The Federal Climate Protection Act (KSG), passed in 2019, created legally binding emission reduction targets in Germany, which were amended again in 2021 towards higher emission reduction targets. The KSG sets the goal of climate neutrality for 2045 and defines emissions targets and specifications for climate protection policy planning. It also establishes legally binding targets for the energy, industry, transportation, buildings, agriculture, waste management, land use, land use change, and forestry sectors. These sector targets are reviewed annually, including an independent scientific review by the Expert Panel on Climate Change. If targets are missed, the KSG legally regulates the submission of immediate programs for readjustment, including the respective ministerial responsibilities. The annual reviews for the years 2020 and 2021, the target shortfalls identified there for the buildings (2020 and 2021) and transport (2021) sectors, and the emergency programs adopted represent the first experiences with the KSG’s review and follow-up mechanisms.

The aim of the project is to provide technical support to the BMWK in the development of proposals for measures and impact assessments within the framework of the above-mentioned processes and with regard to possible further proposals for measures. Furthermore, the project will produce assessment papers and scientific analyses (quantitative and qualitative) of proposed measures and impact assessments of other ministries and other actors. In addition, short studies on current topics of the climate and energy policy debate will be prepared.