Leading economist and economic advisor Veronika Grimm has expressed doubts regarding Germany’s ability to achieve its climate neutrality target by 2045. In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Grimm stated that current progress does not place the nation on a clear path toward that ambitious goal.
However, Grimm emphasized that Germany’s individual emission reductions might not be the most impactful lever for limiting global climate change. She argued that Germany’s contribution to worldwide emissions is relatively small, suggesting that advancements in technology and fostering international collaboration are more vital factors. Grimm cautioned against policies that could stifle economic growth through overly aggressive climate regulation.
Grimm also criticized the government’s recent announcement to repeal the controversial heating law, describing it as a “political narrative”. While acknowledging the necessity of regulations, she voiced support for Economics Minister Katharina Reiche’s strategy of expanding natural gas power plant capacity, stating they are a required resource. She further deemed the construction of large-scale energy storage solutions for renewable power as an “inefficient” approach.