"The decision to turn off nuclear reactors before closing coal plants has sullied the country's climate credentials among clean energy advocates. The diligent recycling culture has lost its shine, as separate waste bins have sprung up across Europe and public faith in recycling has taken a hit. Even Germany's once-punctual trains and expertly engineered vehicles have become cause for embarrassment."
"Germany benefited from a time when environmentalism was happening through the way you'd change lightbulbs, buy tote bags and organic food, and maybe invest in a local wind park, said Luisa Neubauer, a climate activist from Fridays for Future. If you ignore emissions, we did great. Luisa Neubauer is a prominent green campaigner in Germany. Photograph: Clemens Bilan/EPA Now, Europe's biggest polluter has been presented with an unwelcome opportunity to rebuild its green reputation."
GDP per capita is US$59,090, well above the global average of $14,210. Total annual CO2 emissions in 2023 were 637 million tonnes, yielding 7.05 tonnes per capita versus a global average of 4.7. Climate plans are rated insufficient and the most recent NDC is part of the EU submission due before COP in November. The shutdown of nuclear reactors before closing coal plants has damaged climate credentials. Recycling habits and public faith in recycling have weakened. Rail infrastructure and punctuality have declined, and the auto industry trails Chinese and US competitors in the electric-vehicle transition. Germany faces pressure to rebuild its green reputation amid shifting global climate leadership.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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