Germany's Climate Policy Sparks Debate: Green Leader vs. CDU Deputy

Germany's climate policy has sparked debate, with Green faction leader Katharina Dröge criticizing the government's emissions trading initiative. Meanwhile, Andreas Jung, deputy chairman of the CDU, has been advocating for climate-friendly reforms, emphasizing the importance of CO2 capture and storage (CCS).

Andreas Jung, acknowledging Germany's vulnerability to climate change, stated that 'you'll get the shivers if you walk through our forests with your eyes open'. He has been pushing for Germany to maintain its CO2-neutral goal by 2045, a stance he officially supported by September 2025. Jung believes that emissions trading will play a crucial role in the climate-friendly conversion of power plants.

Dröge, however, argues that the CDU's proposal questions this very goal and waters down climate protection efforts. She criticizes the government's initiative for emissions trading, suggesting it undermines the country's climate ambitions. Jung, on the other hand, wants to bring climate protection together with the economy and jobs, supporting Environment Minister Carsten Schneider's demand to issue emission permits to industry beyond 2039. He proposes issuing certificates until 2045, aligning with Germany's 2045 CO2-neutral goal.

The debate surrounding Germany's climate policy continues, with Dröge criticizing the government's emissions trading initiative and Jung advocating for reforms that maintain the country's CO2-neutral goal. Both sides agree on the urgency of climate action, but differ on the means to achieve it.