Climate.Table

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Französische Umweltministerin Monique Barbut im Januar 2026

France: Why emissions are only falling slowly

According to the latest estimates, greenhouse gas emissions in France fell by 1.6% in 2025 – significantly less than the 4.6% required annually to achieve the country’s 2030 climate targets. To reverse this trend, the government is now increasingly focusing on electrification.

By Claire Stam

s Bilder des Tages Beginn der Waldzustandserhebung 2020 Ein junger Baumtrieb bahnt sich ihren Weg aus dem verdorrten und mit Zweigen bedeckten Boden. Stürme, Dürre und in der Folge eine Borkenkäfer-Massenvermehrung führen in den nordrhein-westfälischen Wäldern seit 2018 zu dramatischen Schäden. Damit die Wälder aus der aktuellen Krise gestärkt hervorgehen, bietet das Umweltministerium mit Ministerin Ursula Heinen-Esser breite Unterstützungsangebote zur Bewältigung der Schadsituation und zur Entwicklung vielfältiger und klimastabiler Mischwälder an. Rheda-Wiedenbrück Nordrhein-Westfalen Deutschland *** Beginning of the forest condition survey 2020 A young tree shoot makes its way out of the withered and twig-covered soil Storms, drought and, as Copyright: xInderlied Kirchner-Mediax

German forests: Why they are a positive surprise as climate mitigators

Contrary to what was previously thought, German forests have not been a source of CO₂ – even in years of drought. The soil stored as much carbon as was released by the trees. However, this surprising new finding will have little impact on LULUCF data, climate-related complaints and the government’s Climate Action Program.

By Bernhard Pötter

Michael Kretschmer, Ministerpräsident Sachsen, Carsten Schneider, Bundesumweltminister, Dirk Panter, Wirtschaftsminister Sachsen, Thomas Edig, Geschäftsführer Personal und Organisation VW Sachsen, geben ein gemeinsames Pressestatement ab;Blick in eine Produktionshalle mit Produktionslinie im Volkswagen-Werk Zwickau im Herbst 2025, Zwickau Sachsen Deutschland VW-Werk

New subsidy for electric vehicles: Why it is only likely to partially achieve its goals

A government subsidy of up to EUR 6,000 is now available in Germany for the purchase of an electric vehicle (EV). The exact amount depends on household income and number of children; the purchase price and place of manufacture do not play a role. There is criticism of the fact that plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which are not particularly climate-friendly, are also being subsidized.

By Malte Kreutzfeldt

India: Why climate NGOs are being prosecuted

The crackdown on two climate NGOs highlights the contradictions between official energy policy and dependence on fossil fuels. A law criminalizes foreign support for activism. The accusation against environmental groups: violation of national interests.

By Urmi Goswami