German Environmental Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) supports the goal set by the Turkish Presidency of the upcoming World Climate Conference (COP31): establishing international metrics and expansion targets for electrification. Schneider told ARD’s “Interview of the Week” that he believes this collective success would be a major achievement.
The suggested target aims to increase the share of electricity in global final energy consumption to 35 percent by 2035, up from the current approximately 20 percent. The use of electricity generated from renewable sources in transport, industry, and buildings is viewed as crucial because advances in technology facilitate lower overall energy demand, particularly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Looking at this transition, Schneider also sees strong economic opportunities. He noted that German companies could benefit significantly from the expansion of electrical grids, transformers, and other energy technologies. For Schneider, climate protection and economic development are not opposing forces. He attributes current issues facing the German economy to high energy costs, weaker export markets, and new trade barriers, arguing that transforming energy supply and industry instead opens up new chances. He emphasized that neglecting climate protection ultimately jeopardizes the natural basis upon which the economy operates.
He stressed the visible impacts of global warming, stating that it is already causing increasing damage to people, nature, and the economy. Schneider asserted, “The cheapest thing we can do is limit global warming. The most expensive thing is just letting it continue and then having to deal with the damages.”
The Minister feels much more optimistic about the current World Climate Conference compared to a year ago. Previously, he worried that the withdrawal of the United States could cause other nations to abandon the international climate process; that scenario has thankfully not materialized. “My main goal back then was to maintain consensus and find solutions transcending national borders,” the environmental minister explained. “We have succeeded in that.”
When pressed about various domestic policies-including fuel discounts, changes to heating laws, new gas power plants, and extending the commuter lump-sum allowance-Schneider dismissed the notion that Germany is deviating from its climate targets. He affirmed that the overall direction is clear and that Germany is meeting its mitigation goals. However, he acknowledged that the expert council on climate issues predicts that even the full implementation of the German government’s climate protection program will not achieve its legal targets by 2040.
Regarding the planned gas power plants, Schneider clarified that they are primarily meant as a safeguard for times of limited wind and sunlight. Crucially, he stressed the necessity for clear and reliable direction for both consumers and businesses, stating, “It is important to me that the path is clear and that there is no constant back and forth.”
Schneider also gave China an important role in global climate efforts, citing the country as a key partner in climate policy. Although China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it is also a leader in developing renewable energy and electric mobility. Schneider highlighted China’s significant progress, particularly in battery technology and electrification. Nevertheless, he did not wish to label China a model nation, arguing that Germany and Europe must protect their own economic interests. Still, he believes that lessons can be learned from Chinese experience concerning technologies, recycling, and the expansion of climate-friendly energies.
For Schneider, the success of the conference hinges not on new declarations, but on the actual implementation of pledges by nations afterward. He views the conference as successful when climate protection is not just decided upon, but also realized nationally. However, he does not anticipate the negotiations ending promptly, adding humorously, “I haven’t booked a return flight yet.”
In his view, COP31 offers a crucial opportunity to convert existing commitments into concrete action. The current situation remains precarious; a new UN report concluded that previous climate protection measures are inadequate. Globally, the world is currently trending toward warming by approximately 2.8 degrees Celsius, far exceeding the target set by the Paris Climate Agreement.
