Emissions balance for 2022: 354 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents were emitted in Germany, only slightly less than in the previous year.
The amount of climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions emitted in Germany changed only insignificantly in the past year compared to the previous year.
According to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), based in Dessau-Roßlau, a total of 354 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents were emitted in 2022, one million tonnes less than in the previous year. While emissions in the energy sector rose by three percent to 242 million tons, they fell in industry by six percent to 112 million tons.
Another increase in coal firing
The reason for the contrary development in the two relevant sectors was the outbreak of war in Ukraine, according to the environmental agency. “As a result of the Russian aggression, emissions are stagnating at the pre-pandemic level and we are even observing a renewed increase in coal combustion,” said UBA President Dirk Messner. Before the pandemic, a significant decrease in emissions was recorded in Germany. According to the information, a total of 1730 German plants are included in the European emissions trading system.
In order to take countermeasures, renewable energies would have to be expanded more quickly, Messner demanded. “And we have to get out of coal by 2030. The now reformed emissions trading system, with significantly reduced upper emissions limits from 2024, can provide noticeable impetus for this.”
The amount of emissions has only changed slightly across Europe, it was said: With a total of 1.32 billion tons, a decrease of one percent was recorded in 2022.
Source: Stern
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