This study by Ecologic Institute shows that Germany can learn a lot from experiences made in its neighbouring countries to give its climate policies a robust framework and thus make it more reliable, also for investments in climate-friendly measures. At the same time, Germany could establish a new standard through legislation adapted to the latest EU requirements, which would than again serve as an example for our neighbours.

With Germany's drastic failure to meet its own 40-percent reduction target for 2020, it is clear that the government's current climate action plan for 2050 and the sectoral measures taken are far from sufficient to achieve Germany's climate protection targets and meet its European and international obligations. This requires comprehensive climate protection measures in all sectors, but also a binding framework that aligns the measures with the achievement of the targets. Taking immediate legal measures and establishing a long-term framework for climate action must go hand in hand in order to put German climate policy back on track.

With the Paris Climate Protection Agreement, the international community has set the milestone for international climate protection: Global warming is to be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible. For all states, this means an increase in the level of ambition and the climate neutrality of the economy and society. Every country must make its contribution. But most of them fall short of their commitments.