Climate Conundrum: Majority in Germany Support Protection, But Worry About Fairness
There's no denying the fact that the majority of people in Germany are deeply concerned about climate change. As per a recent study by the Bertelsmann Stiftung, a staggering 76% of Germans are worried, with 36% expressing extreme concern. However, the study also reveals an interesting paradox: while people support climate protection measures, they have major concerns about their fairness and impact on social cohesion.
The good news is, 69% of Germans approve of the energy transition, which involves shifting away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Yet, only 20% believe that the transition is fair, raising concerns about the distribution of benefits and costs. The transportation transition, too, garners less enthusiasm; while 56% approve, only 50% believe it will make mobility cheaper.
Unfair Distribution and High Costs
The main grievance is the perceived unfairness in how the transition is being implemented. Germans are particularly concerned about the distribution of benefits and costs between high and low earners, companies and consumers, and urban and rural populations. Nearly 76% of people consider the energy transition expensive, with 45% doubting energy prices will decrease and 50% doubting the transport transition will make mobility cheaper.
Study author Sara Holzmann cautions against prioritizing climate protection without social compensation or neglecting it for the sake of social cohesion. She points out that an unchecked climate crisis poses a threat to democracy, exacerbating potential distributional conflicts.
Balancing Act
To address these concerns and maintain social cohesion, the Bertelsmann Foundation and Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam – German Geo Research Center suggest integrating social compensation into the energy transition process. This could include compensatory measures for low-income households, financial aid, or subsidies.
Moreover, climate protection policies should be socially just, balancing ambition with redistributive measures. Market-based instruments like carbon pricing can be used effectively if designed with social considerations. Public education and engagement are also crucial, as higher education levels are associated with greater climate concern and support for green policies.
By striking a balance between climate protection and social fairness, Germany can minimize conflicts and ensure a smooth transition to a greener future.
References
- Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Report, 2021.
- Expert Council on Climate Change, 2021.
- Friedrich Merz’s Proposal for a ‘Climate Bonus’, 2020.
- #WirFahrenZusammen Campaign, 2020.
- Danish and German Urban-Rural Disparities in Green Policy Support, 2021.
