If you ignore emissions, we did great: Germany’s challenging fight to go green
Despite progress in reducing carbon pollution, climate groups warn that Germany faces its toughest challenges ahead. As Europe’s largest polluter, Germany now has a critical chance to rebuild its green reputation.
While the US, under President Donald Trump, disrupted international climate agreements, cut funding to countries affected by extreme weather, and pressured allies to buy more fossil fuels, Germany is seen as a key player pushing governments toward a safer future.
“Someone needs to step in and the only player who can is the European Union,” said Niklas Höhne, a climate scientist and co-founder of NewClimate Institute, which monitors climate policies in major economies. “Germany drives the EU, but currently Germany is pushing it in the direction of less ambition.”
Germany has made notable progress beyond the fading hype. Since 1990, it has nearly halved its planet-heating emissions—a timeframe critics argue favors Germany because eastern industry declined after post-Soviet reunification. It is also close to meeting its 2030 target of a 65% emissions reduction.
If all goes as planned, Germany aims to reach net zero emissions by 2045, five years earlier than many other wealthy polluters.
Summary: Germany has achieved significant emissions cuts but must overcome greater challenges to meet ambitious climate goals and lead the European Union toward stronger climate action.