Through investment and government support, Germany was able to diversify its energy base
and reduce the greenhouse gas (GHS) emissions by 23 percent in comparison to 1990 levels.
At the same time, it sees green growth technology as major future export product and sets
ambitious targets for the future.7 The country plans to cut GHG emissions by 80 percent by 2050,
in comparison to 1990 levels. Renewable sources are set to deliver 60 percent of total energy
consumption (SBESB 2011). What others can learn from the German example? Germany shows
that policymakers, businesses, and consumers can view environmental policies as a way to
facilitate economic growth.