Germany is above the European average with per-capita CO2 emissions in excess of 10 tonnes but is one of the few EU-15 countries in compliance with its Kyoto commitments.
The German Government announced in August 2007 a medium-term target to reduce GHG emissions by 40% by 2020 compared to 1990. It also unveiled an Integrated Energy and Climate Programme of 29 measures to meet the target which could have a financial saving of five billion Euros.
Key facts
- Population: 82,329,758
- Surface area (square kms): 357,022 sq km
- Population density in 2007 (per square km): 232
- GDP: $2.863 trillion
- CO2 emission estimates: tons/person/year: 9.7
Energy production:
- Electricity (kW-hr; 2004) 533,268,000,000
- Hard coal (metric tons; 2004) 29,200,000
- Lignite (metric tons; 2004) 181,900,000
- Crude petroleum (barrels; 2004) 25,100,000
- Petroleum products (metric tons; 2004)103,600,000
- Natural gas (cu m; 2004) 29,100,000,000
Energy consumption:
- Electricity (kW-hr; 2004) 616,785,000,000
- Hard coal (metric tons; 2004) 57,900,000
- Lignite (metric tons; 2004) 182,000,000
- Crude petroleum (barrels; 2004) 810,600,000
- Petroleum products (metric tons; 2004)99,900,000
- Natural gas (cu m; 2004) 120,600,000,000
A view from the ground in Germany
Andrew Smith, Head, Environment and Energy Team, British Embassy Berlin gives his view from the ground on climate change issues in Germany
High-rise workers hear birdsong in Frankfurt's green tower
The construction giant Hochtief has an innovative approach to designing energy efficient buildings, giving it a commercial edge over competitors and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Berlin: Driving down building emissions
The City of Berlin, in partnership with the Berlin Energy Agency (BEA), has pioneered an innovative and profitable public-private partnership model for improving energy efficiency in buildings.
Henkel reduces carbon emissions and reaps the rewards
Over the last decade, Henkel has cut its energy consumption by 40%. For a company with more than 55,000 employees across 125 countries, this energy reduction translates into significant savings.
Diplomatic action against climate change
Christian Müller from the British Embassy in Berlin discussed the UK Government's approach to tackle climate change with international students at Münster University.
Greening the building sector
The British Embassy Berlin brought together German and British experts for a seminar on 10 June 2009 to discuss how to make buildings more environmentally friendly.
Environmental Tax Reform at a Time of Financial Crisis
New research presented by Prof Ekins, King's College London, at the British Embassy shows that environmental tax reform is a crucial instrument for climate change mitigation and the move to a low-carbon economy.
Sustainability key theme of Germany visit by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall
The Prince of Wales was awarded the German Sustainabilty award 2008. In his acceptance speech in Berlin on 29 April 2009, he stressed the importance of a low-carbon economy. He also visited the renowned Potsdam Institute for Climate Research.
Tackling climate change creates jobs
Guest article by the British Ambassador to Germany, Sir Michael Arthur, for Handelsblatt newspaper
Expert workshop on electricity grids
The British Embassy in Berlin hosted an expert workshop on electricity grids on 10 September 2009.
Deutschland
Mit einem jährlichen Pro-Kopf-CO2-Ausstoß im Bereich von 10 Tonnen liegt Deutschland über dem europäischen Durchschnitt, gehört aber zu den wenigen Ländern der EU-15, die ihre Kyoto-Verpflichtungen erfüllen.
Gorbachev likens collapse of Berlin wall to climate change
Mikhail Gorbachev, leader of the Soviet Union at the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall 20 years ago, has called on world leaders to pull down the barriers to achieving a climate change deal in Copenhagen next month.
Federation of German Industries calls for an 'effective and fair' climate agreement
The Federation of German Industries (BDI) hosted a high-level conference on 17 November to restate its expectations for the Copenhagen summit.
Growth in German solar power
German solar energy company Q-Cells is at the heart of solar power growth, having built rapidly from a small start.
On track for emissions reduction
New technology is being exported around the world and is attracting interest across the UK network
Blog Action Day