Latest news with #LuisaNeubauer
Observer
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Germany's climate activists on edge as parties shape coalition agenda
Climate activists fear the worst when Germany's conservatives and Social Democrats begin to thrash out a joint climate policy for their future coalition government. A country once seen as a beacon of progressive climate policy is poised for a significant reset, with the conservatives — having in part blamed Germany's ambitious green goals for chronic economic weakness — keen to roll back targets and policies amid rising voter apathy on climate. As Europe's largest emitter of CO2 but also Europe's biggest generator of renewable energy, Germany's future stance on climate issues will be even more critical after the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and with the European Union under pressure from some members to ease regulations and goals. "If there was ever a time to panic about climate and politics, now would be it," said Luisa Neubauer, a prominent German climate activist with Fridays for Future. Since winning February's election, the CDU has affirmed its commitment to Germany's overarching 2045 target of being climate neutral but emphasises a "pragmatic approach that supports the economy, industry and public acceptance", according to Andreas Jung, the conservatives' climate policy spokesperson. The party wants to abolish a future ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, end restrictions on the use of cars, reverse a law phasing out fossil fuel heating and reintroduce diesel subsidies in agriculture. How strongly the SPD will defend its green election pledges — to stick to national and EU targets, invest in green infrastructure and renewables and focus on affordable climate protection — in coalition talks is key, climate activists say. Nina Scheer, an SPD climate spokeswoman, said it would be important to develop a common understanding with the conservatives on an accelerated and systematic transition to renewable energies. But that could be tricky. The SPD has been significantly weakened and came in third place in the election, with just 16.4 per cent of the vote, its worst ever result. "The SPD is not a traditional climate policy party like the Greens, so we shouldn't expect them to push this issue as strongly," said Stefan Marschall, political scientist at the University of Duesseldorf. Greenhouse gas emissions in Germany fell by 12.5 per cent under the three-party "traffic light" coalition of the SPD, Greens and Free Democrats, thanks to a renewable energy push and a drop in industrial production. But emissions cuts in sectors such as transport and building — 38 per cent of Germany's 2024 total emissions — have stalled. Expanding net-zero policies to these sectors has faced growing resistance in Germany and Europe, amid a cost-of-living crisis that has shifted climate protection lower on German voters' priorities in the February election. Only 12.8 per cent of Germans saw climate protection as the most important issue in this election, down from 24.4 per cent in 2021, a study by IW Koeln economic institute showed. Environmental and expert groups say Germany is not expected to meet the 2045 target as things stand. The Green Party, heading for opposition, still wields some influence, after threatening to tie its support for a new conservative-SPD financial package to the inclusion of some climate investment commitments within that plan. Germany cannot unilaterally reverse EU laws, but its influence is strong. The centre-right European People's Party (EPP), the largest group at the European parliament and which includes Germany's conservatives, launched a campaign in December to weaken the bloc's climate rules. At a recent EPP retreat in Berlin, conservative leader and Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz signed a declaration calling on the EU to abandon its renewable energy goals, a step backed by industry. — Reuters The writer is politics, general news correspondent, Thomson Reuters
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Extraordinary activist shares 4 must-have ingredients for change: 'Cynicism is unrealistic'
Luisa Neubauer stands at the forefront of Germany's youth-led push for a cooler future. As the lead organizer of Fridays for Future Germany, she transforms scientific findings into steps people can actually take, bringing hundreds of thousands to the streets for more than five years. Her path to becoming a leading voice began at university. Feeling frustrated by how climate science was taught, she found it "disrespectful to highlight problems without providing young people with the tools to take action," according to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. After meeting Greta Thunberg at a United Nations conference in 2018, she helped launch the movement in Germany. Now a John F. Kennedy Memorial Policy Fellow at Harvard and author of three bestselling books, Neubauer tackles a core problem in environmental advocacy: making complex science accessible and actionable. She won a landmark court case ("Neubauer vs. Germany") that forced the German government to strengthen its climate laws in 2021 and is currently suing them again for stronger action. By focusing on practical steps over statistics, she connects with communities through shared experiences rather than technical data. "When asked about how to communicate climate change with people from diverse backgrounds, Luisa notes the importance of not relying on the statistics, but on experiences and feelings," per the Yale program. Her approach makes saving the planet feel personal and possible for everyone. Named to Time Magazine's "100 Next" list in 2022, Neubauer believes that effective climate campaigns need four key ingredients: "hope, anger, something concrete to do," and, importantly, "bring snacks," per Yale. This simple formula helps ordinary people feel they can make a difference. Born in Hamburg in 1996, Neubauer is completing her master's degree in geography while hosting the award-winning podcast "1.5 Degrees." She stresses that stepping into environmental action might feel uncomfortable at first, but she told the Yale audience that's exactly the point: "We will not solve the climate crisis inside our comfort zone." How often do you feel hopeful about the future of the planet when you read news stories or watch entertainment content? Often Sometimes Rarely Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "We need a million very normal people doing one thing rather than superheroes," Neubauer stated, making it clear that everyday actions add up to meaningful change. Her most powerful message offered a refreshing perspective on our future: "Cynicism is unrealistic. Hope isn't." Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Analysis-Germany's climate activists on edge as parties shape coalition agenda
