Germans' Frustration Grows With Government's Slow Climate Action
Germans are increasingly discontent with their government's climate change efforts, with a significant majority viewing it as a major issue. This frustration comes as emissions rise and the cost of the Energiewende, Germany's energy transition, soars.
Emissions in the transportation sector have surged by 20% since 1995 and continue to climb. This increase is alarming, given that 82% of Germans consider climate change a significant problem. The rising concern is reflected in the growing support for the Greens, who champion climate protection.
The Energiewende, aimed at transitioning to renewable energies, has incurred an estimated €160 billion ($184 billion) in the past five years. Despite this, Germany remains Europe's largest coal producer and consumer, relying on coal for a third of its power. This contradiction has left many Germans unsatisfied, with only 5% approving the SPD's policies for driving the transition forward.
The public's frustration is understandable, given the stark contrast between their support for renewable energies - consistently around 80 to 90% - and the current energy landscape. Nearly 70% of Germans attribute record heat waves to global warming, underscoring their understanding of the urgent need for action.
Raimund Haser, a CDU politician, has been involved in discussions around the energy transition, indicating a shift within the CDU/CSU. However, the pace of change has been slow, with 73% of Germans wanting to end coal generation in the next eleven years.
The growing frustration among Germans with the government's climate change efforts reflects a deep-seated concern about the issue. With emissions rising and the cost of the Energiewende escalating, there's a clear need for more ambitious policies. The public's support for renewable energies and desire to phase out coal generation suggest a path forward, but swift action is required to address the pressing climate crisis.
