German Experts Warn 2030 Emissions Target Will Be Missed, Call for Climate Action Plan Revision

Carbon Trading, Sustainable Taiwan, International Trends, Carbon Inventory, Net-Zero Chronicle, Net-Zero Encyclopedia 2026/05/18 20:59:32 (CNA Berlin, May 18, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Germany's Council of Experts on Climate Change warned today that Germany will not meet its 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target and called on authorities to swiftly overhaul the previously announced climate action plan. AFP reported that the Council of Experts on Climate Change is an independent body appointed by the government. Its latest report deepens concerns that Germany's climate policy may regress under the leadership of conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Germany, as Europe's largest economy, has set a legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and has set 2045 as the deadline for achieving climate neutrality. Despite a slowdown in the pace of reduction and little change in emissions last year, the Ministry of the Environment still insists that the 2030 target is achievable. Experts, however, stated that the ministry's forecast 'underestimates the expected emissions before 2030' and said the council 'believes the target cannot be met.' The head of the expert council, Barbara Schlomann, said that actual emissions could be higher than projected, especially in the building and energy sectors. Germany's new climate action plan, announced in March this year, includes measures such as subsidies for electric vehicles and the promotion of wind power, but Schlomann said the plan does not go far enough and should be revised. She stated, 'In our assessment, the actual emission reduction effect of the plan may be far lower than the government envisioned.' The civil environmental organization Environmental Action Germany (DUH) had previously sued the former government for its inadequate climate plan and successfully had the court declare the plan insufficient. The organization has vowed to launch a legal challenge against the new plan, stating that today's report gives them more motivation to sue and emphasizing that the climate plan must be improved 'as soon as possible.' (Compiled by: Yang Chao-yen) 1150518 Related News: German experts say 2030 emission reduction target will be missed, call for revision of climate action plan 2026/05/18 20:59; UN General Assembly to review resolution requiring implementation of ICJ climate obligation ruling 2026/05/18 18:50; Canada pushes for new pipeline project, expected to expand crude oil exports to Asia 2026/05/16 12:32; Hotline: 0800-256-688 | Email: services@mail.cna.com.tw copyright © 2026 Central News Agency. All rights reserved. Facing the challenges of global warming and extreme climate, Taiwan, as a member of the global community, has an undeniable responsibility. As CNA approaches its centenary, it professionally builds a net-zero carbon emission website, using international reports as the warp and domestic reports as the weft, providing first-hand, real-time news on net-zero trends, laws, and technologies, leading readers to sync with the international community towards a low-carbon future. Logo design concept: Combining CNA's corporate identity and two infinity symbols (∞), symbolizing the commitment to environmental sustainability and endless circulation. This website uses related technologies to provide a better reading experience while respecting user privacy. Click here to understand CNA's privacy statement. Closing this window signifies your agreement to the above regulations.