Germany's CO2 emissions decrease for the first time in 3 years

(EurActiv, 1 Apr 2015) Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks spoke of a trend reversal, as overall greenhouse gas emissions were observed decreasing again for the first time in 3 years. But in the agriculture and transport sectors, the trend is quite the opposite.

In 2014, CO2 pollution dropped by around 41 million tonnes, a 4.3% reduction compared to 2013, according to an analysis by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) from Tuesday (31 March).

“The trend is finally going in the right direction,” explained Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks.

In total, the year’s greenhouse gas emissions from households, industry, transportation, agriculture and the energy sector added up to 912 million tonnes – the lowest level since 2010. This amounts to a reduction of 27% compared to the international baseline year 1990.

But the German government is only barely approaching its self-defined target to cut CO2 emissions 40% by 2020.

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EurActiv, 1 Apr 2015: Germany's CO2 emissions decrease for the first time in 3 years