Environmental protection and sustainability goals of the new German government
The 2021 federal elections are behind us, the cooperation between the three parties SPD, Greens and FDP has been sealed with a new coalition agreement and Olaf Scholz has taken up his new post as Germany's Chancellor.
What are the plans of the new traffic light coalition with regard to environmental protection and sustainability?
An initial overview of the environmental and sustainability projects listed in the coalition agreement with excerpts from the areas of industry, circular economy and consumer protection policy can be found here:
Climate protection in a social-ecological market economy: Industry
Industry has a central role to play in the transformation of the economy with a view to climate protection and digitization.
Development of an industrial strategy that is embedded in a European solution in conjunction with the European Green Deal and prevents carbon leakage through appropriate measures.
Supporting domestic industry (especially basic industries), for example through carbon contracts for difference (climate contracts, CCfD), in order to also close the economic efficiency gap.
Introduction of a Europe-wide effective CO2 limit compensation mechanism or comparable effective instruments.
Initiative to establish an international climate club open to all EU states with a uniform minimum CO2 price and a common CO2 border adjustment.
Secure sales markets for climate-friendly products through minimum quotas in public procurement.
Germany to become a center for research, production and recycling of battery cells.
Circular economy
Circular economy is understood as a central component for effective climate and resource protection, as well as an opportunity for sustainable economic development and jobs. The aim is to reduce primary raw material consumption. Existing raw material strategies are to be bundled in a "National Circular Economy Strategy".
In the eco-design of products, the specification "durable, reusable, recyclable and, if possible, repairable" is to be established.
Extended producer responsibility is to be strengthened.
The coalition agreement provides for the introduction of digital product passports.
In terms of waste prevention, the introduction of further take-back and deposit systems is listed.
For "certain electrical appliances" and lithium ion batteries, there is to be an "incentive system" for environmentally sound disposal.
Recycling-friendly packaging design and the use of recycled materials are to be supported by a fund model. In addition, a recycling label is to be introduced.
Consumer Protection Policy
"Sustainability by design" should become the standard for products. This includes a right to repair. Access to spare parts and repair instructions will also be addressed. Furthermore, "durable goods" are to be given a flexible warranty period.
