CO₂ emissions in Germany - statistics & facts
CO₂ emissions make up the largest share of greenhouse gases generated by humans and their activities. When CO₂ emissions are released into the atmosphere, the radiative balance of the earth is disrupted. This balance relates to solar energy absorbed by the planet and then radiated back to space. Disruptions cause the rising of surface temperature, i.e. global warming, which in turn contributes to all the climate change effects and risks recorded in recent decades.
Germany is an industrial powerhouse, with various areas of production having a longstanding reputation of global significance far beyond national and European borders. On an international level, CO₂ emissions are currently largely released by the use of fossil fuels, namely higher coal combustion levels following difficulties with gas deliveries after the Russia-Ukraine war began. Among European countries, Germany emitted the most CO2 from fossil fuel consumption, at around 93 billion metric tons as of 2021. However, many other sectors and industries are regular emitters and are therefore on the list of future contributors to industrial CO₂ reduction as well. The issue of emission impact also stretches to household and individual consumption.
Germany previously aimed to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 or earlier, this target was then moved up by five years. Experts note German CO₂ emissions will need to shrink to 1990 levels by 2030 for neutrality to be achieved at the declared point in time. This also means industries in the country would need to reduce their emissions quicker. Higher reduction targets have been set for the energy and building sectors, at around 77 and 68 percent respectively.
Germany is an industrial powerhouse, with various areas of production having a longstanding reputation of global significance far beyond national and European borders. On an international level, CO₂ emissions are currently largely released by the use of fossil fuels, namely higher coal combustion levels following difficulties with gas deliveries after the Russia-Ukraine war began. Among European countries, Germany emitted the most CO2 from fossil fuel consumption, at around 93 billion metric tons as of 2021. However, many other sectors and industries are regular emitters and are therefore on the list of future contributors to industrial CO₂ reduction as well. The issue of emission impact also stretches to household and individual consumption.
Germany previously aimed to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 or earlier, this target was then moved up by five years. Experts note German CO₂ emissions will need to shrink to 1990 levels by 2030 for neutrality to be achieved at the declared point in time. This also means industries in the country would need to reduce their emissions quicker. Higher reduction targets have been set for the energy and building sectors, at around 77 and 68 percent respectively.
