Environmental campaign Save the forest - Germany / Federal Republic of Germany 1985 - 80 Pfennig

The forest damage that has been observed in Germany since the mid-seventies is an environmental problem that directly affects every citizen. Much has been missed here in the past. Now time is pressing. Therefore, the admonitory clock hand on the special stamp "Save the forest". In 1984, half of the German forest area was vitality-reduced or damaged. Of these, 33% were classified as "slightly damaged", 16% were "moderately damaged" and 1.5% "severely damaged or dead". The forest damage has hardly predictable consequences for the unique ecological importance of the forest. They also have very significant economic implications for the forestry and wood industries. Last but not least, the forest is an important recreational area for millions of citizens. Despite enormous research efforts, the causes of forest damage have not yet been fully clarified. In general, a combination of different causes is assumed, whereby among other factors (climate, location, pests, silvicultural influences) air pollution plays an essential role. In September 1983, at the suggestion of Federal Interior Minister Zimmermann, the Federal Government adopted the action program »Save the Forest«. The focus of this program is on air pollution control, in addition to increased research and forestry measures. The Federal Government starts with a broad-based program in the sources of air pollution and covers all polluter groups. The necessary measures are already largely enforced or at least initiated today. The most important are: - The large combustion plant regulation in force since 1 July 1983. It calls for power plants and industrial combustion plants, even in old plants, sharp emission limits. The regulation already works. Already today, the renovation of old facilities is in progress on a broad front. - The amendment to the technical instructions on air pollution, which will be adopted this year. It covers virtually the entire rest of the industry. - The introduction of the eco-friendly car, which will reduce car-borne pollutants by around 90 percent compared to the early 1970s. These measures will have a positive impact on air quality and thus on the forests. Overall, they are u. a. to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from about 3.2 million tonnes annually in 1980 to about 1.6 million tonnes in 1988 and to less than 1.2 million tonnes in 1993. Environmental protection is everyone's business. Even every single citizen can by environmentally friendly behavior in his life - z. B. by early decision for the environmentally friendly motor vehicle - contribute to air pollution. If everyone joins us - in our country and throughout Europe - we will be able to stop the clock, which turned out to be just before twelve, and to preserve the forest in its important functions and beauty for future generations. (Text: Federal Ministry of the Interior, Bonn)