Hubert Aiwanger, the Bavarian Minister for Economics and Deputy Minister-President, criticized former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) for suggesting the declaration of a global climate emergency. Speaking to the news outlet “Welt” Aiwanger stated that Lauterbach should “leave people alone” and stop troubling them. He characterized Lauterbach’s approach as a business model designed to spread panic, suggesting that Lauterbach himself might suffer from panic attacks and is carelessly drawing the entire population into the drama.
Aiwanger dismissed the idea of declaring an emergency due to climate change, especially one that might involve measures similar to those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. He questioned the authority of “self-proclaimed experts” to dictate policy to governments. Furthermore, he strongly disagreed with measures that would force the abandonment of fossil fuels without genuine necessity.
He pointed out that the scientific understanding of climate change remains uncertain. “There have been previous climate forecasts that were scientifically validated and made us fear the end of the world. Recently, other scientists have argued the opposite, claiming it won’t be as bad, and that it isn’t even proven” Aiwanger argued. “Ultimately: we don’t know. But we must stop ruining our economy, creating fear in people, and constantly warning us about climate catastrophe-much like the church did in the Middle Ages-and then intending to cripple our industries”.
Regarding policy, Aiwanger called for the abolition of the CO2 levy, stating that the “CO2 levy sickness” is currently damaging German industry. While acknowledging that the federal government is doing “enough to contain CO2 emissions” he believes these efforts are costing the citizens too much. He insists that the CO2 levy should be scrapped rather than increased, arguing that this only leads to the transfer of jobs to China.