By Riham Alkousaa BERLIN (Reuters) - Climate activists fear the worst when Germany's conservatives and Social Democrats begin to thrash out a joint climate policy for their future coalition government. A country once seen as a beacon of progressive climate policy is poised for a significant reset, with the conservatives - having in part blamed Germany's ambitious green goals for chronic economic weakness - keen to roll back targets and policies amid rising voter apathy on climate. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. As Europe's largest emitter of CO2 but also Europe's biggest generator of renewable energy, Germany's future stance on climate issues will be even more critical after the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and with the European Union under pressure from some members to ease regulations and goals. "If there was ever a time to panic about climate and politics, now would be it," Luisa Neubauer, a prominent German climate activist with Fridays for Future, told Reuters. Since winning February's election, the CDU has affirmed its commitment to Germany's overarching 2045 target of being climate neutral but emphasizes a "pragmatic approach that supports the economy, industry, and public acceptance", according to Andreas Jung, the conservatives' climate policy spokesperson. The party wants to abolish a future ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, end restrictions on the use of cars, reverse a law phasing out fossil fuel heating, and reintroduce diesel subsidies in agriculture. How strongly the SPD will defend its green election pledges - to stick to national and EU targets, invest in green infrastructure and renewables, and focus on affordable climate protection - in coalition talks is key, climate activists say. Nina Scheer, an SPD climate spokeswoman, told Reuters it would be important to develop a common understanding with the conservatives on an accelerated and systematic transition to renewable energies. But that could be tricky. The SPD has been significantly weakened and came in third place in the election, with just 16.4% of the vote, its worst ever result. "The SPD is not a traditional climate policy party like the Greens, so we shouldn't expect them to push this issue as strongly," said Stefan Marschall, political scientist at the University of Duesseldorf. Greenhouse gas emissions in Germany fell by 12.5% under the three-party "traffic light" coalition of the SPD, Greens, and Free Democrats, thanks to a renewable energy push and a drop in industrial production. But emissions cuts in sectors such as transport and building - 38% of Germany's 2024 total emissions- have stalled. Expanding net-zero policies to these sectors has faced growing resistance in Germany and Europe, amid a cost-of-living crisis that has shifted climate protection lower on German voters' priorities in the February election. Only 12.8% of Germans saw climate protection as the most important issue in this election, down from 24.4% in 2021, a study by IW Koeln economic institute showed. Environmental and expert groups say Germany is not expected to meet the 2045 target as things stand. The Green Party, heading for opposition, still wields some influence, after threatening to tie its support for a new conservative-SPD financial package to the inclusion of some climate investment commitments within that plan. EU CONSTRAINTS Germany cannot unilaterally reverse EU laws, but its influence is strong. The center-right European People's Party (EPP), the largest group at the European parliament and which includes Germany's conservatives, launched a campaign in December to weaken the bloc's climate rules. At a recent EPP retreat in Berlin, conservative leader and Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz signed a declaration calling on the EU to abandon its renewable energy goals, a step backed by industry. "If Germany is not standing by the Green Deal, the Green Deal is gone," said German Green MEP Michael Bloss, referring to the EU's target. The conservatives' climate policy relies heavily on CO2 pricing as a mechanism to cut emissions and fund investment. "We are focusing on three pillars: gradual CO2 pricing with social compensation, reliable subsidies, and a strategy of enabling rather than excessive regulation," CDU's Jung said. The European emissions trading system (ETS), extending to the transport and buildings sectors from 2027, is expected to increase prices and make heating or powering vehicles with fossil fuels less appealing. But if prices rise too much that creates a crisis of affordability. Germany must annually invest about 3% of its GDP in climate protection measures like power grid upgrades, industry electrification and public transport expansion, to meet its 2045 climate neutrality goal, says Berlin-based think tank Agora. The conservatives and SPD this week agreed to create a 500 billion euro infrastructure fund and overhaul borrowing rules but dedicated climate investments are not included in the fund. The conservatives have also promised sweeping tax cuts that would deprive state coffers of almost 100 billion euros of annual revenue, according to the Ifo economic institute. "The biggest gap in the conservatives' current program is the lack of a clear strategy to make climate transition fair or affordable for the poorer half of the population," said Christoph Bals, political director at research group Germanwatch. The chance of sluggish climate action under a future conservative-led government is likely to spark more legal battles and direct action activism, which surged in Germany, despite the greener SPD-led government. Roadblocks, airport protests, and demonstrations at oil installations captured national attention and triggered a government crackdown and there are already three climate-related constitutional complaints pending before Germany's top court. "It's our job to keep this issue alive. The next few years will be challenging, not just for us but also for the CDU (conservatives)," Lena Donat, Greenpeace mobility expert, said.
