Minister Schneider presents CO2 balance for 2025 - Germany's 2025 emissions drop but slowdown sparks climate policy concerns

Germany's greenhouse gas emissions fell in 2025, but the pace of reduction has slowed compared to previous years. The Federal Environment Agency will release its official assessment on Saturday, detailing last year's CO₂ trends and future projections under current climate policies.

The Climate Protection Act requires the agency to submit its annual report by March 15. This year's assessment will examine how emissions developed in 2025 and whether existing measures keep the country on track for long-term targets.

In January, the Agora Energiewende think tank had already estimated a decline in emissions for 2025, though at a reduced rate. Official figures, presented by the Umweltbundesamt (UBA) on March 14, 2026, confirm this trend. The data also show that Germany's 2030 cumulative emissions budget (2021–2030) remains achievable, thanks to an 80-million-ton CO₂ buffer carried over from 2024. However, the margin is tight, and the Expert Council will review progress by May 2026. The government's Climate Protection Act sets strict annual targets, with sector-specific reductions mapped out in official charts. For example, total emissions are projected to fall from around 132 million tons in 2024 to 125 million tons by 2026. Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) and UBA President Dirk Messner will discuss the findings in a press conference at 12:00 PM.

The report highlights a continued decline in emissions, though the slower rate raises questions about meeting future targets. With the 2030 budget still within reach, the government will rely on upcoming reviews to assess whether additional measures are needed.