Environmental groups criticize German government's climate policy

Environmental organizations are sharply criticizing the German federal government's climate policy, accusing it of making regressive steps ahead of a key cabinet meeting. The groups are demanding a significant acceleration in the expansion of renewable energies.

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The current climate and energy policy is characterized by setbacks, reinforces fossil fuel structures, and slows down the expansion of renewable energies.

Vanessa Klocke, co-head of climate and energy policy at WWF Germany, stated that the government's current climate and energy policies are characterized by setbacks. She argued that these policies reinforce fossil fuel structures and impede the necessary expansion of renewable energy sources. Klocke stressed that in light of escalating heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, the government must urgently prioritize climate protection and a decisive transition away from fossil fuels.

Greenpeace echoed these criticisms, with Georg Kössler, head of politics at Greenpeace Germany, stating that Germany is experiencing a "dangerous step backward" instead of seizing the opportunities offered by a modern economy. Kössler warned that hindering the expansion of renewables, questioning the planned end of internal combustion engines, and constructing new gas power plants jeopardize the country's future viability.

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Instead of seizing the opportunities of a modern economy, Germany is experiencing a dangerous step backward.

The cabinet is scheduled to hold a retreat in Neuhardenberg, where climate protection is expected to be a central topic. The environmental groups' strong statements aim to pressure the government into adopting more ambitious climate action measures.

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Anyone who slows down the expansion of renewable energies, questions the planned end of the combustion engine, and builds new gas power plants endangers the future viability of the country.