Joint press release by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the Federal Environment Agency
Greenhouse gas emissions fall by 2.9 percent in 2011 despite nuclear phase out
Reduction mainly outside emissions trading sector
Greenhouse gas emissions are dropping further despite the decommissioning of eight nuclear power plants in 2011. When compared with emissions from 2010, emissions in 2011 fell by 2.9 percent, mainly due to weather conditions. This amounts to 27 million tonnes less carbon dioxide equivalent. The greatest reductions were recorded in combustion plants for the generation of space heating and as a result private household emissions fell. This data is included in the National Inventory Report compiled by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), which has been forwarded to the European Commission by the Federal Environment Ministry and the UBA. Over the past few years most sectors have recorded a weaker rate of reduction. However, by contrast, emissions were reduced by almost 27 percent in 1990. Germany has thus achieved over and above its climate targets. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Germany agreed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 21% between 2008 and 2012 compared to 1990 levels.
