Germany's greenhouse gas emissions fell by just 0.1 percent in 2025 to 649 million tons of CO₂ equivalents, marking the smallest decline in four years. Opposition parties Greens and Left criticize the federal government for shortcomings and warn of EU fines in billions. Environment Minister Carsten Schneider highlights progress but calls for a push.
The latest climate balance from the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) for 2025 reveals a slowdown in the decline of greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions fell by nearly one million tons compared to the previous year to 649 million tons of CO₂ equivalents, equating to a 0.1 percent reduction. This minimal decline is mainly attributed to economic slowdown and is the smallest in four years. Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) commented during the presentation on Saturday: 'This is not the climate protection I want.' Nevertheless, he sees positives: Germany has reduced emissions by around 48 percent since 1990, and demand for electric cars and heat pumps has risen. 'But progress in emissions was too slow,' Schneider said. UBA President Dirk Messner emphasized: 'We need a push.' Particularly concerning are the transport and buildings sectors, where emissions increased compared to the previous year – in buildings for the first time in five years. A positive development is the forest, which now absorbs more CO₂ than it emits. Overall, emissions remain below the Climate Protection Act's 2025 target, and the 65 percent goal by 2030 is still achievable but requires additional measures. The German Environmental Aid warns of a looming shortfall of 255 million tons of CO₂ by 2030 outside emissions trading, potentially leading to EU fines in billions. The think tank Agora Energiewende estimates up to 34 billion euros in the worst case by 2030. Greens deputy faction leader Julia Verlinden called the figures 'a last warning signal' and demanded a 'radical turnaround.' She criticized plans such as slowing the expansion of renewables and stopping solar roof subsidies. Left deputy faction leader Luigi Pantisano described it as a 'devastating development' and a 'rollback' toward fossil fuels. Schneider plans to present a climate protection program by the end of the month to counteract this. In 2025, more heat pumps (over 300,000) were installed than gas heaters for the first time, and electric vehicles accounted for nearly one-fifth of new registrations.
