Embarrassing: Moral apostle 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 the leader: Is Germany still a climate role 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, particularly in the area of ​​onshore wind energy. In the years before the traffic light coalition took over government, the expansion had almost come to a standstill, due, among other things, to bureaucratic hurdles and resistance at the local level. Although the new government has taken measures to accelerate expansion - for example by simplifying approval procedures - these measures have so far had only a limited effect. However, the expansion of renewable energies is essential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and advance the energy transition.

3. Energy crisis and fossil fuels

The energy crisis resulting from the Ukraine war has placed additional strain on Germany's climate policy. In order to ensure security of supply, new gas infrastructure projects were pushed forward 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 about its long-term climate strategy. In addition, the German climate protection law is criticized by experts as being watered down because it contains fewer 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 share of renewable energies in the electricity mix was further increased. Solar energy in particular experienced strong growth. These successes show that Germany is on the right track despite all the challenges - but 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.

Although Germany is still ahead of many other G20 countries such as Canada or Russia, its claim to be a pioneer in climate protection is currently not being met. Denmark is particularly impressive with a clear strategy for decarbonizing all sectors - from energy to transport 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

Germany's decline in the climate protection index clearly shows that there is still a lot to do to achieve the climate goals it has set itself and to regain a leading role internationally. The traffic light 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 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 decisive action and close integration of politics and business. The path there will not be easy, but it is essential for a sustainable future.

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