UK outpaced by Germany on emissions cuts since Paris accord

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🗞️ Driving the news: Since the 2015 Paris agreement, Germany has outpaced the UK in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, casting a shadow over the Sunak government's claim to global climate leadership

🔭 The context: The UK's slowing progress raises concerns about stagnation, despite leading in emission reductions since 1990 with a 48.7% decrease compared to Germany's 40%
• With challenges mainly from heating and industry emissions, its claim of outpacing other G7 countries in cutting emissions is now questionable

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: Significant and swift cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are vital to avert disastrous climate change
• The comparison of Germany and the UK, two major global economies, underscores the necessity for continuous and impactful policies to achieve such reductions

⏭️ What's next: The UK faces the complex task of expanding clean electricity supplies and encouraging households and industry to transition from gas boilers and petrol cars to cleaner alternatives

💬 One quote: "The last few UK administrations have allowed the UK’s lead in the G7 table to slip. That’s a tragedy for British citizens, given that recent events show clearly that energy efficiency and renewables are the route to low energy bills and freedom from energy blackmail" (Richard Black, Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit)

📈 One stat: Germany's emissions have decreased by 17% between 2016 and 2022, while the UK's have fallen by 14% during the same period

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