At the start of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30) in Belém, Misereor comments on Chancellor Merz's speech at the High Leaders Summit today.
Madeleine Wörner, energy expert and observer at COP 30, criticises the fact that Chancellor Friedrich Merz is sending the wrong signals on climate protection and is not distancing himself from fossil fuels:
"Merz talks about security, prosperity, climate change and competition - and seems convinced that Germany is on the right track when it comes to climate protection. Instead of committing to phasing out fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, he suggests that these emissions can be safely stored in the long term.
The COP is holding up a mirror to the world - and Germany will not look good in it. Merz recognises that Germany has an important role to play in climate protection, but forgets that this requires a joint and ambitious approach to phasing out fossil fuels. More needs to happen in the negotiations in the coming weeks to ensure that Germany remains internationally credible after this conference. This includes a clear, financed and ambitious exit path from fossil fuels."
Anika Schroeder, climate expert and also on site, on the announced support for the Tropical Forest Fund (TFFF):
"We welcome Germany's participation in the new Tropical Forest Fund (TFFF) and its announcement that it will make a "substantial contribution". However, this is of little value if Germany is still not prepared to take responsibility for its own role in the destruction of the rainforests. Those who say TFFF must also fulfil their responsibility for the destruction of tropical forests. Germany's backward role in climate protection, the blockades on the EU Supply Chain Act and deforestation-free supply chains threaten to torpedo any potential successes of the new fund. If well designed, however, it can make an effective contribution to forest protection because it rewards those who successfully protect rainforests. By participating in the fund, Germany can ensure that it serves the people who protect their livelihoods - often at the risk of their lives - indigenous peoples and other traditional communities."
Schroeder adds on climate financing:
"It is appalling that the Chancellor did not mention climate finance with a single syllable beyond that. The necessary international trust can only be built if industrialised nations such as Germany credibly stand by their climate finance commitments instead of - as is currently the case - cancelling emergency aid, development cooperation and climate finance. We expect more from the German government in the course of the COP."
