Carbon dioxide emissions in Germany 1990-2023

Germany's carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions fell by 11 percent in 2023, to 598 million metric tons (MtCO₂). This was the lowest level of CO₂ emissions produced in Germany for more than three decades. Overall, Germany's annual CO₂ emissions (excluding LULUCF) have decreased by 43 percent since 1990. 

Coals impact on emission levels

Coal is a very important resource in Germany, accounting for a quarter of the country’s power mix in 2023. However, coal is also the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, and as such, many of biggest carbon polluters in the Germany are coal-fired power plants based. In a bid to address the country’s high emissions, Germany has set out plans to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2030.

Historical CO₂ emissions

Although Germany has cut its emissions considerably in recent decades, it is still one of the biggest CO₂ emitters in history. Since the Industrial Revolution began, Germany has released more than 90 GtCO₂ into the atmosphere from fossil fuel combustion. Only the United States, China, and Russia have emitted more.