The German government’s recent pledge of €1 billion for the Amazon rainforest fund, announced during the UN climate conference (COP30) in Belém, is being framed as a damage control measure due to Chancellor Scholz’s problematic conduct at the summit, according to climate activist Luisa Neubauer. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post” Neubauer sharply criticized Scholz’s statements, alleging they alienated a significant portion of Brazil and undermined the potential impact of the financial commitment.
Neubauer argued that Scholz’s remarks, characterized as “unnecessary” and “disrespectful” have severely eroded trust in German climate policy. She suggested that the Chancellor’s diplomatic missteps have rendered the financial pledge less significant, positioning it as an attempt to mitigate the fallout from his own actions.
While acknowledging the necessity of Germany’s commitment to the rainforest fund, Neubauer highlighted a stark hypocrisy within the nation’s climate strategy. She pointed to the immense disparity between the rainforest funding and Germany’s ongoing investment in fossil fuel subsidies – estimated at €60 billion annually – alongside substantial financial support (€350 million) for aviation.
The activist directly criticized the political direction championed by Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), accusing him of pursuing a “climate policy course that destroys more climate than it protects”. Neubauer’s comments underscore a growing concern regarding the perceived disconnect between Germany’s stated climate ambitions and its continued support for industries contributing significantly to global warming. The controversy surrounding Scholz’s conduct and the activist’s critique raise questions about the credibility of Germany’s international climate leadership and the political will to enact meaningful change.