Germany's measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are proving more than effective. A recently published report reflects that even during the period of economic recovery in 2010, Germany was able to fulfil its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Compared with 1990, greenhouse gas emissions in Germany in 2010 have declined nearly 25 percent. This represents a decline of more than 295 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Enlarge image (© www.colourbox.com) “Germany's success in climate protection is exemplary, comparative to both international and European standards. We demonstrate that economic growth and climate protection can go hand in hand. We want to continue progress in this direction and achieve a reduction in greenhouse gases by 40 percent by the year 2020. We are nearly two-thirds of the way there and can see that our climate change policy generates simultaneously a strong impetus for economic growth, innovation and employment,” said Germany's Environment Minister Dr. Norbert Röttgen.

The detailed data for 2010 are presented in the Federal Environmental Agency's (UBA) National Inventory Report 2012, published by the Germany's Environment Ministry and Federal Environment Agency. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Germany has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions in 2008-2012 by 21 percent below the 1990 level.

Compared with the crisis year in 2009, the 2010 emissions increased slightly (2.7 percent), due to the economic recovery. That being said, 2010 emissions were still roughly four percent below the pre-crisis year 2008.

Enlarge image High-voltage power mast and wind turbine (© picture-alliance/dpa) The release of carbon dioxide in 2010 was attributed mainly to major producers of greenhouse gas emissions (87.4 percent).  These came primarily from burning fossil fuels, whose consumption had risen slightly as a result of the economic recovery. In contrast to this statistic, an above average decline in emissions of other greenhouse gases was registered.

The President of the Federal Environment Office, Jochen Flasbarth said: "Germany shows that the Kyoto commitments have been implemented. I am confident that we can successfully further reduce greenhouse gasses if we promote energy efficiency and renewable energies courageously."