Reduction mainly outside emissions trading sector
Greenhouse gas emissions are dropping further despite the decommissioning of eight nuclear power plants in 2011. When compared with emissions from 2010, emissions in 2011 fell by 2.9 percent, mainly due to weather conditions. This amounts to 27 million tonnes less carbon dioxide equivalent. The greatest reductions were recorded in combustion plants for the generation of space heating and as a result private household emissions fell.
This data is included in the National Inventory Report compiled by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), which has been forwarded to the European Commission by the Federal Environment Ministry and the UBA. Over the past few years most sectors have recorded a weaker rate of reduction. However, by contrast, emissions were reduced by almost 27 percent in 1990. Germany has thus achieved over and above its climate targets. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Germany agreed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 21% between 2008 and 2012 compared to 1990 levels.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Altmaier commented: "As a result of all we have achieved, Germany holds one of the top positions among developed countries. However, further progress will not simply happen. Trends over the past years have shown that the government's climate targets of minus 40 percent by 2020 will require further action. All sectors must make a fair contribution to this."
The incentive effect of European emissions trading is currently quite low when compared with 2005. Since then, CO2 emissions from businesses in the energy sector and industry since have been reduced by some five percent. This fall in prices of AAUs is due to the economic crisis. Greenhouse gas emissions from other sectors fell by ten percent.
UBA President Jochen Flasbarth: "EU emissions trading must create significantly more incentives for climate protection in Germany. The crisis-induced price fall inhibited necessary investment in climate-friendly technologies. For this reason Germany needs to work at EU level towards adjusting the EU emissions trading budget to encourage more investment in climate protection from the energy sector and industry" said Flasbarth. Another concern is that emissions from the transport sector are increasing slightly again, rather than falling. Overall the European climate target must be raised from 20 to 30 percent.
On the right is a chart showing the development of greenhouse gas emissions.