Focus on climate crisis
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Reporting on climate change is one of the major journalistic challenges of our time. The climate crisis is also one of the most important issues of humanity for SPIEGEL. For this reason, we support an international initiative that seeks to take a look this week: "Covering Climate Now" was initiated by the Columbia Journalism Review and the Canadian newspaper "The Nation", with more than 200 media companies around the world, including the Guardian, El País, La Repubblica, The Times of India, Bloomberg or Vanity Fair. SPIEGEL is dedicating the cover story of the current issue to the climate crisis this week and every day pays special attention to mirror.de
On Friday, September 20, the federal government wants to present a large package of measures so that Germany can meet its climate goals by 2030. The tips of the grand coalition are therefore working on a common concept. So far, however, they have come to no conclusion - despite hours of advice. The pressure is growing - both sides therefore come together again on Thursday.
Coalition circles said that the last negotiations on Friday evening had been constructive. But there are also many details to clarify and calculate. The CDU has not officially adopted a concept for climate protection, the party leadership wants to say goodbye on Monday.
SPD General Secretary Lars Klingbeil emphasized the chances of the negotiations: For the first time ever, a legal basis could be created for achieving the 2030 climate goals. "I want us to succeed with the Climate Protection Act, and we do not lose ourselves in small and small and in individual measures," he said. The SPD will make sure that the result is socially acceptable.
In addition to numerous individual measures such as a scrapping premium for old oil heating systems, tax cuts on rail tickets in long-distance transport or a higher premium for the purchase of electric cars, the discussions are also about fundamental issues.
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United in CO2 price, divided when expanding Winrädern
All three coalition partners are now in favor of introducing a price for CO2, which should make the consumption of fossil fuels - diesel, gasoline, heating oil and natural gas - more expensive in transport and heating. Which form of CO2 price should have exactly, is still controversial, even if compromise lines are now clear. It is also unclear how exactly citizens should be relieved elsewhere.
Other issues include the need to expand wind turbines and solar systems to replace nuclear and coal power, as well as the Climate Protection Bill presented by Federal Environment Minister Svenja Schulze (SPD), with which she wants to give the ministries clear responsibilities for saving CO2.
Greenpeace CEO Martin Kaiser insisted on clear policy guidelines: "Get out of coal, oil and gas quickly," he said. That there is still no agreement, must not be a bad sign. "The incentive programs, especially those of the Union, are unbelievably expensive and are based on the principle of hope," he said. It needs a strong climate protection law.
