In 2023, approximately 673 million tons of greenhouse gases were emitted, about ten percent less than in 2022, the Ministry of Climate and the Environment Agency announced. Germany aims to reduce its emissions by 65 percent compared to 1990 by 2030. Currently, this reduction stands at around 46 percent. Germany must be completely climate-neutral by 2045.
Both Robert Habeck, the German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate, and the German Environment Agency believe that the set goals are within reach, but environmental organizations warn that the report gives a false sense of security.
Last year's decrease is only partly the result of government measures to combat climate change. However, the reduction in CO2 emissions mainly comes from the German economy performing less well and using less electricity from German lignite-fired power plants.
Minister Habeck said that Germany is on course for the first time to achieve its climate target. The pace of climate protection has almost tripled. The Green party politician emphasized that this is also possible with a recovering economy.
Despite generally positive forecasts for the climate targets, environmental organizations called on the government in Berlin to take more measures to reduce greenhouse gases. Greenpeace stated that no one should confuse a struggling economy with climate protection.