Fundamental Social Policy Issues Environmental Health

Gender Equality Of cer Staff Council General Staff Council Representative for Severely Data Protection Of cer 1 Document Security Of cer 1 Sponsoring Of cer and Contact General Youth and Disabled Employees Person for Corruption Prevention Apprentices Representative

Colour key: und übergreifende Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 19 1 Functions performed in Bonn 2 Functions performed in Berlin Functions performed in Berlin and Bonn

Conservation of biological diversity

Deserts and raised bogs, coral reefs and tropical rainforests, rivers, lakes and seas: Our planet has a wealth of different ecosystems which are home to millions of species of plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. But biological diversity is van- ishing throughout the world at a drastic rate. This decline is primarily caused by humans. We are stretching nature beyond its capacity. That not only endangers and destroys plant and animal species and their habitats, it also robs us and future generations of our own foundations of life.

In Germany too, the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity presents us with major challenges. In spite of encouraging progress with species such as the otter, wolf and beaver, much still remains to be done. That is why the BMU is working to advance the conservation and sustainable use of biological diver- sity throughout the world and to implement the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and other international and European agreements on nature and spe- cies conservation. Germany's comprehensive and ambitious National Strategy on Biological Diversity, introduced in 2007, is aimed at halting the decline of biodiversity and initiating a positive trend.

Extensive public participation is at the heart of the Federal Environment Min- istry's implementation of the biodiversity strategy, and this approach has also informed the national activities organised for the UN Decade of Biodiversity (2011 to 2020). The BMU supports specific projects for conserving biological diversity through a number of federal funding programmes.

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 19 Protection against nuclear risks

In August 2011, 25 years after the nuclear disas- ter in Chernobyl and just a few months after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan, the German voted by a large majority to permanently phase out the use of nuclear power. By act of law, 8 of the 17 nuclear power plants in operation at the time had their operating licence withdrawn. The power plants still in operation will be shut down in a step-by-step process by the end of 2022 at the latest. Ensuring the operational safety of the nuclear power plants up to their complete dismantling is a top priority for the German government. This applies to research reactors, other nuclear facilities and the handling and trans- port of radioactive materials. These installations and activities also have to be protected from third-party interventions such as terrorist attacks.

The BMU is working at EU and international level to ensure a high standard of nuclear safety. The ministry moreover campaigns for Germany to be involved in the nuclear-safety deliberations of other countries. The BMU regulates the safe management of radioactive waste and spent fuel.

20 Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU Alongside the conversion of the Konrad mine into a disposal site for radioac- tive waste with negligible heat generation, selecting a suitable disposal site for highly radioactive waste is a hugely important intergenerational challenge. The aim is to find a site by 2031, using a science-based and transparent procedure.

The BMU is also responsible for the protection of human health from the harmful effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation. The radioactive noble gas radon and medical applications (x-rays, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy) are major sources of ionising radiation.

The German government introduced key improvements in these areas with its 2017 Radiation Protection Act. The provisions are currently being fleshed out in a new Radiation Protection Ordinance. Radiation protection in the context of the electricity grid expansion is one focus of the new legislation in the field of non-ionising radiation – a centre of excellence is being established for this in the Federal Office for Radiation Protection. Use of applications such as laser and ultrasound on humans in the cosmetics industry will also be regulated, with an ordinance stipulating technical requirements for the cosmetics sector.

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 21 Sustainable use of resources

As essential production factors, natural resources, especially raw materials, form the basis of our prosperity. Responsible and efficient use of natural resources is thus a key competence in a sustainable society.

Life without water is not possible. All life processes depend on water. Water bodies not only provide us with drinking and service water, they also offer us a range of recreation oppor- tunities, have aesthetic value in our landscapes and play a central role in help- ing people feel connected to their environment. Water bodies are vital habitats for many plants and animals and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity, for instance as a haven for insects. To preserve and improve these important ecosystem services, we need a forward-looking and consistent water policy to protect groundwater, surface waters and marine waters. We must establish a balance between protection and use of water bodies. For instance, wastewater must be treated such that it can be safely returned to the water cycle. However, sewage treatment plants cannot adequately eliminate trace substances such as pharmaceutical residues from wastewater. New solutions

22 Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU must be found for this problem. Floods and flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall are forces of nature that can have an impact on humans. People need dykes and other defences against such events.

