Climate goals in danger: regression in climate protection in Germany!

Climate goals in danger: regression in climate protection in Germany!

There are increasing voices of concern in Germany: the goal of climate neutrality by 2045 is increasingly in danger. A current study by the Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” at the University of Hamburg is causing a stir because it shows that politics, the economy and society are clearly taking steps backwards in many areas. According to this study, it is becoming increasingly unrealistic that the ambitious climate goals can be achieved, and this has far-reaching consequences for the transformation into a climate-neutral Germany.

The results of the study, which deals with seven central social processes, are particularly alarming. Study author Stefan Aykut emphasizes that blockade and escalation spirals in politics and business not only hinder progress, but also endanger acceptance among the population. If it is not possible to make climate protection more cost-effective, support among the population could continue to dwindle. This is particularly clear in the debate about the Building Energy Act (GEG) of 2023. The confrontational discussion led to consumers increasingly buying climate-damaging heating systems, while sales of lower-emission heat pumps fell.

Criticism of the Building Energy Act

The GEG is seen as a decisive step towards living with less energy consumption, but environmental protection organizations such as the WWF criticize the law as insufficient to achieve climate goals. According to a WWF study, stricter requirements and measures are urgently needed to accelerate the energy-efficient renovation of inefficient existing buildings. The advantages of renovations are not only lower heating costs, but also an improved indoor climate and a reduced risk of energy poverty.

The decision to allow fossil heating until 2045 has a particular impact on the changeover. The WWF is therefore calling for the requirements to be tightened in order to ensure the desired climate protection. To this end, minimum efficiency standards should be introduced for poorly renovated buildings.

The path to decarbonization

The climate protection law in Germany requires greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045, including in the building sector. A previous project had already determined the optimal path to achieving a climate-neutral building stock by 2050. It showed the required expansion of heat pumps and the increasing renovation activity. Current research is examining which political measures are necessary to meet the strict targets and recommends a more robust mix of instruments that includes ambitious energy standards in regulatory law.

A monitoring concept to check the climate goals and the effectiveness of the package of measures was also considered necessary. It remains to be seen whether political actors will follow the scientists' recommendations and how the situation will develop in the next few years.

The challenges are great, but as always: it is up to all of us to make a difference and take the necessary steps to actually achieve the climate goals.

For further information on the topic and current developments, visit the website Press Augsburg, WWF or BBSR.