Within the traffic light coalition, things continue to simmer: In view of the missed German climate targets, the Green Party leader Ricarda Lang has called on Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) to ensure a reduction in CO2 emissions in the transport sector.
"16 years of failed climate and energy policy and the effects of a war, which required considerable efforts to ensure energy security last year, are also leaving their mark on the climate balance," Lang told the editorial network Germany (RND/Thursday).
So far there is no suggestion from Wissing's house.
“The Ministry of Transport urgently needs to present a plan on how to achieve the climate targets in the transport sector.
This could include, for example, investments in a reliable, punctual train service or the overdue reform of company car privileges,” demanded Lang.
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) had already made similar statements, but without attacking Wissing directly.
Third miss in a row
According to calculations by the Agora Energiewende think tank, Germany again missed its climate target last year.
According to preliminary figures, greenhouse gas emissions stagnated in 2022 at 761 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
It would be the third missed target in a row after 2020 and 2021.
The Federal Environment Agency will present final figures in March.
The Germany director of Agora, Simon Müller, complained: "In 2022, the climate targets have fallen behind due to short-term measures for energy security." He spoke of an alarm signal.
By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by 65 percent compared to 1990.
According to the think tank, energy consumption fell by 4.7 percent last year compared to the previous year, partly because of massive price increases for natural gas and electricity and mild weather.
However, increased use of coal and oil has offset emissions reductions through energy savings.
In the current year, the government must create the trend reversal.