Climate policy: Habeck’s “final record” – concern for climate policy legacy

As a candidate for the Green Chancellor, Robert Habeck has brought in a disappointing election result, as a minister of climate protection, he is expected to only be in office for a few weeks – and he sees his climate policy inheritance in danger. Habeck used the presentation of CO2 emission data in Berlin for a “final balance sheet”. This should remind you of an “opening balance” to take office. Habeck’s message: he delivered. His concern: keep the Union and SPD course?

Habeck sees trend reversal

The Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection sees Germany on course for climate boards. The past three years would probably be perceived as the “turning point” of German climate policy. This was achieved by the ministry of Carrator. Among other things, Habeck referred to great progress in expanding renewable energies and expanding the power grids. In the building sector he sees a “trend reversal”. The background is the controversial heating law that provides a gradual heating exchange.

According to the Federal Environment Agency, the climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions in Germany fell by 3.4 percent to 649 million tons of CO2 equivalents compared to 2023 compared to 2023. For better comparability, other greenhouse gases are converted into CO2. The legally permitted, adapted overall annual emission quantity of 693.4 million tons of CO2 equivalents will be understood quite significantly. The projection data showed that the goal of reducing emissions by 65 percent by 2030 compared to 1990.

Of the individual sectors, the energy industry made a disproportionate contribution to the reduction in emission. The weak economy also played a role in the industrial sector, so the emissions remained almost constant. Habeck said, however, that even with good growth rates in the future, Germany could reach the climate protection goals by 2030.

Porphal child traffic sector

In the building sector, emission requirements were not met, but the largest problem child is the traffic. Currently – and also until 2030 – according to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), the traffic sector remains far from its goals. Electric car market high run has to absorb significantly more speed again, said UBA President Dirk Messner. State -funded leasing models for small and efficient electric cars with low monthly installments could support the rout based on the French model. The agreed EU-wide exit for new registrations of fossil combustion cars 2035 should be recorded. However, the Union wants to change that.

“The transport area did not deliver at all,” said Habeck. This was also due to political blocking, he said with a view to the former coalition partner FDP. For example, the FDP had rejected a general speed limit. Habeck also said that in retrospect, the deletion of state funding for electric cars was a mistake at the end of 2023. At that time, the coalition had to save according to a budget judgment. The minister made it clear that it was about “spilling amounts” – compared to the sums, which is now about the planned special fund for infrastructure of 500 billion euros.

By 2045, Germany wants to be climate -neutral, i.e. no more greenhouse gases than can be saved again. Until then it is still a long way. With the current measures, Germany will reduce emissions by around 80 percent compared to 1990 by 2040, but the legal goal provides for a reduction of at least 88 percent, according to the Federal Environment Agency.

Appeal to future government

Habeck, appealed to the possible new federal government of the Union and SPD, to continue the course. In the past, however, they have not proven that they were ready to take brave steps forward. “So: Grand coalition was world champion in targets and amateur league in the implementation of the goals.”

When he became a minister at the end of 2021, he inherited a climate protection gap of 1,200 million tons of CO2 by 2030, said Habeck. With new projection data you even have a buffer of 80 million tons by 2030.

“Opening balance” in 2021

In January 2022, Habeck, fresh in office, made an “opening balance” and brought a large graphic. She showed how far Germany is from its climate goals. The key message at the time: “We have to be three times better in all areas.” The task of climate protection is “gigantic” – but: “We can do it,” said Habeck. Now the still Vice Chancellor showed another graphic – with the message: The gap to the climate goals has become much smaller.

Associations: Further efforts necessary

“The good numbers for the past year must not deceive anyone: Without further steps, Germany misses its long -term climate goals,” said Greenpeace traffic expert Marion Tiemann. The encouraging expansion of renewable energies cannot compensate for a lack of progress in traffic and buildings in the long run. The German Environmental Aid called for a speed limit and an energetic renovation offensive from the new coalition. Federal Managing Director Jürgen Resch said: “Union and SPD must now set the course for real climate protection – otherwise we will force them to do so before the Federal Administrative Court.”