Germany's Carbon Emissions Hit 70-Year Low, But Climate Goals Remain Unmet

Economic Struggles and Energy Efficiency Contribute to Emissions Drop, But Sustainability Concerns Loom

Germany's carbon emissions have dropped to their lowest level in 70 years, helped by cuts in industrial production and lower coal generation.
Despite the drop, Germany is still not on track to meet its climate goals, with only 15% of the overall emissions savings due to higher energy efficiency standards or more renewables in the mix.
About half the reduction is due to demand reduction and production cuts from energy-intensive industries, linked to the crisis triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Germany, the world’s worst performing major economy in 2023, is the only Group of Seven country forecast to contract by around 0.3% as it struggles from high inflation and higher energy prices.
Emissions could start rising again if the economy picks up pace, with the housing and transport sectors having already missed successive climate targets from 2019 and 2020 respectively.