Climate protection through renewable energy
Most of our energy supply is based on fossil energy sources such as oil, coal and gas. These release large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) when they are burned. This makes a substantial contribution to climate change, which led to an average warming global warming by 0.8 degrees Celsius during the past century. The consequences of this are, among other things, the rise in sea level, the increase in storms and drought and melting of the glaciers. The emission of greenhouse gases must be substantially reduced so that climate change does not continue unabated. This is only possible through more energy efficiency and the replacement of fossil energy sources with renewable energy.
In Germany, renewable energy's share of the energy supply is growing and therefore their contribution to climate protection too. In 2009, renewable energy in Germany prevented the emission of around 108 million tonnes CO2. Without the energy from the sun, wind, water, geothermal energy and bioenergy, Germany's total CO2 emissions would be more than 10 percent higher.
The renewable energy industry wants to avoid around 200 million tonnes CO2 a year in 2020. Renewable energy is therefore the key technology for achieving a 40 percent reduction in CO2 emissions in Germany by 2020. However, to replace fossil energy sources to the extent necessary for climate protection, substantial efforts are still needed.
Charts and Data
Greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy in Germany
Renewable energy is a key to climate protection. Already in 2007 Germany exceeded its Kyoto-target.
Charts and Data
The plants quickly supply more energy than was required for their...
Renewable Energy Matters
Background information
Biodiesel saves up to 66% CO2
The climate balance of the various biofuels depends on how energy-intensive the cultivation is and how complicated the transport and conversion are to organise .
Background information
Renewable energy sources are climate protectors
Use of renewable energy sources instead of oil, coal and natural gas is the most important way to achieve the reduction targets for greenhouse gases which are harmful for the...
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