Greenhouse gas emissions in Baden-Württemberg rose 4.4 percent in 2025 to roughly 64 million tonnes, driven by increased coal burning in the energy sector, even as output remained about 30 percent below 1990 levels.
The southwestern state's increase of 2.7 million tonnes contrasted with a slight nationwide decline of 0.1 percent in German CO₂ emissions last year. Industrial emissions in Baden-Württemberg fell due to weak economic activity and lower production, while passenger vehicle emissions dropped as electric cars gained market share. However, these gains were outweighed by the energy sector's heavier reliance on hard coal.
Germany faces broader climate compliance challenges, with the country projected to exceed its cumulative CO₂ budget through 2030 by 255 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents. The resulting penalties could reach up to 38 billion euros, based on expert estimates placing the 2030 cost per tonne of greenhouse gas between 60 and 150 euros.