Deep divisions persist over German climate plan, coal exit
Expert(s): Severin Fischer
Journal Title: Clean Energy Wire
Publication Year: 2016
The rifts over the German Climate Action Plan 2050 and an exit from coal-fired power generation were highlighted at a string of events on Wednesday. Federal and regional environment ministry officials stressed the need for a framework to decarbonise the economy, including an orderly farewell to coal. In contrast, federal economy minister Sigmar Gabriel said a hasty coal phase-out was unfair to mining regions and employees, and conservative politicians warned overly ambitious climate policies at national level would endanger industry competitiveness.