Call for mobilization: Germany's 5-point plan for climate justice!

Call for mobilization: Germany's 5-point plan for climate justice!

From 2027, as part of the new European emissions trading system, known as ETS-2, a price will be levied on CO₂ emissions in the areas of buildings and transport for the first time. This leads to higher prices for oil, gas and gasoline, which could particularly affect lower-income households. To meet these challenges, the EU has set up a climate social fund that is intended to provide relief for particularly affected households. The member states are obliged to submit climate social plans with concrete proposals for measures to the EU Commission by June 30th in order to ensure social balance. The organizations are urgently calling on the federal government to provide a clear roadmap for the new emissions trading in order to ensure the support of the citizens affected.

Stefanie Langkamp from the Climate Alliance Germany emphasizes the need for social support for emissions trading. Elke Ronneberger from Diakonie Deutschland also calls for social justice in climate protection and suggests, among other things, the introduction of a nationwide social ticket and funding bonuses for the renovation of social housing. To establish effective measures, it is crucial to take political and regulatory steps, including investments in public infrastructure and legal requirements for CO₂ reduction.

Demands and urgency of the measures

Christoph Bals from Germanwatch warns that Germany, as the largest greenhouse gas emitter in Europe, must act quickly to reduce emissions. There is a 5-point plan on the table that contains basic measures for implementing emissions trading. The full plan can be accessed at the relevant link. A total of 15 organizations have signed this demand paper.

A new study by the Ecological-Social Market Economy Forum (FÖS) and the Öko-Institut, which was carried out on behalf of the Climate Alliance Germany, analyzes the consequences of the planned expansion of European emissions trading to transport and buildings. This study recommends, among other things, an increase in the national CO2 price path before the introduction of ETS II and a national minimum price for greater planning. The study also deals with the creation of social compensation for low-income households in order to cushion price increases.

Experts comment on the necessary measures

Experts emphasize the urgency of a comprehensive package of measures for the transition to CO₂ pricing. Stefanie Langkamp calls for such an overall package, while Oldag Caspar from Germanwatch points out the urgent need for action to prepare for the increase in the CO₂ price. Dr. Jan-Dirk Döhling from the Institute for Church and Society and Maria Loheide from Diakonie Germany advocate the implementation of a national climate social plan as well as other targeted funding programs.

With these demands and measures, a just transition to a CO₂ price and the promotion of social justice in climate protection could be achieved. Time is of the essence and it remains to be seen how the federal government and the responsible institutions will respond to the challenges of the new emissions trading.