Germany's climate action strategy
The German Climate Change Act sets the obligation to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 65 % of 1990 levels by 2030 and achieve GHG neutrality by 2045 (see trajectory in Figure 1). Germany accounts for 23.7 % of the EU's net GHG emissions and reduced its net emissions by 30.7 % between 2005 and 2023, slightly above the EU average of 30.5 %. As shown below, Germany significantly reduced emissions from the emissions trading sector. However, it missed its target under the EU effort-sharing legislation for the 2013-2020 period, and must maintain strong efforts to meet its 2030 target. Land use, land-use change and forestry has on average delivered a small carbon sink over the period. Germany submitted a draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in November 2023, and the final updated NECP in August 2024. Germany's recovery and resilience plan is mainly focused on the green transition, with a strong focus on the buildings and transport sectors, where Germany struggles to meet its sectoral targets. Most Germans (55 %, compared with 46 % EU average) consider climate change among the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect the EU (63 %) and/or national government (61 %) to tackle climate change, while less than half (48 %) find it to be a personal responsibility.
Briefing