German industry emissions reduction below EU average for ten consecutive years

Industry and energy production emissions reduction in Germany has been below the EU-average for the tenth year in a row, according to figures released by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). With 453 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, combined emissions reduction in both sectors stood at 0.6 percent, whereas reduction across the EU ranged between 2.4 and 2.8 percent, the UBA said in press release. Industry emissions were nearly constant in 2016 compared to the previous year, while reduction in energy generation fell by 0.9 percent. Besides Germany’s solid economic growth, leaps of emissions reduction progress in other countries were responsible for the below-average German performance, the UBA explains.

For background, see the CLEW factsheet Germany’s greenhouse gas emissions and climate targets.

Find the press release in German here.