Environmental group challenges Germany's climate plan in court

"Data from Germany's Environment Agency show that even optimistic projections in the plan -- unveiled in March -- would not be enough to hit legally binding targets to cut climate-damaging emissions by 2040, according to Environmental Action Germany (DUH). The group won a landmark case in January in a similar challenge to the prior government's climate action plan."

"Europe's biggest economy has set a legally binding 2030 target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent compared to 1990 levels, and a 2045 deadline to achieve climate neutrality. DUH said it would now ask the courts to enforce the January ruling against the government, and is also bringing a new lawsuit challenging specifics in the new plan."

"Conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised to stick with Germany's climate pledges -- but also sought to scale back some climate-friendly regulations in an attempt to boost the country's stagnant economy and help heavy industry. Merz's government has looked to dial back solar expansion while pushing for a fleet of new gas-fired power plants."

Environmental Action Germany (DUH) announced legal action against the German government, claiming its March climate action plan contains inadequate measures to achieve legally binding emission reduction targets by 2040. Data from Germany's Environment Agency indicates that even optimistic projections in the plan fall short of necessary goals. DUH previously won a landmark January case requiring the government to outline realistic climate policies. Germany faces a 65 percent emissions cut target by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2045. The group will enforce the January ruling and file new lawsuits challenging the current plan's specifics. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has committed to climate pledges while attempting to scale back certain climate regulations to support the economy and heavy industry.

Read at The Local Germany