Germany Climate Opposition Comes from Right-Wing Political Parties with Climate-Skeptic Platforms

Since 1990, Germany has set ambitious climate protection and emissions reduction targets and invested heavily in renewable energy to meet national and international environmental goals. This commitment has made Germany a key leader in European climate policy and positioned it as a major player in international climate change initiatives. However, this environmental leadership faces challenges, notably from a growing segment of public opinion supporting right-wing populist parties with climate sceptic platforms. This highlights an internal tension between Germany’s status as a climate leader and the diversity of public opinion on the issue.

Comparing Germany with the US reveals how Germany’s unique political landscape, size and history shape its climate discourse. Unlike the US, where a two-party system dominates, Germany’s multi-party system and history of reunification result in diverse environmental ideologies. West Germany (1949-1990) developed democratic environmental activism. East Germany, under socialist rule, suppressed organised environmental movements, fostering different cultural and institutional legacies in environmental organisations (CCOs) that continue to shape public opinion on climate change today.

Graph1. Geographic distribution of public CCOs across German municipalities

Source: Nature. Exploring the variances of climate change opinions in Germany at a fine-grained local scale.

Empirical studies reveal a clear east-west divide among German CCOs. West Germany shows higher levels of belief in climate change (82.9% vs. 78.0% in the East), concern (58.3% vs. 51.2%) and support for collective climate action (85.3% vs. 79.8% in the East). This split underlines the lingering effects of Germany’s divided past, mainly as West Germany developed a strong foundation for green politics that continues to resonate today. Regions with historically higher green voting shares – such as Baden-Württemberg, which elected Germany’s first Green Prime Minister – show greater public support for climate action.

As can be seen from the previous graph, the proportions of the population who believe that climate change has already begun (A), who are concerned (B) and who see collective action as necessary (C) are concentrated in the former West Germany. Subgraphs D, E and F also show the difference between the average response for each of the three counties (A, B and C), with the results showing the former East Germany almost indistinctly, with some peaks near Luxembourg. Subgraph G shows the overall difference in response to the national average, reflecting both sides’ still deep-rooted political division and socio-economic situation (except Berlin).

This geographical disparity in climate concern reflects broader global patterns, showing that polarisation over climate change is not unique to the US but also exists in smaller, culturally diverse countries such as Germany. Here, urban, affluent areas often show more significant concern about climate change than rural, economically declining regions. Germany’s East-West divide and rural-urban contrasts show that place-based cultural and economic factors are critical in shaping public CCOs.

Graph 2. Percentage difference from the national average

Source: Nature. Exploring the variances of climate change opinions in Germany at a fine-grained local scale.

Moreover, recent German data suggests that while support for climate action is high, this does not always translate into support for specific policies. For example, 83% of Germans see climate change as a serious threat, 86% think the government should increase its efforts, and only 68% support specific climate policies. This gap highlights the balancing act between climate urgency and socio-economic concerns—39% of Germans, especially those with lower incomes, fear that a climate-friendly transition could threaten their economic status.

Resistance to renewable energy projects in Germany often involves local protests, political campaigns and legal action, particularly against wind turbines and power lines. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has capitalised on rural discontent, campaigning against renewable energy projects in eastern Germany and positioning itself as a defender of local interests against federal climate policy.

There are several reasons for this reluctance. While overall support for renewable energy remains high among Germans, scepticism is more pronounced in rural communities, where direct impacts such as landscape change or property concerns are more acute. Financial considerations, including fears of higher energy bills, also play a role, with some attributing rising energy costs to the cost of expanding transmission and storage networks. In addition, some rural citizens feel overlooked in planning processes and perceive renewable energy policies imposed by distant federal authorities.

Graph 3. Importance of Increased Use and Expansion of Renewable Energy

Source: Clean Energy Wire. Polls Reveal Citizens Support.

The backdrop of political polarisation has intensified these issues. Surveys indicate that while most Germans support the Energiewende (energy transition), they prefer that the burden of climate action not fall solely on individual consumers. Furthermore, radical climate protests have dampened public support for the climate movement, causing a shift away from more aggressive activist tactics. A survey by More in Common Germany in July 2023 showed a support decline from 68% per cent in 2021 to 34% in May 2023. This nuanced landscape highlights Germany’s broad backing for clean energy and the complex, localised resistance that could challenge the country’s ambitious climate goals.

Despite these challenges, most Germans acknowledge climate change and support mitigation measures. However, there is significant opposition to current policy implementation. This has led to calls for new strategies to make the climate transition more attractive and inclusive, from fair policy frameworks to infrastructure investments. A key issue is the perception of an unfair burden, with many Germans feeling that influential companies and sectors with more significant emissions are not held as accountable as individual citizens.

Many advocate for fairer policies to address these concerns, including holding large companies accountable and government support through strong policy frameworks and infrastructure development. Affordability remains critical; inflation and high energy prices have eroded public support for climate policies such as renewable energy expansion. Policies such as the proposed ‘climate bonus’, which redistributes carbon pricing funds to households, aim to alleviate this economic burden. Proponents believe redistributing costs can align climate action with public needs and build more substantial support.

Infrastructure investment, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable mobility, is also essential to make climate policy practical and immediate. Public demand for improved transport, affordable green energy and accessible charging points for electric vehicles underlines the importance of visible, tangible benefits. Germany’s recent renewable energy initiatives, including investments by BP and Total Energies in offshore wind farms, signal a commitment to shared solutions rather than individual responsibility.

While the climate movement has broad support, it must move from traditional awareness-raising campaigns to actionable conversations. More in Common notes that rather than debating the reality of climate change, discussions should invite all segments of society into an inclusive conversation about feasible solutions. Engaging historically disengaged populations could help shift the climate conversation from a polarised debate to a collaborative effort. Relatable language, framing climate action as a pathway to prosperity, and transparent information on the benefits of a green transition can better address public concerns.

The public response to COVID-19 showed that people are willing to act collectively in a crisis if they trust that others are doing their part. Initial responses in Germany were characterised by widespread support and cooperation, although this spirit faded over time. This pattern suggests that collective trust and fairness are essential for climate policy. Many Germans agree that climate action should not be left to individuals alone but should be government-led, with structural policies that encourage collective effort.

Understanding the geography of climate change opinion and historical and socio-economic factors is essential for designing tailored policies. By considering local opinion and environmental history, policymakers can better build public support and overcome the challenges of implementing climate change policies at regional and national levels, especially as populist movements exploit ignorance and misinformation.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Germany Country Manager Felipe Gärtner Jaramillo.

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Dear political leaders (AfD),

I hope this message finds you well. I have recently been reflecting on the challenges and opportunities surrounding Germany’s energy transition, particularly regarding perspectives and objections in the East. While I respect and understand the complexity of political concerns and find your perspectives compelling, I believe we may be able to find common ground on the importance of an effective energy transition—one that benefits not only individual constituencies but all German citizens.

Therefore, I cordially invite you to meet and discuss these issues formally. Together, we can explore possible ways forward that consider our common goals and diverse viewpoints. As an advocate for climate action, I am committed to seeking realistic, inclusive solutions that consider all perspectives and respect the unique concerns of each region.

I also welcome the opportunity to understand your views better, engage in constructive debate and consider approaches that truly resonate with your communities. I hope that through open dialogue, we can identify mutually beneficial strategies and work towards sustainable progress.

Thank you for considering this invitation, and I look forward to working with you.

Yours sincerely,

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