Germany's climate targets too 'optimistic'

Germany unveiled a climate strategy on Wednesday, pledging 2,000 new onshore wind turbines and expanded infrastructure measures for electric vehicles, or EVs, but analysts have warned that this will still not be enough to meet national climate targets.

The country aims to be climate neutral by 2045, but its Federal Environment Agency, known as the UBA, estimates it may fall short of its self-imposed goal to cut emissions 65 percent from 1990 levels by the year 2030.

Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety Carsten Schneider, who led the process for the government, promised a "new impetus for climate action, which will make us less reliant on expensive and unreliable oil and gas imports," reported the DPA news agency.

The UBA projects a 62.6 percent cut from 1990 levels by 2030, leaving a shortfall of about 30 million tons of carbon dioxide, or CO2, equivalent.

The government's strategy lists 67 measures intended to save 27.1 million tons by the end of the decade.

Beyond the 2,000 onshore turbines, which have 12 gigawatts of capacity and are expected to cut emissions by 6.5 million tons, the package includes subsidies for EVs and public transport, expanding district heating networks powered by renewables, and shifting industrial processes from natural gas to electricity.

"We in Germany bear a great responsibility — not only domestically, but also in Europe and globally," Schneider said in Berlin.

"While we are no longer the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, many innovations originate here and spread internationally. If we lead and take responsibility, others will follow."

Energy analyst Claudia Kemfert, from the German Institute for Economic Research, warned that the plan was "too optimistic" and beset by "considerable uncertainty", because it relies on subsidy programs and voluntary measures.

She also faulted the strategy for leaving out straightforward, high-impact steps such as nationwide speed limits and cheaper fares on public transport.

According to EV news site electrive, Schneider said the program is designed to "depoliticize" climate policy while shoring up the economy amid high fossil-fuel prices, and to give consumers practical guidance, for example, when choosing a new heating system or car, so they can contribute to climate protection.

To fund implementation, the government plans to allocate an additional 8 billion euros ($9 billion) over the coming years, including 7.6 billion euros from the federal government's dedicated Climate and Transformation Fund, and 400 million euros from special funds.

"This shows that climate policy remains a top priority for the government, even in times of tight budgets," Schneider said.

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