Germany is world's greenest country
21 Jun 2008, 1245 Hrs

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London, June 21 (ANI): Germany has cut its emissions by 5.6 per cent, more than any other state in 2007, making it the world's greenest country.

German use of oil, gas and coal in 2007 fell by 5.6 per cent compared with 2006, according to a new report from British Petroleum. Global energy consumption, driven by China, America and India, rose by 2.4 per cent in the same year.

The UK, where oil and coal consumption also fell, managed an overall reduction of 3.8 per cent, making it runner up to Germany in European energy reduction. The EU as a whole reduced its energy use by 2.2 per cent.

The report emerged as the German Government passed a new round of environmental laws designed to ensure that the country meets ambitious carbon dioxide reduction targets, The Telegraph reported.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel described the laws as "crucial for climate protection" and said they would help Germany reduce its 1990 level of emissions by 40 per cent come 2020.

The laws, which target high polluting lorries and make energy saving designs compulsory for homes built after 2009, allowing Germany to shave 35 per cent off 1990 emissions.

German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel said the extent of the laws was "the largest worldwide".

He said Germany was looking at ways of cutting the final five per cent of carbon emissions to reach its 40 per cent goal by 2020.

Nonetheless, Germany's Green party and environmental campaigners said the package did not go far enough, and criticised the shelving of proposals to tie car taxes to how much individual models pollute.

Even the council of experts, which helped advise the government while the laws were being drafted, has said they do not take full advantage of emerging technologies. (ANI)