CO2 emissions are rising again - in energy and transport

After a significant decline in the previous year, greenhouse gas emissions in Germany have risen again. Around 762 million tons of greenhouse gases were released in 2021 – an increase of 33 million tons, or 4.5 percent, compared to 2020. Overall, emissions in Germany have decreased by 38.7 percent since 1990. This is according to the latest calculations from the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), presented according to the guidelines of the Federal Climate Protection Act and the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The increase last year was particularly notable in the energy sector, which saw a rise of 27 million tons of CO2 equivalents, as increased electricity demand, lower electricity generation from renewable energies, and rising gas prices led to greater reliance on coal for power generation. Electricity generation from renewable energies decreased by seven percent, primarily due to poor wind conditions. Emissions in the transport and building sectors exceeded the annual maximum amounts set by the Federal Climate Protection Act.

“Unfortunately, the rise in greenhouse gas emissions was anticipated. The federal government will now counteract this promptly with a climate protection immediate program. The key is a significantly faster pace in the expansion of renewable energies. We need to install three times as much capacity as before to increase the share of renewables in power generation to 80 percent by 2030. There can no longer be delays like in the past years. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has also dramatically shown us how closely security and energy supply are linked," pleaded State Secretary Patrick Graichen from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

We can no longer afford to ignore this. Therefore, it is now crucial to "quickly remove every stumbling block on the path to more wind and solar power". The faster transition away from fossil fuels must encompass all areas – from industrial production to the building sector, and mobility to agriculture. The key is to maintain social balance, according to Graichen.

“Nearly half of the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved in 2020 has already been lost. Our figures clearly show that the federal government’s goals must be pursued swiftly," also demanded UBA President Dirk Messner.

More solar and wind energy installations must be built quickly, buildings should be converted to heat pumps, and the installation of oil and gas heating systems should be stopped as soon as possible. There is still considerable potential for energy savings in houses, especially through energy-efficient renovation.

"This also helps to reduce our energy dependency on Russia. Everyone can do their part to help the climate as well: heat a little less, leave the car at home more often, or, if necessary, drive slower," appealed Messner.