Germany's Environment Minister Unveils 4 Billion Euro Moor Protection Plan, Despite CO2 Target Cuts and Budget Uncertainty
Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) has unveiled ambitious plans to bolster moor protection, with a proposed budget of over 4 billion euros from 2024 to 2028. However, his strategy involves reducing the CO2 storage targets for moors and shifting focus to forests. Meanwhile, the future of international climate finance remains uncertain due to potential cuts in the development budget, despite Germany meeting its 2024 pledge of 6.1 billion euros.
Schneider's moor protection plans hinge on federal government support. He aims to increase funding annually, starting with 821 million euros in 2025, and continue beyond 2028. However, he intends to lower the CO2 storage targets for moors, reducing their role in climate protection and shifting focus to forests.
The success of these plans could be jeopardized by cuts to the development budget, which may impact future payments for international climate finance. Despite this, Germany has fulfilled its promise to provide 6.1 billion euros for international climate finance in 2024.
In other news, the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure in Germany faces potential hurdles due to funding cuts in the budget. The Hydrogen Acceleration Act, aimed at boosting infrastructure expansion, may be affected by these cuts.
Schneider's moor protection plans, with a proposed budget of over 4 billion euros, face uncertainty due to potential funding cuts. Meanwhile, the future of international climate finance remains unclear, despite Germany meeting its 2024 pledge. The expansion of hydrogen infrastructure in Germany also faces challenges due to budget cuts.