The federal government has failed to meet national climate targets for buildings and transport. The responsible ministries must now follow suit. They want to present the improvements today.
No new gas heaters from 2024, new federal funds for renovation and new construction as well as climate-friendly district heating: Building Minister Klara Geywitz (SPD) and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) want to improve climate protection with numerous measures.
According to government circles, the projects are part of an emergency program that both ministries want to present on Wednesday (12.30 p.m.). It is intended to ensure that fewer greenhouse gases are emitted in the building sector. Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) wants to present his department’s measures (12:00 p.m.).
targets missed
In the areas of buildings and transport, the federal government has recently missed the national climate targets. The responsible ministries had three months to submit their amendments – this deadline expires on Wednesday.
In the building sector alone, 152 million more tons of CO2 must be saved by 2030 than before. The emergency program will more than close this gap, according to government circles. Above all, it is about renovating more houses and establishing a heat supply without fossil fuels – and without financially overloading the citizens.
Specifically, the Building Energy Act is to be amended in such a way that from 2024 only heating systems that work with at least 65 percent renewable energies may be installed. Pure gas heaters are then no longer permitted. State funding for efficient buildings is to be realigned and focus on renovation. The ministries also want to promote the conversion of district heating networks to renewable energies and waste heat more strongly. There should be training for the installation of heat pumps for craft businesses.
Germany’s emissions of climate-damaging greenhouse gases rose by 4.5 percent last year. The target of 40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990, which was actually set for 2020, was still missed a year later. In a long-term comparison, emissions fell by only 38.7 percent.
Speed limit still in debate
The German Environmental Aid called for a temporary speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour as part of an immediate climate program. This is absolutely necessary in an effective program, the speed limit should have a term of at least two years, said Federal Managing Director Jürgen Resch of the German Press Agency. “This would even be compatible with the coalition agreement, which only excludes a general speed limit. After a year, it should then be examined how high the level of people’s approval is for a permanent continuation after the two years. »
From day one, a speed limit could save up to 10 million liters of petrol and diesel, said Resch. In terms of climate impact, this is 9.2 million tons less CO2 per year. In addition to 100 km/h on the motorway, 80 km/h should apply out of town and 30 km/h in town. After the 9-euro ticket expired, Resch also called for a 365-euro climate ticket for trains, buses and trams that was also valid nationwide. In addition, short-haul flights should be banned if the respective cities can be reached by train in less than five hours.
Source: Stern
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