Climate Scorecard’s 2024 Government Climate Leadership Award is presented to a country official who has done the most to reduce emissions in their country’s government over the past year. Below is a copy of the letter sent to each nominee and why they were chosen to receive this award.
Germany 2024 Climate Scorecard Award:
Dr. Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
Dear Dr. Habeck,
I, Katherine Cote de Kalscheuer, Germany’s Country Manager within Climate Scorecard, a 9-year-old non-profit organization that aims to identify, report, and advocate for actions that can lower emissions in leading greenhouse gas emitting countries, am pleased to announce that you have been selected this year as the award-winning German government official of our 2024 “Government Climate Awards.”
Given the collective nature of efforts to reduce emissions in Germany, pinpointing a single individual or organization as the foremost contributor is challenging. However, based on the impactful measures and policies implemented over the past year, you, Robert Habeck, Economy and Climate Action Minister, clearly emerge as a key figure. Under your portfolio, you have actively pushed for policies that significantly contribute to Germany’s reduction in CO2 emissions.
You have been instrumental in advocating for an accelerated phase-out of coal by 2030, ahead of the previously set 2038 deadline. This move is part of Germany’s broader strategy to transition towards renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering emissions. Thus, these efforts align with the significant drop in coal-fired electricity production and the increase in renewable energy generation, which, for the first time, accounted for more than 50% of Germany’s electricity in 2023.
Moreover, your role in navigating the challenges posed by the shift away from Russian gas supplies, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting the expansion of renewable energy reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change and emission reduction. Finally, achieving the new Building’s Energy Law has been truly commendable despite the political cost.
While many organizations and government bodies, including the Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA), have played critical roles, your leadership position and actions place you at the forefront of Germany’s ambitious climate and energy initiatives. Your leadership exemplifies the country’s commitment to meeting its climate targets and making substantial progress toward sustainability and greenhouse gas neutrality.
To build on the momentum and further reduce emissions, you and your team could consider actions focused on both immediate impact and long-term sustainability. The following actions we’d like to suggest are designed to complement the significant strides Germany has made under your leadership in the past year:
- Accelerate the Transition to Renewable Energy: Increase investment in wind and solar infrastructure, focusing on reducing bureaucratic hurdles for new projects. Encourage the further development of offshore wind farms, which have the potential to generate significant amounts of clean energy.
- Expand Electric Mobility: Increase incentives for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) and investing in the expansion of the EV charging infrastructure. Work with municipalities to transition public transport and government fleets to electric vehicles.
- Deepen European and International Collaboration: Strengthen cooperation with EU member states to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal. Lead international efforts to share technology, finance renewable energy projects in developing countries, and promote global standards for emission reductions.
- Enhance Public Engagement and Education: Launch national campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of emission reductions and how individuals and communities can contribute. Support educational programs focused on sustainability and climate change, preparing the next generation to live more sustainably.
- Implement Sector-Specific Strategies: Develop and enforce emission reduction plans tailored to high-emission sectors like transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing. Encourage the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies through incentives and support programs.
Although we are sure you are already considering most of these actions, including other more obvious ones, such as investing in Green hydrogen and fostering innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technologies, we believe that with them, you can further advance Germany’s commitment to reducing emissions and leading by example in the global fight against climate change. Each step contributes to the immediate goal of emission reduction and helps build a sustainable, resilient, and green economy for the future.
Thanks a lot for your attention and commendable actions in favor of future generations.
With true admiration,
Katherine Cote de Kalscheuer Ron Israel
Germany Country Manager Climate Scorecard Co-Founder