As Germany prepares for a change of government, climate experts are hopeful that Sunday's election results mean that the country will continue to be a leader in ambitious efforts to slash planet-warming emissions and will keep growing its renewable energy industries.
Germany's current climate plans are seen as ambitious: It wants to reduce its emissions from burning coal, oil, and gas by 65% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2045. It also aims to phase out coal-fired power generation entirely by 2038 and make over 54% of its electricity from clean sources like wind, solar, and nuclear power.
Both election winner Friedrich Merz’s conservative bloc and the center-left Social Democrats have previously committed to those climate goals, signaling a continued focus on climate action.
Germans Prioritize Climate Change
Despite other dominant election issues, climate change remains a key priority for many Germans. The Greens and the Left Party, both advocating for climate action, secured significant votes, reflecting the public's concern for environmental issues.
Germany's Role as a Climate Leader
With the United States shifting away from prioritizing climate action, Germany and Europe have an opportunity to maintain their leadership in climate initiatives. The expected ruling coalition's pro-Europe and pro-multilateralism stance indicates a commitment to U.N. climate talks and the Paris Agreement.
Building on Momentum
Germany's existing climate law and ongoing initiatives provide a solid foundation for the new government to build on. Emphasizing renewables, storage, and electrification can not only reduce emissions but also enhance economic competitiveness and reduce fossil fuel dependencies.
Experts highlight the importance of balancing carbon capture technology with emission reduction efforts to avoid carbon-lock in and ensure sustainable progress.
Overall, Germany's focus on clean tech sectors and green products is seen as a pathway to regain economic competitiveness and drive sustainable growth.
