Germany
Fatal floods expose gaps in Germany’s disaster preparedness
While heavy rain was forecast, infrastructure was overwhelmed and many residents did not get the message about the dangers
Germany raises ambition to net zero by 2045 after landmark court ruling
A surprise plan to strengthen Germany’s emission targets reignites debate on quitting coal and pricing carbon ahead of September’s election
Top court rules German climate law falls short, in ‘historic’ victory for youth
In a surprise verdict, Germany’s highest court found that government climate targets violate the freedoms of youth plaintiffs by deferring emissions cuts
Germany’s conservative CDU picks coal industry supporter Armin Laschet as leader
The premier of Germany’s coal mining heartland could be chosen as the country’s conservative alliance candidate for chancellor in a general election in September
France seeks German collaboration on hydrogen in EU green recovery
The EU’s biggest economies are investing billions of euros in building clean hydrogen fuel capacity to decarbonise heavy industry and transport
Watchdog: Germany must reach net zero emissions by 2038
An independent advisory body on environmental policy warned Germany risks exhausting its carbon budget by 2029 without robust climate action
Germany agrees pay-out to states and companies in coal phase-out deal
The federal government has struck a deal with the country’s coal-producing regions to phase out hard coal by 2035
Germany misses EU climate plan deadline
In her New Year address, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the German government would ‘do everything humanly possible’ to stop climate change
German ministers urge EU to take leading role at Cop25
Environment minister Svenja Schulze called on the EU to increase its climate ambition and lead by example
Bolsonaro shrugs off German aid cuts, as deforestation surges
Brazil “doesn’t need” €35 million of international funds earmarked to protect the Amazon rainforest, the president insists
Germany ready to join global coal phase-out alliance: environment minister
Now its coal commission has recommended a 2038 exit date, Germany can join a global alliance to end coal burning, Svenja Schulze tells Taz newspaper
Germany can end coal power much earlier than 2038
The market can deliver much faster end to coal power than proposed last week, but it needs a confident signal from the German government
Germany to quit coal by 2038, under commission proposal
After late-night talks, a dedicated commission has agreed a timetable to phase out coal burning in Europe’s largest economy
Last minute talks to set end date for German coal power
A leaked draft report from Germany’s coal commission leaves coal exit timetable open as talks head into final days
Coal phase-out will increase German need for gas, says Merkel
Under pressure to block a gas pipeline from Russia and end coal power, the chancellor tied their fates together
German finance ministry rejects own party’s carbon price plan
Plan being developed by SPD environment minister would ‘increase the burden on citizens’ said finance ministry, which is controlled by the same party
Bavarian vote shakes Berlin coalition, threatens climate limbo
The demolition of Angela Merkel’s coalition partners in the south further weakens the chancellor, undermining hope for tough calls on climate policy
French environment minister quits, in blow to Macron’s green reputation
Nicolas Hulot had not made the French president aware of his decision to quit, he told radio presenters, adding his time in office had been an ‘accumulation of disappointments’
Why are German coal workers so powerful, when there are so few?
With Germany slipping from its position as a climate leader, an industry with just 20,000 jobs is dictating policy to the federal government
German 2030 climate target ‘very, very challenging’ to reach, says Merkel
Planned climate protection law means 2030 target would ‘ideally’ be met, chancellor says, and flags closure of coal plants