Greenhouse gas emissions

Umwelt-Indikator

Indicator: Greenhouse gas emissions in industry

A graph shows greenhouse gas emissions and gross value-added between 1995 and 2023. Greenhouse gas emissions fell from 237 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents in 1995 to 155 million tonnes in 2023. Gross value-added increased during that time.

Greenhouse gas emissions of the manufacturing industry fell by around 35 % between 1995 and 2023.Over the same period, productivity in the manufacturing industry grew by about 46 % (adjusted for price).Germany is aiming for greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. read more

Indicator: Greenhouse gas emissions avoided by renewable energies

A figure shows the trend for greenhouse gas emissions avoided by the use of renewables for power, heat and transport. 28 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents were avoided in 1990, and 250 million tonnes in 2023.

Renewables are increasingly replacing fossil fuels in the fields of electricity, heat and transport.More than ¾ of avoided emissions in 2023 were prevented by renewable electricity.The Federal Government intends to considerably expand the share of renewables to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. read more

Indicator: Greenhouse gas emissions

A graph shows the trend in greenhouse gas emissions in Germany, which fell from 1,251 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents in 1990 to 674 million tonnes in 2023. The bars are divided into different sectors. The graph shows all target values up to 2045.

According to initial calculations, greenhouse gas emissions in Germany declined by exactly 46.1 % between 1990 and 2023.Germany aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 % by 2020 and by at least 65 % by 2030 compared to 1990 emission levels. Complete greenhouse gas neutrality is to be achieved by 2045.In 2023, Germany was well below the target of minus 40 % set for 2020. The targets for 2030... read more

Indicator: Global environmental footprint of consumption

A graph shows the global environmental footprint of household consumption, represented by the indicator’s energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and raw material use. The indicators show the environmental footprint generated by the consumption activities of private households in Germany and abroad

Compared with 2010, energy consumption by private households and associated carbon dioxide emissions decreased slightly overall.Raw material use stagnated at the level of 2010.In its Sustainability Strategy the German government sets the goal of reducing the global environmental footprint of private household consumption in all three areas. read more

News on Climate | Energy, Water and Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Renaturalised bodies of water can reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Modified water bodies emit carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide

Water bodies can contribute to climate change as sources of greenhouse gases – this is the conclusion of a new UBA study. Modified water bodies in particular emit carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Renaturalisation and the reconnection of floodplains can help to reduce these emissions and enable water bodies to act as greenhouse gas sinks. read more

News on Climate | Energy, Economy | Consumption and Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

How to improve the International Standard on carbon neutrality

A photovoltaic system is installed on the roof of a warehouse

The International Organization for Standardizations (ISO) last year published the first standard on carbon neutrality of organizations and products. In a new factsheet, the German Environment Agency (UBA) outlines its strength and shortcomings and draws some conclusions relevant to companies, verifiers, courts and policymakers. read more

News on Economy | Consumption

Start the transformation of the food system now!

Verschiedene Gemüse wie Möhren, Knoblauch, Sellerieknollen und eine Zucchini

Ecological, regional and plant-based: The transformation of our food system towards more sustainability was the focus of a research project commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). New UBA brochure outlines strategies for a sustainable change in our diet. read more

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