Germany’s 2025 greenhouse-gas emissions fell 0.1% to about 649 million tonnes CO2e, according to environment agency data
The Facts
- Germany’s greenhouse-gas emissions in 2025 fell by about 0.1% compared with 2024.
- Germany’s total 2025 emissions were reported at roughly 648.9–649 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent.
- Multiple reports said the UBA described the slowdown in emissions reductions as a sign climate action needs new momentum/impetus.
- Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said progress on cutting emissions is too small/too slow and called for more effort.
- Germany narrowly met the Climate Protection Act’s overall annual emissions limit for 2025, with reports citing an undershoot of about 12.8 million tonnes.
- Transport and buildings were cited as major sectors where emissions remain a problem in the 2025 climate balance reporting.
- Several reports said the government is expected to present a climate-protection program later in March, with some citing March 25 as the planned date.
Context
How much did Germany’s emissions change in 2025, and what was the total level?
UBA figures reported by multiple outlets put the year-on-year change at a 0.1% decline, with total 2025 emissions around 648.9–649 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent. N-tv,ZEIT ONLINE,Deutsche Welle
Did Germany meet its legal climate target for 2025?
Reporting on the UBA data said Germany stayed below the Climate Protection Act’s overall annual limit for 2025, undershooting the allowed total by about 12.8 million tonnes, though only narrowly. ZEIT ONLINE,ZEIT ONLINE,News aus OWL
Which sectors were highlighted as holding back progress, and what happens next?
Transport and buildings were repeatedly identified as problem sectors in the 2025 climate balance coverage, and several reports said a federal climate program is expected later in March (with some citing March 25). tagesschau.de,DIE WELT,NWZ Online,onvista.de
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