The Environment Chronicle

The Act on granting priority to renewable energy sources (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz, EEG) of 21 July 2004 makes it compulsory for operators of power grids to give priority to feeding electricity from renewable energies into the grid and to pay fixed prices for this. The entry into force of the Renewable Energy Sources Act in the year 2000 triggered the desired boom in the construction of new installations.

The POP Convention (POP stands for persistent organic pollutants) aims for a worldwide ban on the manufacture and use of 12 of the most hazardous chemicals. Among these are eight plant protection agents, for example DDT, and dioxins and furans, as well as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and hexachlorobenzene. These substances are distinguished by their toxicity, longevity, and their characteristic of becoming concentrated in the environment and the food chain. The continued, restricted use of DDT will be permitted in order to combat mosquitoes carrying malaria, as effective, affordable substitutes are not available in all countries. The Convention was signed in Stockholm in May 2001 and was the result of negotiations led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Regulation 1830/2003 on labelling and traceability provides for comprehensive information by labelling all food and feed containing, consisting of or produced from a GMO. The purpose is to inform consumers and farmers about the exact nature and characteristics of the food or feed, so that they can make informed choices.

The Convention establishes the principle that export of a chemical covered by the Convention can only take place with the prior informed consent of the importing party. The Convention establishes a "Prior Informed Consent procedure," a means for formally obtaining and disseminating the decisions of importing countries as to whether they wish to receive future shipments of specified chemicals and for ensuring compliance with these decisions by exporting countries.