The dust is still settling after last weekend’s German parliamentary elections, but one outcome seems most likely: a ‘traffic light coalition’ consisting of the SPD, the Greens and the FDP. A three-party administration of this kind has little precedent in the country’s history: for the past 60 years, the federal government has been led by one major party (either the CDU/CSU or the SPD) in a coalition with a much smaller party (either FDP or Greens) or by two large parties (SPD and CDU/CSU) in a ‘great coalition’. Regardless of the result of upcoming party negotiations, one thing is certain: the coalition now taking shape will set the course for Germany’s climate agenda over the next few years – the last realistic chance to reverse the most catastrophic effects of the climate crisis. With this in mind, we asked some of the climate experts on IKEM’s staff and Advisory Board about the actions the next federal government should take to mitigate climate change. Their answers, presented below, indicate the vast scope of the challenges facing the new administration.
IKEM also responded to the high stakes of the situation by recommending four government actions that can curb climate change while remaining consistent with the platforms of all three parties in a potential ‘traffic light coalition’ (more on this below). It remains to be seen whether the incoming government will rise to the challenge.
We hope you enjoy this post-election edition!
The IKEM Communications Team
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