Germany ‘set for biggest rise in greenhouse gases for 30 years’

Aug. 15, 2021

Increase means country will slip back from goal of cutting emissions by 40% from 1990 levels

Germany is forecast to record its biggest rise in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990 this year as the economy rebounds from the pandemic-related downturn, according to a report by an environmental thinktank.

Berlin-based Agora Energiewende said the country’s emissions would probably rise by the equivalent of 47m tons of carbon dioxide.

The increase means Germany’s emissions will be about 37% lower than in 1990. It had aimed to cut emissions by 40% by 2020, and met the target last year but only due to the economic downturn.

The government recently pledged to increase efforts to combat climate change and reduce emissions to net zero by 2045.

The report draws on data from the first half of 2021 to forecast total emissions equivalent to 760-812m tons of CO2 for the full year.

It also shows a significant increase in consumption of fossil fuels across the building, industrial and transport sectors. If confirmed, the German government will be required by law to introduce urgent measures to reduce those sectoral emissions.

Agora Energiewende receives its funding from environmental groups such as the European Climate Foundation, and the German government.

[Top photo: Environmental activists protest in Berlin in March. The report shows a significant increase in consumption of fossil fuels across building, industrial and transport sectors Photograph: Maja Hitij/Getty Images]