Germany Adopts Home Measures And Tests Joint Implementation
Domestically, Germany has taken several measures to reduce CO2
emissions:
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Electricity rates were modified to ensure greater fairness
among different economic sectors and to strengthen incentives
to save.
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The government has set minimum payment levels electric companies
must pay for energy generated from renewables.
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It has increased the tax on oil to encourage use of public
transportation.
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It has changed the tax on autos from one based on engine
displacement to a new one based on emission levels.
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It has approved a thermal insulation ordinance, reducing
heating requirements for new buildings by an average of 30
percent.
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It has undertaken technical research on refinement of power
plants, turbines and renewable energy.
Internationally, at the Berlin Climate Conference Germany sought
an agreement that would bind signatories to specific emissions
reduction goals within a clear time limit. The Berlin Mandate
failed to include this measure, but it will be taken up at the
COP3 meeting in Kyoto in 1997.
Germany also "pays particular attention" to Activities Implemented
Jointly, according to Otto Graf, first secretary for Science,
Technology and the Environment of the German Embassy. A pilot
phase has been set up to test the effectiveness of this instrument
designed to reduce emission goals at the lowest possible cost.
