Climate-relevant greenhouse gas emissions of inland waters in Germany and estimation of their mitigation potential by restoration measures : a review : final report / by Dr. Anne Breznikar, Dr. Dr. Dietmar Mehl (biota - Institut für ökologische Forschung und Planung GmbH, Bützow) ; on behalf of the German Environment Agency ; report performed by: biota - Institut für ökologische Forschung und Planung GmbH ; edited by: Section II 2.4 "Inland waters" - Dr. Philipp Vormeier (specialist support)

Abstract

According to a ⁠UBA⁠ study, bodies of water can be sources of greenhouse gases and thus contribute to climate change. In our surface waters carbon and nitrogen can be transformed into carbon dioxide carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The type of gas that is produced, results from various biological and chemical decomposition processes of organic material. In heavily anthropogenically modified surface water, conditions are created that favour the release of greenhouse gases. Waters that have been modified by humans therefore emit more greenhouse gases. River restoration and the reconnection of floodplains can help to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of our surface waters.