The State of North Rhine-Westphalia - The State of North Rhine-
Westphalia - 18 million (2010) - €543 billion (2010) GHG
emissions (year): 317 million tons CO2e. For more info on
economic and political context, see below. North Rhine
Westphalia (NRW) is the most important industrial location in
Germany and economically, is one of the strongest regions in
Europe. Thirty-seven of the 100 biggest German companies are
based here. Its strengths lie in coal and steel, the chemical
industry, machine manufacturing, metal production and the
automobile industry. The economic success of these sectors is
dependent on a strong energy sector. 30% of Germany’s energy
production and 40% of its consumption take place in NRW. Because
about 32% of national carbon emissions are produced in the
region, it has the highest potential for emissions reductions.
The region is taking a leading role in the research and
development of clean technology, and it intends to be the first
German state to adopt its own Climate Change Bill. The dr