Berlin. The German cabinet has approved the 2026 Climate Protection Program, a package of 67 measures aimed at cutting more than 25 million metric tons of CO₂ by 2030, Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) announced in Berlin on Wednesday. Key initiatives include tenders for 2,000 additional wind turbines, a new subsidy scheme for 800,000 electric vehicles, and support for industry in adopting modern, low-carbon technologies.

Germany's €8B Climate Plan Aims to Cut 25M Tons of CO₂ by 2030

Implementation will require a total of €8 billion in funding. From 2027 onward, the federal government plans to allocate an additional €7.6 billion from the Climate and Transformation Fund, along with €400 million from a special reserve. These funds will primarily target industrial decarbonization and the promotion of a circular economy. The ministry also expects the measures to save Germany billions annually in imports of natural gas and gasoline.

In the transport sector, beyond incentives for electric cars and expanded charging infrastructure, the program emphasizes the long-term continuation and financing of the Deutschlandticket—Germany's nationwide public transport pass. By 2030, these efforts are projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by one million metric tons per year, equivalent to 435 million liters of gasoline or nearly ten million fill-ups. Schneider told the dts news agency on Wednesday that calculations were based on the ticket's current price, adding that experts anticipate a shift away from car use. "And given today's fuel costs, I think it's realistic to expect that momentum," he said.

The program also includes measures to support sustainable agriculture and protect forests, peatlands, and soils—key ecosystems for carbon storage and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Schneider described the initiative as "a major boost for climate action," while stressing that further efforts would be needed to meet long-term targets. "Climate protection requires persistence, reliability, and a willingness to adapt whenever new challenges, opportunities, or insights arise," he said.