
Fact check: German climate policy classified as unlawful
The Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court rules against the federal government
In a remarkable ruling, the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court condemned the German federal government's climate policy as unlawful. The ruling underlines the urgency of effective climate protection measures and highlights the challenges that governments around the world face in implementing climate goals.
With the verdict - which the court certainly did not accidentally coincide with the start of the World Climate Conference - Deutsche Umwelthilfe is forcing all three traffic light parties to comply with the goals set out in the current climate protection law.
Long overdue emergency measures must be implemented together:
- Speed limit 100 km/h on the motorway,
- 80 km/h outside town and 30 km/h inside town and
- Immediate abolition of billions in climate-damaging subsidies, including for company cars, diesel and kerosene.
Background to the court order
Fact: The court upheld the complaint by BUND and Deutsche Umwelthilfe and ruled that the federal government was doing too little in the transport and building sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Analysis: The judges called for immediate measures because Germany has missed its climate targets in both 2021 and 2022. This judgment emphasizes that it is not just about setting goals, but also about consistently pursuing and implementing them.
Criticism of the government
Fact: Environmental associations criticize the government for not taking effective countermeasures, despite significantly exceeding emissions targets.
Analysis: This criticism points to a discrepancy between the climate goals set and the real measures. It turns out that legal requirements alone are not enough, but that concrete and timely actions are required.
Reaction of the federal government
Fact: The federal government supplemented its climate protection program in October 2023, a response that was, however, deemed inadequate by the court.
Analysis: The court makes it clear that short-term, effective measures are necessary to achieve the climate goals. Long-term programs alone are not considered sufficient.
Outlook and implications
Fact: The federal government is considering whether to appeal and is waiting for the written reasons for the judgment.
Analysis: This development shows that climate policy is a complex and controversial field in which governments, courts and environmental organizations can have different views.
Climate verdict: Federal government is sentenced to an emergency program
Conclusion: A turning point in climate policy
This ruling could be viewed as a turning point in German climate policy. It highlights the need for immediate action and could serve as a precedent for future judicial decisions on climate change. As the federal government weighs its options, it is becoming clear that time is of the essence and effective climate protection measures are essential to achieve the goals set.
Source: DUH
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