How much sustainability have we achieved until then? What ist the Federal Government planning with regard to turther sustainable development? The Progress Report explaines.

To verify where Germany stands in terms of sustainability, we take a look at a set of indicators. For every one of the 38 indicators, which are broken down into sections (Intergenerational equity, Quality of life, Social cohesion and International responsibility), the Federal Government has identified a specific target. The Federal Statistical Office is responsible for calculating precisely what progress has been made.

Balanced trends

For 2012, we can firstly say that of the 38 indicators, progress made on 19 was judged to be largely positive by the statistical experts. Achievements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding the use of renewable energies demonstrate that it is worthwhile making an effort. Positive trends were identified in the fields of climate change mitigation, renewable energies, economic performance, student enrolment and the number of older members of the workforce still in employment.

In other fields, however, progress is - in terms of the goals - still not satisfactory. These include land use, mobility, species diversity and equal earnings for men and women.

The Government has therefore concluded that politicians and society alike will yet have to weather further major changes.

Sustainability will require us to rethink economic activity

2012 marks Germany’s second year of efforts putting energy supply on a more sustainable footing. That year, the principle of sustainability ranks high on the international political agenda, since it also marks the twentieth anniversary of the concept of sustainability at the 1992 Earth Summit. Plus, the United Nations staged a second international conference on the topic, also known as "Rio+20".

Against this backdrop the Progress Report focuses - among various other topics - on the green economy, climate and energy and on sustainable water resources management policy.