The environment ministers of France, Poland and Germany want to work closely together on the transition to a climate-neutral economy. However, they are also making demands on the European Commission.
By Lukas Knigge
In the amendment to the Building Enegy Act (GEG), the German Environment Minister is insisting on protection rules for tenants. These would also benefit the climate. Otherwise, he is evasive about the law, which, according to calculations by the Öko-Institut, will greatly widen the climate gap.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
The German government’s Climate Action Program is due to be presented in four weeks – yet five million metric tons of CO₂ reductions are still unaccounted for, along with several billion euros in required investment. Policymakers remain divided over which sectors must deliver the most substantial emission cuts. And then there is the issue of the Building Energy Act.
By Bernhard Pötter
Environmental organizations accuse German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider of pursuing the wrong approach with his call to extend free CO₂ allowances. The minister, however, aims to ease the burden on the chemical industry by adjusting the benchmarks that determine their allocation under the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS).
By Lukas Knigge
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is traditionally one of those putting the brakes on in the climate process. Despite this and for this reason, Federal Environment Minister Schneider wants to work more closely with the country. Circular economy and new climate cooperation are on the agenda during his visit to Riyadh.
By Bernhard Pötter
A government subsidy of up to EUR 6,000 is now available in Germany for the purchase of an electric vehicle (EV). The exact amount depends on household income and number of children; the purchase price and place of manufacture do not play a role. There is criticism of the fact that plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which are not particularly climate-friendly, are also being subsidized.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
Following a meeting of the coalition committee, the German Chancellor announced last week that they had agreed on a joint position on phasing out internal combustion engines. However, there are differing views within the coalition as to what the government is now demanding.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
Carsten Schneider is attending his first world climate conference. While getting eagerly involved in the negotiations and showing interest and empathy for the host nation and the most vulnerable countries, he is often struggling to justify his government’s decisions.
By Lukas Knigge
The Economics Minister would like to weaken the Building Energy Act. However, the Environment Minister has now made it clear that this is not an option for him.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
Forest conversion is to be the focus of natural climate protection in the future. In contrast, the targets for peatlands will be reduced. The climate action targets for the land sector will therefore not be met in 2030 and 2040. Whether there will be more money is uncertain.
By Kai Schöneberg and Malte Kreutzfeldt
