German industry's voluntary commitment to reduce CO₂ emissions — No substitute for an active policy against climate change

Conclusion

On the basis of current studies it can be concluded that the offers made by sections of German industry promise no more than can anyway be expected due to the trend decline in specific energy consumption. Moreover, it must be borne in mind that it is only the energy-intensive sectors that have made such a commitment. Voluntary commitments limited to a small number of branches cannot substitute for the broad-based climate-protection concepts put forward by the Enquête Commission set up by the German Bundestag. If the Federal Government is concerned about its environmental credibility it should not refrain from pursuing an active policy to counter climate change.