Energy industry emitted significantly more greenhouse gases in 2022
According to preliminary data, the energy industry in North Rhine-Westphalia emitted 6.9 percent more greenhouse gases in the energy crisis year 2022 than in 2021, according to a list published by the state environmental agency on Thursday. According to this, greenhouse gas emissions in NRW converted into carbon dioxide rose by around 6.3 million tons to 97.3 million tons. The different climate impact of the various greenhouse gases is taken into account in the figure. According to the Federal Environment Agency, emissions from the energy industry rose by 4.4 percent on average across Germany. The main reason for the increase is the increased use of lignite and hard coal-fired power plants to generate electricity in order to save natural gas.
In total, the statisticians calculated around 217 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions in NRW in 2022, 0.1 percent less than in 2021 and 41 percent less than in 1990. In comparison: According to the Federal Environment Agency, a total of 746 million tons were emitted throughout Germany in 2022. NRW's share is therefore 29 percent.
The increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the energy industry in 2022, primarily due to the higher usage of coal-fired power plants, contributes to environmental pollution and worsens climate change. The continued reliance on coal for electricity generation negatively impacts the environment and exacerbates climate issues.
Source: www.dpa.com
