The German cabinet adopted a Climate Action Plan for 2050 earlier this week that aims to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80%–95% below 1990 levels.
The document maps out a basic framework for how the country will largely decarbonise its economy by the middle of the century.
It also sets the goal to be “largely GHG emissions-neutral” by 2050, as well as the targets laid out in the Paris Climate Agreement.
The plan also includes a 2030 goal to reduce GHG emissions by 55% below 1990 levels.
It is the first government document that includes target corridors for reducing carbon emissions in individual sectors until 2030.
The energy sector has been set a goal of between 175m and 183m tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, 62% below the 466m tonnes emitted in 1990. In 2014, the sector emitted 358m tonnes.
The government announced it will set up a new body “for growth, structural change and regional development” that “will develop a mix of instruments” to reach the goals.
These instruments “will help regions and branches of industry particularly affected by the structural change brought about by the energy transition”, the government said.
Throughout the document, the government emphasises the need to ensure economic competitiveness during the transition.
Image: sxc
Berlin adopts 2050 climate plan
Cabinet approves goals to cut GHG emissions by up to 95% below 1990 levels
By EBS