The transportation and building sectors in Germany have exceeded their annual emission limits set by the Climate Protection Act (KSG) in 2022. As a result, the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) and the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development, and Construction (BMWSB) are legally obligated to develop immediate programs to reduce CO2 emissions. However, the Green Party and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) have been in disagreement for months over the appropriate measures to take. In response to the government’s inaction, the climate protection movement Fridays for Future has accused the government of breaking the law and has developed its own immediate program for transportation.
Fridays for Future’s program includes a speed limit of 120 km/h on highways, which a majority of Germans support, according to a study by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). They also advocate for stronger support for public transportation, car-free zones in city centers, and the expansion of bike lanes. Additionally, the activists reiterated their criticism of Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) and called for his resignation. However, the government did not acknowledge Fridays for Future’s criticism. A representative from the Federal Ministry of Transport emphasized that they are fulfilling their legal obligations and pointed to measures already in place, such as a truck toll based on CO2 emissions, the introduction of a Germany ticket, and the expansion of infrastructure for bike lanes and charging stations for electric cars.
The government has already initiated a revision of the KSG, but a final discussion and approval by the Bundestag are still pending. According to this proposal, the current sectoral goals would be replaced by a comprehensive climate balance that can be balanced within the sectors. These changes have been strongly criticized by environmental and climate protection organizations. Fridays for Future’s immediate program for transportation aims to address the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change.
