Climate change has shifted to a lower priority in the upcoming German elections, with security and economic issues taking precedence. Recent polling indicates that less than a quarter of voters regard climate protection as a key factor in their voting decisions, highlighting a stark change since the 2021 elections. The political landscape reflects significant divisions in strategies on climate policy, energy transition, and emissions targets, potentially influencing the election’s results.
In the lead-up to the German snap elections on 23 February, climate change has receded from the forefront of voter concerns. Initially a decisive issue in 2021, it has been overshadowed by growing worries about migration and security, exacerbated by recent violent events. Polling shows that only 22% of respondents prioritize climate protection now, considerably lower compared to past elections where it surpassed immigration and health issues.
The political discourse around climate change has become increasingly polarized. Although the recent amendments to Germany’s Building Energy Act aimed to promote renewable energy in home heating, the law has faced intense opposition from various parties who argue it imposes undue burdens on consumers. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has capitalized on this discontent, campaigning vigorously against the law, while the Green Party advocates for financial support to aid transitions to sustainable heating solutions.
The upcoming elections are also marked by tensions surrounding the EU ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles set for 2035, viewed as critical for reducing transportation emissions. Opposition from major parties like the CDU and FDP centers on the perceived overemphasis on electrification, with calls for a reevaluation of the transition timeline. In contrast, centrist parties are committed to maintaining the ban to safeguard environmental goals.
Regarding the net-zero emissions target slated for 2045, political strategy among the major parties diverges significantly. The Social Democrats (SPD) advocate for pragmatic approaches, prioritizing economic considerations alongside environmental objectives. While the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) supports existing policies, it emphasizes that economic stability should not be compromised.
The far-left parties propose even more aggressive targets, with the Left advocating for a goal of climate neutrality by 2040 through progressive fiscal policies. Meanwhile, the AfD’s stance denies the scientific consensus on climate change, seeking to withdraw from international agreements and renouncing carbon emissions policies altogether, marking a significant ideological divide in the political arena.
In summary, climate change has become a lesser priority for German voters in the 2023 elections, replaced by pressing issues of security and economic stability. Political divisions over how to address climate policies highlight the varying priorities among parties, from aggressive carbon-neutral strategies to outright denial of human-caused climate change. Ultimately, the emphasis on migration, security, and economic considerations may shape the electoral outcomes more than climate issues, which are gaining less traction this election cycle.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
