CO2 emissions rose by about four million tonnes compared to the previous year to around 906 million tonnes, the Environment Bureau and a study commissioned by the Greens estimate. This makes it unlikely that Germany will reach its 2030 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent compared to 1990 levels.

Traffic plays a key role. According to Umweltbundesamt (UBA), total CO2 emissions in the transport sector rose by 5.4 million tonnes, an increase of 3.4 percent. Freight traffic on the road increased by 2.6 per cent. The increase in diesel consumption alone is responsible for 4.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, according to the analysis of climate consultancy Arepo Consult.