Climate protection in danger: Federal government is slowing down the energy transition!

Climate protection in danger: Federal government is slowing down the energy transition!

In today's discussion about climate justice, Brazil stands as a symbol of the contradiction between intention and action. While the country is pursuing a plan at the world climate summit to set an example in the Amazon region, the development of new oil and gas fields is being pushed forward at the same time. This dual agenda is also reflected in the words of Carolin Dähling from the energy cooperative Green Planet Energy, who emphasizes the enormous growth of renewable energies, while at the same time record investments are flowing into fossil infrastructure. Dähling says that the mistake is not just at the individual level, but is deeply rooted in the global economic system, which puts ecological growth behind unrestricted financial goals. Climate reporter reports that the true follow-up costs of fossil energies are not adequately reflected in the prices, and as a result their use remains attractive.

According to Dähling, a number of measures are necessary to meet the challenges of the climate crisis. Planned subsidies for fossil natural gas power plants with a capacity of 20,000 megawatts strengthen existing climate-damaging structures. This could prove to be an obstacle to the energy transition, considering that this policy violates the federal government's own climate goals. For this reason, Green Planet Energy has filed a complaint with the EU Commission because the planned aid violates European competition law. Climate reporter emphasizes that Germany needs quick action now to actually advance the energy transition.

Political challenges and future prospects

In the context of European climate policy, a 90 percent target for CO2 reduction was sought by 2040, but the targets were significantly weakened. Dähling expresses concerns about the postponement of the start date for the new emissions trading to 2028, which creates uncertainty. Emissions trading is seen as a key instrument for climate protection, and its delayed introduction could have long-term negative effects. She also fears that of the targeted 85 percent CO2 reduction in Europe, only real savings will be realized. Climate reporter highlights that climate protection also plays a key role in the growth of greentech in Germany.

The geopolitical situation is also relevant to the topicality of this debate, as China is increasingly pushing itself into the leadership role of the clean industry. While Europe is falling behind due to weakened climate protection policies, the Bundestag has passed a new law for underground storage of carbon dioxide (CCS). However, Dähling warns that CCS is a risky and costly technology that should not be considered a primary solution. She emphasizes the need for a clear energy transition and the rapid expansion of renewable energies.