In Germany, emissions in 2023 fell more than ever since 1990, and the 2030 climate target will be achieved. That has a lot to do with the ailing economy – and it hides a problem: there’s next to nothing happening with traffic.
Germany is making progress with climate protection – at least at first glance. Climate-damaging emissions fell by more than ten percent last year, according to the Federal Environment Agency’s preliminary climate balance. At minus 76 million tons of CO2, this is a decline that Germany has not experienced since 1990. Compared to 1990, emissions have fallen by 46.1 percent. And the estimates for the future also show declines. “Germany is on track – for the first time,” said Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) on Friday morning in Berlin. “If we stay on course, we will achieve our 2030 climate goals.” But things aren’t quite so rosy after all.