(de-news.net) – According to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), Germany successfully achieved its climate target last year. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck stated that Germany is “on course” in terms of climate protection by closing its climate policy gap. Emissions decreased by 3.4% compared to 2023, equating to approximately 40 million metric tons of greenhouse gases less than the permissible amount. This reduction is primarily attributed to the decline in the use of fossil fuels such as coal, the expansion of renewable energy sources, and the emissions trading scheme.

However, the targets in the transport and building sectors were not met, highlighting areas requiring action. Germany is also at risk of missing the European Union’s reduction targets. The Climate Protection Act mandates a 65% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. According to UBA projections, achieving this target is feasible if climate policy instruments are implemented rigorously. Nonetheless, this may remain an ambitious goal due to insufficient progress in the transport and building sectors.

President of the Federal Environment Agency, Dirk Messner, expressed concern over the low demand for electric vehicles. On the other hand, the energy sector contributed disproportionately to emission reductions. Meanwhile, the industrial sector remained stable, though it requires long-term planning security to achieve climate neutrality.