Bavaria climate law revision could double CO2 emissions

A proposed revision to Bavaria’s climate protection law could lead to a near doubling of the state's CO2 emissions by 2045, according to calculations by Greenpeace. The amendment, currently undergoing parliamentary hearings, shifts the target for climate neutrality to 2045 and removes specific state-level targets from the legal text.

Instead, the new law would align with federal climate goals and per capita emission averages. Because Bavaria’s current per capita emissions of 6.1 tons are significantly lower than the German federal average of 8.2 tons, the state might not be legally required to reduce emissions until 2029. Under the new framework, an increase in emissions over the next two years could remain legally compliant.

The CSU and Free Voters, who support the changes, cited the economic impact of the war in Ukraine as a reason for softening climate targets, stating that the priority is to revitalize the economy.