REDUCING CO2 EMISSIONS - THE WEST-GERMAN PLAN

The Enquete-Commission on 'Preventive Measures to Protect the Earth's Atmosphere' of the German Bundestag has proposed a 30% reduction target for CO2 emissions by the year 2005 for Germany, of 20-25% for the European Community and 5% worldwide, which would allow developing countries an increase in CO2 emissions of 50%. The Enquete-Commission expects that one half of this reduction target could be achieved by more efficient energy-use (-17% on top of trend energy savings) and by modifications in consumer behaviour (-5%). This ambitious vision is not inconsistent with the available technical and theoretical potential for rational energy-use. The German Cabinet has taken up the issue and voted for a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2005, relative to 1987, including the former East Germany. A few other countries, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Australia, have decided to aim for similar reduction targets. In most cases, the efficient use of energy is expected to be the major contributer to achieving these targets. The necessary changes in energy and transportation policy will be substantial and represent a complete turn-around of the 'wait and see' policy of the last five years.