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Potsdam (dpa / bb) - The corona pandemic has also reduced greenhouse gas emissions in Brandenburg.

Around 51 million tons of greenhouse gases were blown into the air in 2020, according to current data from the State Office for the Environment (LfU).

That is around 4.3 million tons or 9.5 percent less than in 2019. The "corona effect" has made about half of these savings, said Environment Minister Axel Vogel (Greens) at the presentation of the data on Wednesday.

Above all, traffic emitted twelve percent fewer emissions compared to 2019.

In addition, the higher CO2 prices and corona consequences have led to savings in almost all branches of industry.

Here the country recorded a decline of four percent compared to 2019.

According to the ministry, the climate also had an impact: on the one hand, the drought in recent years has led to a decline in agricultural production and fewer greenhouse gases (minus three percent) being emitted, according to Carsten Linke, LfU advisor for climate protection, climate change and sustainability said.

In addition, the creation of reserves for two units at the Jänschwalde coal-fired power plant has saved a total of around eight million tonnes of CO2 since the end of 2018.

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According to the Federal Environment Ministry, 70 million tons less greenhouse gases were released nationwide in the Corona year 2020 than in 2019. According to the Federal Office, the reduction in greenhouse gases last year was the largest annual decrease since 1990. A good third of the reductions are due to the consequences of the pandemic .

In order for Brandenburg to achieve its goal of being largely climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest, a climate plan is to be drawn up - so far, the state is still at the top of energy-related CO2 emissions nationwide.

According to the ministry, the paper should define goals and necessary actions for all sectors.

A team of experts wants to start work in the spring, and the results should be available in early 2022.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210317-99-858636 / 2

Greenhouse gas inventory Brandenburg