Germany's greenhouse gas emissions dropped by one-tenth last year as renewable energy became more important, the usage of coal and gas declined, and economic pressures impacted businesses and consumers, according to official data released.
Reduced Emission
Europe's largest economy aims to reduce emissions by 65 percent compared to 1990 by 2030. According to the most recent statistics, Germany is on schedule to slash about 64 percent by that date.
Germany wants to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 and is trying to increase the use of solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.
The country's environmental protection agency reported that the country emitted approximately 673 million tons of greenhouse emissions in 2023, a decrease of 76 million tons, or 10.1%, from the previous year. It was the most significant fall since 1990.
The agency cited Germany's "very successful expansion of renewable energies" but warned that progress in reducing emissions is not uniformly good. It stated that more should be done, particularly in the transportation sector, such as by boosting electric mobility and reducing subsidies.
Climate Action and Economy Minister Robert Habeck stated that, while 2023 was an exceptional year and the government expected a "complete economic recovery," additional planned measures would help maintain the progress made.
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Climate Target
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) said Germany was on track to fulfill its 2030 climate targets after reducing emissions. confirming preliminary predictions.
Berlin expects that recently introduced "climate protection contracts" will motivate enterprises to reduce emissions even further by compensating for the additional expenses of green production.
Germany has been Europe's economic engine for decades, thanks in part to cheap Russian gas, which Berlin ceased importing when Moscow invaded Ukraine.
They are also researching ways to store existing carbon. They just disclosed a "carbon management strategy" that includes storing carbon underground.
"In the 2000s, you could perhaps say, 'let's wait and see what might happen'; today we see that we haven't found any technological solution for cement and other areas that ensures climate neutrality," said Habeck.
They are also setting the standard in Europe for transitioning its inhabitants and companies to a greener future.
In keeping with the EU's push to eliminate diesel cars by 2035, Germany had more than a million electric vehicles on the road in 2022, leading the European pack.
Solar rooftop installations increased by 49 percent worldwide in 2022. Germany ranked sixth in the world for new solar installations.
Germany was one of the worst-performing major developed countries last year, hampered by rising oil prices, a global economic slowdown, and interest rate hikes to combat inflation.
The country is home to many energy-intensive businesses, including those in the chemical and metal industries.
Last year, the United Nations assessment said that if countries meet their present climate obligations, global greenhouse gas emissions will climb by 10.6% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels.
According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a 43% decrease in emissions by 2030 is required to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
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