Germany on track to meet 2030 climate goals – thanks to weak economy

Germany is likely to meet some of its climate targets set for 2030, but only because of the poor performance of its ailing economy, according to a report released on Thursday.

Hans-Martin Henning, head of the Council of Experts on Climate Change, said the review found that the country’s “emissions budget will not be exceeded by 2030.”

However, there is a “high probability” that the budget would have been overshot if not for “the buffer that has built up in the years 2021 to 2024 due to coronavirus and the weak economy,” he added.

Germany has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

By 2045, the country aims to become climate neutral – meaning it plans to balance all remaining greenhouse gas emissions with offsetting measures.

Experts believe Germany is a long way from achieving that goal, however.

The country’s Climate Protection Act stipulates the maximum amount of greenhouse gases that Germany may emit per year between 2020 and 2030, with accumulated emissions across the decade making up the emissions budget.

Henning said the “overarching 65% target for 2030,” on the other hand, would not be achieved.

Germany’s economy, once envied across Europe and beyond, has seen two consecutive years of recession, and some economists have already predicted another downturn for 2025.

Under EU climate targets, Germany must cut its emissions by half by 2030 – but compared to 2005 levels.

According to the expert council’s calculations, Germany is no longer on track to achieve the aim.

The council is an independent five-member body that reviews the effectiveness of German climate protection policy and makes recommendations to policymakers.

The latest report largely confirms figures presented by the German Environment Agency.
Olumo Rock, other tourist attractions revamped for Gateway Games 2024