Germany cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2% last year. It needs to triple that to meet its target

The modest reduction in Germany’s greenhouse gas emissions last year is not enough for the country to meet its 2030 climate target. Germany would have to triple last year’s result to get on track. This is according to preliminary data from the German Environment Agency (UBA).

Germany recorded a year-on-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 1.9% in 2022. Preliminary UBA data showed that increased coal consumption during the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s war against Ukraine led to higher emissions in the energy sector, while high energy commodity prices pushed emissions down in industry.

In light of a turbulent year, the 2% reduction can be considered a partial success, according to UBA head Dirk Messner. But Germany will need to step up its efforts significantly to meet its emissions reduction target for 2030.