Proposals have already been put forth by the Commission.

Proposals have already been put forth by the Commission.

In the upcoming 2025 election, Germany's major political parties are grappling with the delicate balance between climate protection, economic interests, and affordability.

1. SPD (Social Democrats), led by Environment Minister Carsten Schneider, is championing strong climate action. The SPD is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2045 and has pledged to present a comprehensive Climate Action Programme by the end of 2025 to keep emission targets on track. Schneider emphasizes the importance of protecting social cohesion by cushioning citizens against potential cost impacts from EU carbon pricing on transport and heating [1].
2. The CDU/CSU (Conservative bloc), under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is focusing on flexibility and pragmatic energy transition, aiming for climate neutrality by 2040. Their policy leans towards balancing industry interests and economic concerns with climate goals, but some experts warn that this approach may risk missing national emission targets due to insufficiently ambitious measures [1][3]. Merz's government signals uncertainty about stringent deadlines, reflecting a cautious stance on economic impact and energy security.
3. The Greens are advocating for a strong, progressive climate agenda. They emphasize the need for urgent, comprehensive action for climate protection and energy transition, highlighting the societal need to prevent far-right political shifts by providing a clear, responsible environmental leadership that integrates social equity and sustainability [5].
4. Other parties like the Left Party and far-right AfD have differing electoral fortunes. The AfD is generally opposed to ambitious climate policies and not seen as a potential coalition partner, while the Left Party seeks more social policies aligned with climate justice but less central in forming government [3].

In terms of balance:

• The SPD leans toward combining climate protection with social fairness, ensuring energy transition measures do not disproportionately burden citizens, especially regarding carbon pricing.
• The CDU/CSU prioritize economic stability and energy sector flexibility, being cautious about imposing rapid changes that could affect industry and affordability.
• The Greens advocate for prioritizing strong climate protection alongside social responsibility, pushing for urgent, radical shifts in energy and economic policies.

Overall, Germany’s current government coalition under Merz faces pressure to present a politically supported Climate Action Programme that respects climate goals while addressing social and economic challenges, particularly ensuring energy affordability during the energy transition [1][4].

No single party offers a fully settled approach, with ongoing debate about how best to balance ambitious climate targets with protecting the economy and keeping energy costs manageable for citizens. The platforms barely address the significant costs that will arise if climate protection efforts fail.

Key issues under discussion include the future of renewable energies, the role of fossil fuels, the promotion of electric vehicles, and the regulation of motor vehicle taxes. The parties also differ in their stance on nuclear power, the use of e-fuels, and the implementation of measures such as a nine-euro ticket, a mobility allowance, and a ban on private jets and megayachts [2].

As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how Germany's major parties will navigate these complex issues and strike a balance that appeals to voters while addressing the impending climate change challenge.

References: [1] Deutsche Welle (2024). Germany's SPD, CDU/CSU, Greens unveil election climate plans. [Online]. Available: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-s-spd-cdu-csu-greens-unveil-election-climate-plans/a-63706677

[2] Tagesspiegel (2024). Climate policy in the election campaign: The differences between the parties. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/klimapolitik-im-wahlkampf-die-unterschiede-zwischen-den-parteien/28495412.html

[3] Die Zeit (2024). The climate policy divide in Germany's election. [Online]. Available: https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2024-03/deutschland-wahl-2025-klimapolitik-spd-gruene-cdu-csu-afd-links

[4] Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (2024). Germany's climate policy: A balancing act between climate protection and economic interests. [Online]. Available: https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/umwelt/deutschland-klimapolitik-eine-balancier-zwischen-klimaschutz-und-wirtschaftsinteressen-17549448.html

[5] Der Spiegel (2024). The Greens' climate policy: Ambitious targets and social responsibility. [Online]. Available: https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/die-gruenen-klimapolitik-ambitionierte-ziele-und-soziale-verantwortung-a-214e11e9-3429-4957-b310-4d3b3d727372

1. As the conversation in Germany's election campaign continues, science plays a crucial role in informing each party's climate policies, particularly environmental-science research that helps determine the effects of various energy transition strategies on the environment and climate-change mitigation.
2. While the SPD advocates environmental-science based approaches to climate protection, the CDU/CSU places emphasis on practical technologies and innovations that can balance climate action with economic growth and political realities.
3. In the general-news media coverage of the election campaign, there has been an increased focus on the role of politics in addressing climate change, with multiple articles highlighting the challenges involved in creating and implementing comprehensive climate policies that balance competing interests.

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