Families at the low end of the income scale are the most vulnerable to climate justice, as they are the first to face the negative effects of energy poverty. Many of them rely on social transfers or the minimum necessary to survive. However, in the face of the recent sharp rise in energy prices, the standardised allowance for electricity remains often insufficient. In the case of single-parent households, the situation is much more dire because single parents are responsible for caring for their children, working, and managing the household, which leaves them neither the time nor the energy to apply for energy subsidies or purchase energy-saving devices. Another vulnerable group, migrants, lack access to information about renewable energy programs and face bureaucratic obstacles. The elderly and those with disabilities may find it hard to use digital platforms or complete paperwork, thus their sphere of participation in the market is much narrower.[i]
The country’s rural areas, on the other hand, demonstrate a distinctive challenge. In contrast to the urban population, which has access to better public transportation and regular waste collection, rural residents often have limited or no public transportation options. This lack of public transportation forces rural people to use private cars, which are heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Regarding waste management, the situation is similar in the countryside, with rural areas having fewer or no recycling facilities, as well as less frequent collection. Rural locations, in many cases, do not have sustainable and affordable mobility and waste services, thereby further isolating these regions from the rest, both socially and economically.
The reasons for these disparities are complex. Financial constraints are a major factor, but so are structural issues in the energy and transport markets. Many affordable energy credits require a good credit history or digital literacy, which excludes those with payment defaults or limited internet access. Community energy projects, which could offer cheaper renewable electricity, often require upfront investments or minimum shares that low-income groups simply cannot afford. Even when membership fees are relatively low, they still pose a significant barrier for those living in poverty or receiving social transfers. Information about available programs is not always accessible in multiple languages or formats, leaving out migrants and people with disabilities.[ii]
As a result, these groups are more likely to rely on conventional energy sources or default suppliers, which are often more expensive and less sustainable. This reliance increases their living costs and exposes them to the risk of energy disconnections, particularly during periods of high demand or price spikes. The inability to adequately heat homes or pay energy bills has been linked to poorer health outcomes, social exclusion, and a diminished quality of life. Limited access to public transport and waste services further compounds their disadvantage, restricting access to jobs, education, and healthcare.[iii]
To address these gaps, Germany has introduced measures like the nationwide Deutschlandticket to make public transport more affordable, and there are ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure and community projects. However, experts argue that current policies need to be more inclusive, with higher social transfer allowances, better access to information, and targeted support for rural areas and marginalized groups. There is a growing call for concrete, targeted investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy for low-income households, as well as reforms to remove financial and informational barriers to participation in community energy initiatives. Only with such reforms can the promise of climate justice be realized for everyone in Germany.
[i] https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en/publikationen/identifying-supporting-vulnerable-households-in
[ii] https://www.boell-sh.de/sites/default/files/2024-07/policy-factsheet-germany_updated-version.pdf
[iii] https://www.wecf.org/de/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/EmpowerMed_Energy-Poverty-Germany.pdf
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Germany Country Manager Maxmillian Block