Embarrassing: Moral Apostle Germany slips from 13th to 16th place in the environmental ranking – despite the green minister in key positions – Image: Xpert.digital
Climate protection in reverse gear: Why Germany is slipping in the international rankings
Despite the green minister: Why Germany does not progress in climate protection – 16th place instead of the leader: is Germany still a climate model?
Germany took a step backwards in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) from Germanwatch, the NewClimate Institute and the Climate Action Network between 2021 and 2023: the country fell from 13th place in 2021 to 16th place in 2023. This development is particularly notable since the so-called “traffic light coalition” made up of the SPD, Greens and FDP took over government responsibility in December 2021. With Steffi Lemke as Environment Minister and Robert Habeck as Economics and Climate Protection Minister, the coalition filled two key positions with representatives of the Greens, who traditionally pursue a strong climate protection agenda. Despite this political constellation, Germany was unable to maintain its position in international comparison.
Reasons for the decline
The reasons for Germany's decline in the CCPI are complex and affect several sectors in which progress was assessed as insufficient.
1. Transport sector
The transport sector represents one of the biggest problems. Emissions in this area have not decreased in recent years, but in some cases have even increased. This is mainly because Germany is making slow progress in electrifying transport. The expansion of electromobility and charging infrastructure is a declared goal of the government, but implementation falls short of expectations. Alternative concepts such as the expansion of local public transport or the promotion of cycling and car sharing are not yet being promoted consistently enough. The transport sector remains a key obstacle to Germany’s climate goals.
2. Renewable energy
Another critical point is the slow expansion of renewable energies, especially in the area of wind energy on land. In the years before the government takeover by the traffic light coalition, the expansion had almost come to a standstill, including through bureaucratic hurdles and resistances at the local level. The new government has taken measures to accelerate the expansion – for example by simplifying approval procedures – but these measures have so far only shown a limited effect. However, the expansion of renewable energies is essential to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and to promote the energy transition.
3. Energy crisis and fossil fuels
The energy crisis as a result of the Ukraine War has also burdened Germany's climate policy. In order to ensure security of supply, new gas infrastructure projects have been promoted and coal -fired power plants were reactivated – measures that are viewed critically from a climate policy perspective. The government emphasizes that these steps are only temporary, but they raise questions about the long -term climate strategy. In addition, the German Climate Protection Act is criticized by experts as diluted because it contains less binding requirements than originally planned.
4. Building sector
There are also significant deficits in the building sector. The renovation rate of buildings remains low, although this area offers great potential for reducing CO₂ emissions. Measures such as the Building Energy Act (GEG), which sets stricter requirements for new buildings, are a step in the right direction, but are not enough. There is a lot of catching up to do, particularly when it comes to energy-efficient renovation of old buildings.
Positive developments
Despite these setbacks, there are also areas where progress has been made:
Climate policy
The traffic light government was able to improve in the “climate policy” category and reached 12th place in the CCPI ranking. This is due to ambitious plans such as the accelerated expansion of wind and solar energy and the planned phase-out of coal by 2030.
Renewable energies in the electricity mix
The proportion of renewable energies on the Strommix could be further increased. Solar energy in particular recorded strong growth. These successes show that despite all the challenges, Germany is on the right track – however, this is not enough to compensate for the deficits in other areas.
Comparison with other countries
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An international comparison shows that other countries act much more ambitiously than Germany. Denmark, Sweden and Morocco lead the CCPI ranking and set standards when it comes to climate protection. These countries are characterized by a consistent expansion of renewable energies and innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Germany continues to be in front of many other G20 countries such as Canada or Russia, but the claim of a pioneer in climate protection is currently not being met. Denmark particularly impresses with a clear strategy for decarbonizing all sectors – from energy to traffic to industry.
Challenges for Germany
The current and future government faces a number of challenges:
Solve structural problems
The high emissions in the transport and building sectors urgently need to be reduced.
Implement reforms faster
The measures taken so far are not yet having the desired effect; acceleration is necessary.
Use market economy expertise
Political will alone is not enough; it also requires a deep understanding of economic relationships and incentives.
The delays in implementing climate policy measures not only have national consequences: they also affect Germany's credibility at the international level.
There is still a lot to do
The decline in Germany in the climate protection index clearly shows that there is still a lot to do to achieve the self -inserted climate goals and to play a leading role internationally. The traffic light government has submitted ambitious plans – including the accelerated expansion of renewable energies and the coal phase -out until 2030 – but their implementation must be faster and more effective.
The challenges are great: the transport sector must be electrified, the existing buildings must be renovated to make them more energy efficient and the dependence on fossil fuels must be reduced. At the same time, the energy crisis must not be used as an excuse to water down climate policy goals.
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Germany has the potential to become a pioneer in climate protection again – but this requires determined action and close interlinking politics and business. The way there will be no easier, but it is essential for a sustainable future.
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