Germany’s emissions are likely to hit new records in 2021

This year, too, the effects of climate change have already become clear in many places. In western and southern Germany, floods caused chaos and were responsible for the destruction of dozens of livelihoods. On the other hand, new record temperatures are being measured in Europe, well beyond 40 degrees Celsius. It is now all the more important to take measures against climate change.

But this year, too, it does not look as if we in Germany will finally do business responsibly and sustainably. By 2020, emissions should decrease by 40 percent compared to 1990, the target was actually achieved, but it only worked due to the effects of the pandemic.

This year, record levels of emissions are likely to be achieved again in this country. Then 760 million to 812 million tons of carbon dioxide could have found their way into the atmosphere. As a result, the values ​​would be only 37 percent below the level of 1990, so the 2020 target will be nullified a year later.

Compared to last year, 47 million additional tons of CO₂ will be emitted, even though the government has been talking for some time about wanting to do more to combat climate change. Nevertheless, one is moving away from the goals of the next few decades.

There are many reasons for the increase in emissions this year. Most importantly, additional fossil fuels are needed for the building, industrial and transportation sectors. If the current forecasts by Agora Energiewende are confirmed, the federal government would have to act quickly. Because it is legally obliged to protect the climate.

Own opinion:

It is depressing that we are not paying enough attention to our planet this year either. Despite the many disadvantages, the pandemic offered us a chance to do better in the future, but at the slow end of this, everything seems to continue as it did in 2019. It is not yet too late, but we will soon have to act consistently to keep the earth from collapsing to protect.

Via The Guardian