The president of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), Peter Adrian, has urged a fundamental reassessment of Germany’s climate and energy policies. In statements made to the German press agency, dpa, Adrian warned that the current trajectory could severely impact significant sectors of the industrial landscape. He emphasized the need for immediate corrections to avoid what he described as “absurd consequences” of deindustrialization.
Adrian explained that the existing policy framework risks leading to a situation where Germany would rely on imports for products it can produce domestically in an efficient and climate-friendly manner. “We would then import products that we can already manufacture very efficiently and in a climate-friendly way at home from countries where they are produced less efficiently and with higher CO2 emissions,” he stated. This shift could undermine Germany’s industrial capabilities while contradicting its climate goals.
Call for Collaborative Climate Strategies
During his address, Adrian called for a change in approach, suggesting that Berlin should move away from its current stance of “playing the know-it-all for the rest of the world.” He encouraged the German government to engage more collaboratively with other nations in developing climate strategies. While the DIHK supports the goal of achieving climate neutrality, Adrian criticized the pathway currently in use and highlighted the steep costs associated with the transition, particularly within the energy sector.
A study commissioned by the DIHK revealed that the energy transition under the existing strategy is excessively costly and unmanageable for many companies. Key factors contributing to these expenses include the need for significant investments in power grids, the transformation of industrial processes, the establishment of new power plants, and the high energy prices that are above international standards.
Adrian pointed out that while Germany has made substantial progress in reducing CO2 emissions—cutting them by 48% compared to 1990 levels—many other industrialized nations have seen an increase in their emissions. He noted that Germany accounts for approximately 1.5% of global emissions, reinforcing the need for a coordinated international approach to climate policy.
The call for a reevaluation of climate and energy policies highlights a growing concern among industry leaders regarding the sustainability of current practices. As Germany continues to navigate its path toward climate neutrality, the emphasis on collaboration and practical solutions may be crucial for balancing environmental goals with industrial viability.
