Germany Unveils Ambitious Plan to Save 77M Tonnes of CO2 by 2045
Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has unveiled a comprehensive plan to bolster Germany's ecosystems and combat climate change. The strategy, comprising 41 measures, focuses on promoting agroforestry systems, sustainable farming methods, and rewetting drained peat soils. Schneider aims to save a total of 77 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents by 2045, supporting Germany's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2045.
Schneider's plan prioritises the creation of more stable mixed forests and gentler soil cultivation to reduce emissions. A key strategy is rewetting drained peat soils, which currently emit over 50 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents annually. This measure alone is expected to save 28 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents by 2045. Schneider's proposal does not introduce new legal regulations but rather emphasises planning security, incentives, and joint approaches with land users. The German Nature Conservation Union has praised Schneider's steps, while the German Environmental Aid and German Federation for Environment and Nature Conservation have criticised certain aspects of the plans. Schneider seeks cabinet support for his proposals, particularly given the damage to German forests, especially coniferous ones, due to drought.
Schneider's plans aim to strengthen nature's role in combating climate change, with a goal of saving 77 million tonnes of CO2 by 2045. This is crucial for Germany to meet its Climate Protection Act targets and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The success of these plans will depend on effective implementation and collaboration with land users, as well as addressing the concerns raised by environmental organisations.
