Germany amends Climate Protection Act to shift sectoral responsibility

German government factions have reached an agreement on an amendment to the Climate Protection Act. The new approach moves away from mandatory immediate programs for specific sectors, opting instead for cross-sectoral climate protection goals.

While Germany reduced its emissions by 10 percent in 2023 to a record low, certain areas continue to struggle. The transport sector has missed its reduction targets for the third consecutive year, emitting 10 percent more than allowed in 2023. The building sector also exceeded its permitted emissions by approximately 1.5 percent.

The amendment follows legal challenges from environmental groups and a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights regarding the right to state climate protection. Despite the 2023 emission reductions, experts warn of a significant fulfillment gap in the transport sector through 2030.