Germany’s climate advisory body has issued a call for immediate policy measures to address the country’s escalating greenhouse gas emissions, cautioning that it is on track to miss its 2030 climate change targets. In a report released on Monday, the Council of Experts on Climate Change, an independent body appointed by the government, emphasized that Germany is unlikely to achieve its goal of reducing emissions by 65% by the end of the decade compared to 1990 levels.
The council highlighted sectors such as transport and construction as particularly problematic in terms of decarbonization efforts. These sectors are facing significant challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy sources and reducing their carbon footprint. The findings directly contradict statements made by German Climate Protection Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, who had previously claimed that emissions were decreasing and the country would meet its targets based on projections from the Federal Environment Agency (UBA).
According to the Council of Experts on Climate Change, the UBA’s estimates were overly optimistic, and the emissions from the energy, building, and transport sectors had been underestimated. This indicates a pressing need for additional action and stronger measures to be taken to curb emissions effectively.
Under the Climate Protection Act, if the council’s findings are confirmed in its next annual report in 2025, the government will be required to implement further measures to meet its 2030 targets. However, the council’s chairman, Hans-Martin Henning, advised against waiting for the targets to be missed again and instead recommended prompt examination and implementation of additional measures.
The council also warned that Germany may face challenges in meeting future targets, including its aim to reduce emissions by 88% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels and achieve climate neutrality by 2045. The transition away from burning fossil fuels is considered crucial in addressing the global warming threat and reducing emissions.
The release of the council’s report coincides with ongoing government negotiations in Bonn, Germany, where officials are laying the groundwork for the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled for the end of the year. The discussions are expected to focus on the contentious issue of funding the escalating costs associated with climate change.
