03/19/2024

Current data from the Federal Environment Agency on greenhouse gas emissions from transport show a significant shortfall from the target in 2023

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On 15 March 2024, the Federal Environment Agency published the preliminary data on Germany's greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 in a press release. These form the basis for reporting and for the development of the Federal Government's climate protection emergency programmes in accordance with the National Climate Protection Act (KSG).

The UBA found that a total of around 673 million tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHG) were emitted in Germany in 2023 - 76 million tonnes or 10.1 percent less than in 2022. However, the transport sector in particular needs to take action on climate protection.

"Around 146 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents were emitted in the transport sector in 2023. This means that GHG emissions in the transport sector are around 1.8 million tonnes (1.2 percent) below the 2022 figure and around 13 million tonnes above the annual emissions volume of 133 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents permitted under the KSG for 2023. Emissions had risen slightly in the previous year. In view of the fact that the building sector only slightly exceeded its target, transport is the only sector to fall well short of its target and move further away from the statutory target path. However, the main driver of the slight decrease in emissions is not effective climate protection measures, but the decreasing mileage in road freight transport. Compared to 2022, passenger car traffic increased slightly in 2023. The newly registered electric vehicles in the passenger car fleet last year have a slight emission-reducing effect here." (UBA press release no. 11 from 15 March 2024)

The ifeu supported the UBA in preparing the preliminary GHG data and in analysing the causes for the transport sector. The work was carried out as part of the updating of the TREMOD and TREMOD-MM models (project AZ 69421/004).