The Ministry of Economic Affairs has cut long-term funding for the decarbonization of industry in the draft budget. The climate action agreements are to continue, and funds are to be made available in the 2026 budget. However, observers doubt the new government's ambition.
By Nico Beckert
The Chancellor promises three-quarters of the planned electricity price reduction, but also includes the gas price. The Minister for Economic Affairs, on the other hand, announces electricity price cuts that only a few already privileged customers will experience.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
The decarbonization mandate is putting international shipbuilders under pressure – especially China as a major maritime power. Progressive hidden champions from Germany offer technologies that Chinese shipbuilders are desperately looking for.
By Christian Domke Seidel
The Republican budget bill cuts money for climate research, public authorities and the IRA investment program. Likely consequences: higher emissions, loss of jobs and growth, dirtier air, rising energy prices.
By Umair Irfan
According to the Climate Action Tracker, the German government's climate policy is setting the course for more emissions, new fossil fuels subsidies and not enough ambition for renewables and transport. The overall verdict: Insufficient for a 1.5-degree path.
By Bernhard Pötter
Achieving the climate targets for the German transport sector would require a rapid electromobility boom. But instead of subsidizing key areas, the German government is cutting back on existing measures.
By Carsten Hübner
Missing buyers in the steel sector and fewer electrolyzers – the ramp-up of the German hydrogen economy is currently stagnating in many areas. Experts urge the German government to take corrective action through its power plant strategy, financial support and stimulating demand.
By Kai Schöneberg
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights says: States must protect the climate and nature – and this duty takes precedence over other legal requirements. Experts welcome the opinion. They expect other courts to take up its arguments.
By Alexandra Endres
Many cities and municipalities want to be more climate-neutral than the federal government. A survey shows that 72% have a climate action concept and 87% have full-time climate action officers. However, the Association of Cities and Towns is calling for more money from the federal and state governments.
By Kai Schöneberg
At their summit in Rio, the eleven BRICS countries are demanding more commitment, money and structural reforms from the Global North when it comes to climate policy. However, the major emerging economies show little ambition in their own climate assessments.
By Bernhard Pötter
