Greenpeace Proposes Ambitious Plan to Slash Germany's CO2 Emissions by Half a Billion Tons
Greenpeace Energy has proposed a plan to significantly reduce Germany's CO2 emissions. The proposal, which involves closing several mines and power plants, was rejected by energy giant RWE. The environmental group estimates its plan would cut emissions by half a billion tons compared to RWE's current plans, and save around €60 billion in social costs from climate damage.
Greenpeace Energy's ambitious plan includes closing the Garzweiler Mine and the last three lignite burning units by 2025. Additionally, they aim to decommission the Inden mine and six further power plant units by 2022. The plan also involves shutting down the Hambach opencast mine and six oldest power plant units by 2020.
The environmental group proposes to replace these power sources with renewable energy. They plan to construct wind and solar systems with a total output of 8.2 gigawatts on former mining areas. This transition would help Germany achieve its climate goals. Currently, Germany is expected to fall short of its 40% reduction target by 2020, only managing a 32% reduction compared to 1990 levels.
Greenpeace Energy's plan comes with a hefty price tag of approximately €7 billion. However, they argue that the long-term benefits, including reduced emissions and avoided climate damage costs, outweigh the initial investment.
Greenpeace Energy's proposal, if implemented, would significantly accelerate Germany's transition to renewable energy. While RWE has rejected the offer, citing detrimental effects on their interests and those of regional and federal authorities, Greenpeace Energy remains committed to its vision. Another arm of Greenpeace has even filed a lawsuit against the German government for failing to meet its climate targets. The environmental group's plan highlights the urgent need for ambitious action to combat climate change.
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