Reuters
07-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Germany's climate activists on edge as parties shape coalition agenda
Summary Companies Conservatives on track to lead country after election win They back some fossil-fuel friendly policies How to pay for carbon neutrality amid planned tax cuts unclear Possible climate policy rollback comes as U.S. retreats Likely coalition partner could push green agenda if affordable BERLIN, March 7 (Reuters) - Climate activists fear the worst when Germany's conservatives and Social Democrats begin to thrash out a joint climate policy for their future coalition government. A country once seen as a beacon of progressive climate policy is poised for a significant reset, with the conservatives - having in part blamed Germany's ambitious green goals for chronic economic weakness - keen to roll back targets and policies amid rising voter apathy on climate. As Europe's largest emitter of CO2 but also Europe's biggest generator of renewable energy, Germany's future stance on climate issues will be even more critical after the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and with the European Union under pressure from some members to ease regulations and goals. "If there was ever a time to panic about climate and politics, now would be it," Luisa Neubauer, a prominent German climate activist with Fridays for Future, told Reuters. Since winning February's election, the CDU has affirmed its commitment to Germany's overarching 2045 target of being climate neutral but emphasizes a "pragmatic approach that supports the economy, industry, and public acceptance", according to Andreas Jung, the conservatives' climate policy spokesperson. The party wants to abolish a future ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, end restrictions on the use of cars, reverse a law phasing out fossil fuel heating, and reintroduce diesel subsidies in agriculture. How strongly the SPD will defend its green election pledges - to stick to national and EU targets, invest in green infrastructure and renewables, and focus on affordable climate protection - in coalition talks is key, climate activists say. Nina Scheer, an SPD climate spokeswoman, told Reuters it would be important to develop a common understanding with the conservatives on an accelerated and systematic transition to renewable energies. But that could be tricky. The SPD has been significantly weakened and came in third place in the election, with just 16.4% of the vote, its worst ever result. "The SPD is not a traditional climate policy party like the Greens, so we shouldn't expect them to push this issue as strongly," said Stefan Marschall, political scientist at the University of Duesseldorf. Greenhouse gas emissions in Germany fell by 12.5% under the three-party "traffic light" coalition of the SPD, Greens, and Free Democrats, thanks to a renewable energy push and a drop in industrial production. But emissions cuts in sectors such as transport and building - 38% of Germany's 2024 total emissions- have stalled. Expanding net-zero policies to these sectors has faced growing resistance in Germany and Europe, amid a cost-of-living crisis that has shifted climate protection lower on German voters' priorities in the February election. Only 12.8% of Germans saw climate protection as the most important issue in this election, down from 24.4% in 2021, a study by IW Koeln economic institute showed. Environmental and expert groups say Germany is not expected to meet the 2045 target as things stand. The Green Party, heading for opposition, still wields some influence, after threatening to tie its support for a new conservative-SPD financial package to the inclusion of some climate investment commitments within that plan. EU CONSTRAINTS Germany cannot unilaterally reverse EU laws, but its influence is strong. The center-right European People's Party (EPP), the largest group at the European parliament and which includes Germany's conservatives, launched a campaign in December to weaken the bloc's climate rules. At a recent EPP retreat in Berlin, conservative leader and Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz signed a declaration calling on the EU to abandon its renewable energy goals, a step backed by industry. "If Germany is not standing by the Green Deal, the Green Deal is gone," said German Green MEP Michael Bloss, referring to the EU's target. The conservatives' climate policy relies heavily on CO2 pricing as a mechanism to cut emissions and fund investment. "We are focusing on three pillars: gradual CO2 pricing with social compensation, reliable subsidies, and a strategy of enabling rather than excessive regulation," CDU's Jung said. The European emissions trading system (ETS), extending to the transport and buildings sectors from 2027, is expected to increase prices and make heating or powering vehicles with fossil fuels less appealing. But if prices rise too much that creates a crisis of affordability. Germany must annually invest about 3% of its GDP in climate protection measures like power grid upgrades, industry electrification and public transport expansion, to meet its 2045 climate neutrality goal, says Berlin-based think tank Agora. The conservatives and SPD this week agreed to create a 500 billion euro infrastructure fund and overhaul borrowing rules but dedicated climate investments are not included in the fund. The conservatives have also promised sweeping tax cuts that would deprive state coffers of almost 100 billion euros of annual revenue, according to the Ifo economic institute. "The biggest gap in the conservatives' current program is the lack of a clear strategy to make climate transition fair or affordable for the poorer half of the population," said Christoph Bals, political director at research group Germanwatch. The chance of sluggish climate action under a future conservative-led government is likely to spark more legal battles and direct action activism, which surged in Germany, despite the greener SPD-led government. Roadblocks, airport protests, and demonstrations at oil installations captured national attention and triggered a government crackdown and there are already three climate-related constitutional complaints pending before Germany's top court. "It's our job to keep this issue alive. The next few years will be challenging, not just for us but also for the CDU (conservatives)," Lena Donat, Greenpeace mobility expert, said.
