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Can't vouch for the comparison you are questioning, but did find this: 'Germany emitted more greenhouse gasses in 2016 than in the previous year, but is still

Can't vouch for the comparison you are questioning, but did find this: 'Germany emitted more greenhouse gasses in 2016 than in the previous year, but is still seen as a positive model for the rest of the world.' https://euobserver.com/environment/137298 https://euobserver.com/environment/137298 Best thing we could have to reduce co2 would be a massive global recession I'd say, unless that is things got so bad that we had to revert to cutting down trees to survive.

jamesblonde 8y ago
Of all countries to pick on, Germany are the one doing the most to change to a carbon-free economy. Read up on the Energiewende -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energiewende_in_Germany https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energiewende_in_Germany It is govt policy to reduce Co2 emissions by 80–95% by 2050. Germany is at the top in on-shore wind, off-shore wind, and solar. If they had kept nuclear power, they could be doing even better. I am sure closing the nuclear power plants will cause increases in Co2, but they are really trying to do their bit.
- catawbasam 8y ago
  Nope. Try France (since the 70's), Sweden, Switzerland, the UK. Germany is pumping out way more CO2 per capita than most of its neighbors.
- Reason077 8y ago
  German policy is in the right place, but in recent years the reality has been different and it’s progress on reducing CO2 emissions has not been impressive. Germany still burns huge amounts of coal including brown coal (lignite), the dirtiest form of coal.
- majewsky 8y ago
  > It is govt policy to reduce Co2 emissions by 80–95% by 2050. Pfft. I'm German, and follow the politics to a reasonable extent. Our government (esp. under the conservatives lead by Angela Merkel) is notorious for failing to meet their own emissions goals. You didn't mention the 2020 goals; at this point, it's pretty clear that we're going to miss them. I don't know if there are any 2030 goals, but seeing how they always tout the 2050 goals, I don't think so.
- Balero 8y ago
  Germany is not the top in off-shore wind. The UK is[0]. They are however second. Which is pretty impressive with their lack of coast. The UK has an awful lot more shore to be off! [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offshore_wind_power https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offshore_wind_power
- growlist 8y ago
  Wait a sec, I quoted 'still seen as a positive role model' and yet you think I am having a pop at Germany?! Also Germany is the largest economy in the EU, so isn't it natural to look at them first? (Which in any case was not in my search terms - this came up when I was searching EU)
godelski 8y ago
When Germany decided to cut their nuclear they picked up more coal and natural gas. They have put in a lot more other clean energy options, but since batteries and smart grids aren't good enough yet this causes a pickup. It'll be fixed later (unfortunately time is of the essence), but at least for now turning off nuclear wasn't a green move (like they say it is). Consider France and Sweden, who are also the top performers.

jamesblonde 8y ago

Of all countries to pick on, Germany are the one doing the most to change to a carbon-free economy. Read up on the Energiewende -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energiewende_in_Germany https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energiewende_in_Germany It is govt policy to reduce Co2 emissions by 80–95% by 2050. Germany is at the top in on-shore wind, off-shore wind, and solar. If they had kept nuclear power, they could be doing even better. I am sure closing the nuclear power plants will cause increases in Co2, but they are really trying to do their bit.

catawbasam 8y ago
Nope. Try France (since the 70's), Sweden, Switzerland, the UK. Germany is pumping out way more CO2 per capita than most of its neighbors.
Reason077 8y ago
German policy is in the right place, but in recent years the reality has been different and it’s progress on reducing CO2 emissions has not been impressive. Germany still burns huge amounts of coal including brown coal (lignite), the dirtiest form of coal.
majewsky 8y ago
> It is govt policy to reduce Co2 emissions by 80–95% by 2050. Pfft. I'm German, and follow the politics to a reasonable extent. Our government (esp. under the conservatives lead by Angela Merkel) is notorious for failing to meet their own emissions goals. You didn't mention the 2020 goals; at this point, it's pretty clear that we're going to miss them. I don't know if there are any 2030 goals, but seeing how they always tout the 2050 goals, I don't think so.
Balero 8y ago
Germany is not the top in off-shore wind. The UK is[0]. They are however second. Which is pretty impressive with their lack of coast. The UK has an awful lot more shore to be off! [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offshore_wind_power https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offshore_wind_power
growlist 8y ago
Wait a sec, I quoted 'still seen as a positive role model' and yet you think I am having a pop at Germany?! Also Germany is the largest economy in the EU, so isn't it natural to look at them first? (Which in any case was not in my search terms - this came up when I was searching EU)

godelski 8y ago

When Germany decided to cut their nuclear they picked up more coal and natural gas. They have put in a lot more other clean energy options, but since batteries and smart grids aren't good enough yet this causes a pickup. It'll be fixed later (unfortunately time is of the essence), but at least for now turning off nuclear wasn't a green move (like they say it is). Consider France and Sweden, who are also the top performers.