As the German federal election is just a month away, a coalition of over 150 civil society organizations has called on political parties to engage in a competition of the best and most socially just plans for climate protection. “The challenges of climate protection are still enormous, but the parties are silent on the issue or even propose steps backward” said Stefanie Langkamp, Head of Politics at the Climate Alliance Germany on Tuesday. “We expect the democratic parties to engage in a competition of the best and most socially just plans for the path to climate neutrality. This federal election is crucial for climate protection.”
Every euro invested in climate protection and modern infrastructure creates future-proof jobs, strengthens energy security, and improves quality of life, explained Viviane Raddatz, Head of Climate and Energy Policy at the World Wildlife Fund Germany. “And everything we don’t invest in today, we will have to pay double and triple in the future for climate damage costs. Therefore, we need a reform of the debt brake” Raddatz said. “More justice and more funds for climate protection can also be achieved if super-rich individuals pay higher taxes.”
Eva Welskop-Deffaa, President of the German Caritas Association, advocated for an innovative transportation policy. “Attractive train stations with parking garages and bike stations, a modern rail network, and a public transportation system that connects work and living in a barrier-free way, are the infrastructure of the future, which cannot be delayed any further” she said. “The Germany ticket must be further developed as an attractive fare offer.”
At the same time, she expects the framework for electric mobility to improve. “The subsidy and promotion policy must be shifted from fossil fuels to small electric vehicles, for example, through socially tiered subsidies for leasing electric vehicles” said the Caritas President. “A reliable expansion of the charging infrastructure is one of the essential prerequisites for people in rural areas to be able to travel climate-friendlier with electric vehicles.”
The Climate Alliance Germany has presented key demands for the federal election on Tuesday. A special fund for climate protection should be established, and the debt brake should be reformed. The alliance also demands an investment initiative for long-distance and local transportation and a youth and social ticket for 29 euros. The subsidy policy should be shifted to electric vehicles and the fossil fuel phase-out should be maintained. Additionally, the organizations are calling for more funds and personnel for climate protection in municipalities and the continuation of the “success story of the energy transition.