Greenhouse gas emissions

Umwelt-Indikator

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

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 750 million tonnes in 2022. The bars are divided into different sectors. The graph shows all target values up to 2050.

Greenhouse gas emissions in Germany declined by exactly 40 % between 1990 and 2022.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 2022, Germany stayed right under the 2020 target of minus 40 %. Without massive and rapid additional efforts, further goals wi... 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 237 million tonnes in 2022.

Renewables are increasingly replacing fossil fuels in the fields of electricity, heat and transport.The annual greenhouse gas emissions saved in this way were more than eight times as high in 2022 than in 1990.The Federal Government intends to considerably expand the share of renewables to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. read more

Indicator: Greenhouse gas emissions in industry

A graph shows greenhouse gas emissions and gross value-added between 1995 and 2022. Greenhouse gas emissions fell from 238.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents in 1995 to 164 million tonnes in 2022. Gross value-added increased during that time.

Greenhouse gas emissions of the manufacturing industry fell by around 31 % between 1995 and 2022.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

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

News on Soil | Land

Environment and agriculture – Overview for Germany

Ein Feld mit Gräsern und Blüten

More than half of Germany's surface area is used for agriculture. Agriculture thus is the largest land user in Germany and a significant contributor to environmental stress. On the other hand, agriculture is also affected, for example, by the effects of climate change. In the flyer "Environment and agriculture 2018" UBA presents key facts about agriculture and environment. read more

The Umweltbundesamt

For our environment