New government, new climate policies: What's next in Germany?
Mario Petrov
On December 8, the new German government took office with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. With the election of the new federal government, made up of reds, greens and yellows (the so-called “traffic light” coalition), significant changes are expected in the country. What will they be about climate policies?
The place of climate in the coalition
“Achieving the Paris climate goals is of paramount importance to us. Climate protection ensures freedom, justice and lasting prosperity. It is true that the social market economy must be re-established as socio-ecological”. The coalition agreement of the parties is written. This is a clear signal that every industrialized country of Germany must significantly reduce its greenhouse gases.
The new super ministry - Ministry of Climate and Economy
Coalitionists want to achieve this primarily through three specific measures: accelerating the cessation of climate-damaging coal-fired energy production by 2030, massive expansion of renewable energy sources (also by 2030) and saying goodbye to the internal combustion engine by 2035 And organizationally – with a new strengthened Ministry of Economy: (super) Ministry of Climate and Economy, headed by co-chair of the Greens Robert Habeck. In this way, the coalition partners want to show that for them, economic development and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. It is obvious that the work of Super Minister Robert Habeck will not be easy – as a minister he will have to defend the interests of climate activists, but also those of industry.
WHO IS ROBERT HABEK?
Robert Habeck is a German writer, philosopher, party leader – and “superminister”. He is 52 years old and the father of 4 sons. In 2000, Habek became a doctor of philology with his Theses on Literary Aesthetics at the University of Hamburg. He has won numerous literary awards in Germany.
Robert Habeck was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Transition, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs of Schleswig-Holstein from 2012-2017 and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Transition, Agriculture, Environment, Nature and Digitalisation of the state of Schleswig-Holstein in the period 2017-2018.
But what are the policies he will have to pursue as superintendent of climate and economics?
Stop coal and increase renewable energy sources
As already mentioned, coalition partners want to “at best” end coal production by 2030. At present, one of the German laws stipulates that this will happen in 2038 at the same time. At the same time, by 2030, 80% of the required electricity must be produced from renewable energy sources, and the plans stipulate that it is primarily wind and solar energy. The new German government is also sticking to the end of nuclear power plants in 2022. In addition, it promises to take care of “socially fair electricity prices”.
From e-car to organic farming
Coalitionists see climate protection as a “crossroads” for the entire government. Accordingly, they are implementing measures in virtually all areas: For example, by 2030 there should be about 15 million e-cars, while at the same time strengthening rail transport. By 2030, 30% of agriculture must be organic.
Goodbye to the internal combustion engine
The new German government must prepare the industrialized country of Germany for the elimination of cars with internal combustion engines from 2035, as planned by the European Commission. That is why Robert Habeck wants to resume state support for the purchase of e-cars in Germany.
Sources:
- Deutsche Welle
- www.gruene.de
- deutschland.de
