Germany will likely continue its leadership on climate action. But expect a change in tone

As Germany prepares for a change of government, climate experts are hopeful that Sunday’s election results mean that the country will continue to be a leader in ambitious efforts to slash planet-warming emissions and will keep growing its renewable energy industries. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Both election winner Friedrich Merz ’s conservative bloc and the center-left Social Democrats — the only realistic pairing to form the new government coalition — have previously committed to those climate goals. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Even though topics like the economy and migration dominated the headlines during the election campaign, climate change is a key priority for many Germans, several analysts told The Associated Press. With Trump now moving the United States away from prioritizing climate and promising to support the fossil fuel industry, “there is a necessity and an opportunity” for Germany — and Europe — to continue its role as a climate leader, said Marc Weissgerber of climate think tank E3G. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Since 2019, Germany has a climate law that legally requires the country to reach its climate goals within the agreed time period.