Embarrassing: Moralizing Germany slips from 13th to 16th place in the environmental ranking – despite Green ministers in key positions

Despite Green ministers: Why Germany is not making progress in climate protection – 16th place instead of leader: Is Germany still a climate role model?

Germany's ranking in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) compiled by Germanwatch, the NewClimate Institute, and the Climate Action Network declined between 2021 and 2023: from 13th place in 2021 to 16th in 2023. This development is particularly noteworthy given that the so-called "traffic light coalition" of the SPD, the Greens, and the FDP assumed governmental responsibility in December 2021. With Steffi Lemke as Environment Minister and Robert Habeck as Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the coalition filled two key positions with Green Party representatives, who traditionally pursue a strong climate protection agenda. Despite this political constellation, Germany was unable to maintain its position in the international comparison.

Reasons for the decline

The reasons for Germany's decline in the CCPI are multifaceted and affect several sectors where progress was assessed as insufficient.

1. Transport sector

The transport sector represents one of the biggest problems. Emissions in this sector have not decreased in recent years, but have in some cases even increased. This is primarily due to Germany's slow progress in electrifying its transport infrastructure. While expanding electric mobility and charging infrastructure is a declared goal of the government, its implementation is lagging behind expectations. Alternative concepts such as expanding public transport or promoting cycling and car sharing are also not being pursued with sufficient vigor. The transport sector remains a key obstacle to achieving Germany's climate goals.

2. Renewable energies

Another critical issue is the sluggish expansion of renewable energies, particularly onshore wind power. In the years prior to the coalition government taking office, expansion had almost come to a standstill, due in part to bureaucratic hurdles and resistance at the local level. While the new government has taken measures to accelerate expansion—for example, by simplifying permitting procedures—these measures have so far had only a limited impact. However, the expansion of renewable energies is essential to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and advancing the energy transition.

3. Energy crisis and fossil fuels

The energy crisis resulting from the war in Ukraine has placed an additional burden on Germany's climate policy. To ensure security of supply, new gas infrastructure projects were accelerated and coal-fired power plants were reactivated – measures that are viewed critically from a climate policy perspective. While the government emphasizes that these steps are only temporary, they raise questions regarding the long-term climate strategy. Furthermore, experts criticize the German climate protection law as being watered down, since it contains fewer binding regulations than originally planned.

4. Building sector

There are also significant shortcomings in the building sector. The renovation rate of buildings remains low, even though 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 sufficient. There is a particularly large need to catch up in the energy-efficient renovation of existing buildings.

Positive developments

Despite these setbacks, there are also areas where progress has been made:

climate policy

The coalition government improved its ranking in the "Climate Policy" category, reaching 12th place in the CCPI ranking. This is due to ambitious plans such as the accelerated expansion of wind and solar energy, as well as the planned phase-out of coal by 2030.

Renewable energies in the electricity mix

The share of renewable energies in the electricity mix has been further increased. Solar energy, in particular, has seen strong growth. These successes show that Germany is on the right track despite all the challenges – however, this is not enough to compensate for the shortcomings in other areas.

Comparison with other countries

More information here:

• What the Climate Protection Index for 2025 shows – with graphic

International comparisons show that other countries are acting far more ambitiously than Germany. Denmark, Sweden, and Morocco lead the CCPI ranking and set standards in climate protection. These countries are characterized by a consistent expansion of renewable energies and innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

While Germany still ranks ahead of many other G20 countries such as Canada and Russia, it is not currently living up to its claim of being a climate protection leader. Denmark, in particular, impresses with a clear strategy for decarbonizing all sectors – from energy and transport to industry.

Challenges for Germany

The current and incoming government faces a number of challenges:

Solving 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 showing the desired effect; an acceleration is necessary.

Utilize market economy expertise

Political will alone is not enough; a deep understanding of economic relationships and incentives is also required.

The delays in implementing climate policy measures not only have national consequences: they also damage Germany's credibility at the international level.

There is still much to do

Germany's decline in the Climate Change Performance Index clearly shows that much remains to be done to achieve its self-imposed climate targets and regain a leading international role. The coalition government has presented ambitious plans – including the accelerated expansion of renewable energies and the phase-out of coal by 2030 – but their implementation must be faster and more effective.

The challenges are significant: the transport sector must be electrified, existing buildings must be retrofitted for energy efficiency, and dependence on fossil fuels must be reduced. At the same time, the energy crisis must not be used as a pretext to weaken climate policy goals.

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Germany has the potential to once again become a leader in climate protection – but this requires decisive action and close cooperation between politics and business. The path there will not be easy, but it is essential for a sustainable future.

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