DGB's Call for a Game-Changing "Northern Germany Plan"
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Northern Germany's Future Strategy Demanded by DGB - Northern Germany Needs a Forward-looking Strategy, Advocates DGB
The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) is pushing hard for a "Northern Germany Plan," advocating for a unified industrial policy among the five northern states in Germany. As discussed during the unveiling of a DGB study on industrial policy in Northern Germany's social-ecological transformation, the region may showcase exemplary global leadership in a socially equitable energy transition, a carbon-neutral industry, and future employment opportunities.
In the study, the DGB highlighted the need for an estimated €7.5 billion in yearly climate investments for the states of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, and Bremen. To succeed, however, renewable electricity costs must drop significantly. The DGB recommends reducing network charges, levies, and electricity tax imposed by the federal government.
"Market left to its own devices can't regulate this"
According to a research group, transitioning industrial production to become climate-neutral necessitates strong political backing. "The market can't handle this alone," the report states. By offering targeted political support, the north can capitalize on its competitive edge in emerging technologies. This edge lies in its plentiful renewable energy sources, large storage capacities, skilled workforce, and extensive export and port infrastructure.
"It's all about ensuring the long-term viability of Northern Germany's economic hub"
The DGB chairman of the Lower Saxony - Bremen - Saxony-Anhalt district, Mehrdad Payandeh, underscores the crucial importance of such a plan, asserting, "Prolonging the viability of Northern Germany's economic heart is what this is all about." Given this urgency, it's high time for a "Northern Germany Plan" that generates immediate impact, protects unionized, well-compensated jobs, and lays the foundation for a powerful, carbon-neutral regional economy.
Study Highlights
- A transition to climate-neutral industrial production requires political backing, says a study.
- The northern states possess unique advantages in the global race for innovative technologies such as abundant renewable energy, vast storage potential, a well-trained workforce, and extensive ports and export facilities.
Building a Comprehensive Plan
To achieve a socially just energy transition and carbon-neutral industry, a transformative plan might encompass the following elements:
Essential Components of a Visionary Plan
- Vocational Training and Education:
- Implementing programs focusing on skill development, ensuring workers can secure roles in renewable energy and eco-friendly technology sectors.
- Climate-Neutral Industry Evolution:
- Encouraging traditional industries to adapt by offering support for sustainable technological innovations and green technologies.
- Job Generation and Retention:
- Attracting investments towards sectors that generate sustainable employment, including renewable energy, eco-friendly manufacturing, and green services.
- Social Justice and Equity:
- Ensuring the benefits of this transition are shared equitably among all communities, giving special attention to those who are particularly vulnerable.
- Regional Collaboration:
- Encouraging partnerships between local governments, businesses, and communities to cultivate a supportive environment that fosters sustainable development in the region.
- The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) advocates for a "Northern Germany Plan", a unified industrial policy among the five northern states in Germany, which aims to showcase global leadership in a socially equitable energy transition, carbon-neutral industry, and future employment opportunities.
- The DGB's study on industrial policy in Northern Germany's social-ecological transformation suggests that to be successful, an estimated €7.5 billion in yearly climate investments are needed for the states of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, and Bremen.
- Achieving a socially just energy transition and carbon-neutral industry requires political backing, as stated in the study, and by offering targeted political support, the north can capitalize on its competitive edge in emerging technologies, such as abundant renewable energy, vast storage potential, a well-trained workforce, and extensive ports and export facilities.