CNN
26-02-2025
- Politics
- CNN
The far right just made huge gains in a country once seen as a climate champion. It's a pattern happening across the world
Germany was once seen as a climate champion. It set ambitious targets to slash planet-heating pollution. Its Green party rode high in the 2021 elections, becoming part of the government. Fast-forward less than four years and that image seems to be unraveling. Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party which denies human-caused climate change and rails against climate policies as unaffordable and elitist, has propelled itself to center stage. It placed second overall in last weekend's national elections, nearly doubling its share of the vote. The party, which boasts support from Elon Musk, is highly unlikely to be part of the next government — a long-standing 'firewall' currently excludes other parties from collaborating with it — but the AfD is now impossible to ignore. As is its climate stance. What happened in Germany is part of a global trend, analysts say, as populist far-right parties move from the political fringes to the mainstream, bringing their climate skepticism with them and shifting the political debate. 'There's a far right that is attacking the climate agenda in every country,' said Luisa Neubauer, a climate activist from Fridays for Future Germany. 'There is a real deliberate effort to eliminate and destabilize climate policies,' she told CNN. This is happening even as the impacts of the climate crisis intensify, she added, pointing to deadly climate change-fueled extreme weather, including Hurricane Helene and the LA fires. Experts say the roots of the shift toward far-right parties can be traced back years. The cumulative impacts of the 2008 financial crisis, the Covid pandemic and Russia's war on Ukraine have driven up the cost of living and fostered 'widespread discontent with the 'political establishment,'' said Paula-Charlotte Matlach, an analyst based in Germany at the think tank the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. The AfD, which ran on a vehemently anti-immigration platform, has surged in popularity as the country grapples with an economic slump, high inflation and high electricity prices, while it weans itself off Russian gas. The election campaign was nearly silent on climate, said Felix Schulz, a researcher at the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies. 'That, by itself, is a victory for the far right,' which is managing to shift the political narrative, he told CNN. The center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which came out top in the election and will form a coalition government, previously adopted a 'pro-climate rhetoric' but that's showing signs of strain, said Manès Weisskircher, a researcher at the Institute of Political Science in Germany. The CDU has said it will abide by Germany's climate targets but also sees a potentially long future for gas and wants to abolish regulations for phasing out combustion engine cars and gas-powered home heating. In a speech at the end of the election campaign, CDU leader Friedrich Merz said he stood 'for the majority who can think straight and who are still in their right minds,' and not, 'for any green or left-wing nutcases.' The most likely outcome of the election is a coalition between the CDU and the center-left SPD, with the Green party sidelined from government. This coalition is 'unlikely to take the bold climate action we need,' said Heffa Schuecking, director of Urgewald, an environmental non-profit. The AfD was successful in portraying climate measures 'as elite-driven and disconnected from the concerns of ordinary citizens,' the ISD's Matlach said. Similar dynamics are playing out in countries like Italy, the United States, Brazil and Australia, where far-right parties are framing climate change polices as expensive and restrictive, and calling those advocating for them alarmist and 'woke,' she added. 'This has made achieving global climate goals more difficult,' Matlach said. The situation has not been helped by people feeling they are not benefiting from climate action and worrying about changes to their lives, analysts say. 'We have entered the most intense industrial phase of climate transitions worldwide,' said Olivia Lazard, a fellow at Carnegie Europe. Conversations have focused on the need to reduce planet-heating pollution rather than the actions required to get there. This has left 'a lot of people confused in Europe and beyond about what it would take,' she told CNN. Despite the rhetoric of far right parties, climate change considerations often simmer underneath, she said. At the same time as some politicians seek to undermine climate action, those who are serious realize the energy transition is vital to being competitive as the geopolitical landscape shifts. Take President Trump, she said, who 'talks aggressively about critical minerals.' But, she warned, this view sets up climate change as something 'redefining the foundations of power,' rather than a problem to address through collective action to ensure a peaceful transition. 'Their view of our future is much darker,' she added. For climate activist Neubauer, it's vital those who believe in climate action set out their position clearly and in opposition to far right rhetoric. 'It is easy to assume that now isn't the time for climate,' but that's a mistake, she said. 'As long as (far right parties) define the way that we talk about climate, we won't have a climate discourse.'
