Overall balance slightly positive: Germany is missing the climate targets for transport and buildings

Overall balance just positive
When it comes to transport and buildings, Germany is missing the climate targets

There is a red card for the transport sector of FDP Minister Wissing: It is the only sector that emits significantly more CO2 than in 2021. Nevertheless, Germany manages to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions compared to the previous year. Compared to 1990, emissions are actually falling significantly.

Despite the massive use of coal-fired power during the 2022 energy crisis, Germany achieved its climate target. The Federal Environment Agency announced that greenhouse gas emissions fell by 1.9 percent compared to the previous year to around 746 million tons. Compared to 1990, emissions fell by 40.4 percent.

The energy sector, as the largest CO2 producer, was able to just meet its target, even though more coal was burned to produce electricity. On the other hand, traffic failed to meet its legal obligations for the second time in a row, despite the 9-euro ticket, high fuel prices and more electric cars. It was even the only sector to increase its emissions by over a million tons compared to 2021 because more cars and trucks were on the road. The buildings sector was able to reduce emissions, but also missed the targets.

Germany must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. Climate neutrality is to be achieved by 2045, so the bottom line is that practically no more CO2 can escape into the atmosphere. The Climate Protection Act therefore contains upper limits for emissions for each individual sector and each year. Those who miss their targets – like traffic and buildings now – need to get back on track with an instant program.

The federal government is also currently working on a comprehensive climate protection program in order to be able to achieve the goals in the coming years. According to the law, the annual progress must be much higher in the future than last. The climate protection program is currently stuck, mainly because of disputes between the climate protection and transport ministries.

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