For this reason, in future, adaptation to the impacts of climate change, whether droughts or floods, will be a key topic for the water industry as well. Rivers carry waste, particularly plastic waste, to the sea. To help prevent this, we all need to manage waste more carefully as individuals. Soils provide nutrients and raw materials, store and filter water, can break down pollutants and are a habitat for plants and animals. But soils are a finite resource. They are under threat from contamination, erosion, loss of humus, densification, salinisation and acidification. That is why we must protect soils and their functions and restore damaged soils. And, not least, we must continue to reduce land use.

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 23

Enjoying a healthy life

Clean air, clean water, intact nature – all human beings need an environment where they can live healthily and feel comfortable. However, human health can be compromised by both natural envi- ronmental influences such as ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation) from the sun and by anthropogenic environmental contamination. Examples of this include pollutants in air, soil, water and food, as well as hazardous chemicals, radioactive substances, ionising and non-ionising radiation and noise.

The German government aims to identify these influences and reduce or, where possible, prevent them from arising. The particular focus is on protect- ing the public from the impacts of climate change, from natural and man-made radiation, and on the safe management of chemicals that benefit our lives but which nevertheless often entail risks to human health and the environment.

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 25 Taking a deep breath

Clean air is vital for humans, animals and plants, but air pollution from energy generation, agricul- ture, industry and in particular road traffic severely restricts quality of life, especially in agglomera- tions. Noise emissions from transport, industry, factories and neighbourhoods cause additional burdens. The Federal Environment Ministry works to ensure strict standards for air quality and noise control. Stringent limit values have been laid down in legal ordinances.

Emission reduction measures in the above-named sectors have significantly reduced air pollution in Germany over the past decades. Only a sustainable and ecological transport policy can significantly contribute to environmental protection and climate action. The BMU therefore supports green technologies such as electric mobility

26 Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU Sustainability as a driver of modernisation

Industry and environment, ecology and economy are not conflicting goals – they are intrinsically linked. We can only achieve stable and future-proof economic development if our environment is intact and we use natural resources efficiently. Environ- mental protection and climate action are drivers of innovation in industry, society and administration. Germany already holds a leading international position in the manufacture and use of green technologies. Future-oriented economic policy must strengthen sustainable economic practices by providing a smart framework. This includes binding environmental standards, a positive environment for innovation, a fair and rules-based trade policy and a sustain- able financial policy.

Besides the introduction of modern, ecologically sound production processes and services, another key to greater sustainable development lies in consumer protection and environmentally friendly product design. Manufacturers, sup- pliers and retailers must start focusing on the durability and reparability of their products. Independent and credible environmental labels such as the Blue Angel set standards and give guidance on sustainable purchases.

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 27 Subordinate authorities

Federal Environment Agency (UBA) Wörlitzer Platz 1 06844 Dessau-Roßlau · Germany Tel.: +49 340 / 21 030 Fax: +49 340 / 21 03 22 85 Email: [email protected] Website: www.umweltbundesamt.de/en

Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) Konstantinstraße 110 53179 Bonn · Germany Tel.: +49 228 / 84 910 Fax: +49 228 / 84 91 99 99 Email:: [email protected] Website: www.bfn.de/en

Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) Willy–Brandt–Straße 5 38226 Salzgitter · Germany Tel.: +49 30 / 18 33 30 Fax: +49 30 / 183 331 885 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bfs.de/EN

Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BfE) Krausenstraße 17-18 10117 Berlin · Germany Tel.: +49 30 / 18 76 76 76 50 00 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bfe.bund.de/EN

28 Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU

Picture credits

Title page: daitoZen/gettyimages Page 4: BMU/Sascha Hilgers Page 6/7: Friedberg/Fotolia Page 8: BMU/Florian Profitlich Page 10: JuergenL/Fotolia Page 12/13: Skylines/Shutterstock.com Page 14: BMU/Florian Profitlich Page 15: Hans Weingartz, entrance to the main building in Bonn (2006) [CC BY-SA 3.0 de (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons Page 20: Alexander von Düren/Fotolia Page 22/23: Reinhard Marscha/Fotolia Page 24: Juergen Wiesler/Fotolia Page 25: kaimanblu/Fotolia Page 26: Sven Hagolani/gettyimages Page 27: TommL/gettyimages Page 28: sirirak/Fotolia Page 29: Jana Schoenknecht/Shutterstock.com

Together for a sustainable future | Introducing the BMU 29 www.bmu.de/english