Pace of German emissions cuts slows in 2024: study

Berlin: So, it turns out that Germany’s emissions cuts are slowing down a bit this year. A recent study shows that while emissions did drop, it was only by three percent in 2024, which is a big change from the ten percent drop we saw last year.

Most of the reduction this year is thanks to a surge in renewable energy production and the ongoing closure of coal-fired power plants. But here’s the kicker: the study points out that investment in green technologies is lagging behind, especially in sectors like transport and construction.

Interestingly, even though emissions are down 48 percent from 1990 levels, we’re still not hitting the targets we need to meet by 2030. The industrial sector, in particular, is struggling, with emissions actually rising by two percent.

Agora Energiewende, the think tank behind the study, noted that last year’s big drop was more about the economy slowing down than any real changes in how things are made. And with the economy not shrinking as much this year, industrial emissions are dragging down the overall progress.

Political uncertainty is also playing a role. With an early general election coming up, investments from households and businesses are stalling. Sales of heat pumps and electric vehicles have taken a hit, too.

On a brighter note, renewable energy sources are now making up 59 percent of Germany’s electricity generation, which is a step in the right direction. Agora Energiewende’s director is urging political parties to take cues from the electricity sector to push for more changes across the board.

But there’s a divide in how to fund this green transition, especially between Scholz’s Social Democrats and the conservative CDU/CSU. Scholz wants to ramp up investments, while the opposition is not on board with that idea. It’s a bit of a mess, but hopefully, they can figure it out soon!