Germany's Climate Protection Program: Not Enough for 2030
The German government has adopted its new climate protection program, but experts warn that the measures are insufficient to achieve the legally mandated 65 percent reduction target by 2030. Transportation and buildings remain the biggest problem areas.
Legal Deadline Forces Government to Act
On March 25, 2026, the Federal Cabinet approved the new climate protection program — just in time before the expiration of the statutory twelve-month deadline after the start of the legislative period. The program sets out the measures Germany will take to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent by 2030 and by 88 percent by 2040 compared to 1990. However, even upon its adoption, it is clear that the planned steps are not enough.
Emissions Gap of 30 Million Tons
Germany's greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 were around 649 million tons of CO₂ equivalents — 48 percent below the 1990 level, but far from the legal target. The German Environment Agency predicts that the measures decided so far will only enable a reduction of 62.6 percent by 2030 — meaning at least 30 million tons of CO₂ are missing.
In order to still achieve the 65 percent target, an average of 42 million tons would have to be saved annually from 2026 onwards. For comparison: in 2025, emissions fell by just 0.9 million tons compared to the previous year.
Transportation and Buildings as Problem Areas
The situation in the transportation and building sectors is particularly critical. Both even recorded rising emissions in 2025: transportation emitted 146.3 million tons (+2.1 Mt), the building sector 103.4 million tons (+3.4 Mt). According to Deutsche Umwelthilfe (German Environmental Aid), these two sectors will emit a total of 224 million tons of CO₂ more by 2030 than is permitted under EU law.
The government is relying on funding programs: subsidies for electric cars and incentives to switch to heat pumps. At least initial successes are visible here — in 2025, almost one in five new cars was an electric car, and heat pump sales rose by 55 percent to 299,000 units.
Council of Experts with Clear Criticism
The independent Council of Experts on Climate Issues had barely enough time to examine the packages of measures — the experts were still working on their statement on the Monday before the cabinet meeting. Previously, the committee had already criticized that the coalition agreement remains too vague in climate policy to ensure the emissions targets.
The taz newspaper reported on a leaked draft of 222 pages, which, however, lacked concrete CO₂ savings calculations for numerous measures. Jürgen Resch of Deutsche Umwelthilfe spoke of the "same methodological shortcomings as in the 2023 climate protection program" and announced a swift lawsuit.
CO₂ Storage and Glimmers of Hope
For the first time, the program also includes measures for the permanent underground storage of CO₂ (Carbon Capture and Storage). On a positive note: Germany's forests have recovered and are again absorbing 19.3 million tons of CO₂ — making them a net sink again.
Nevertheless, the conclusion remains sobering. Environment Minister Carsten Schneider based the program development on an outdated emissions gap of 25 million tons, although current data already shows 30 million. The federal government is facing an uncomfortable truth: without drastic adjustments, Germany will miss its central climate target for 2030.
