German Elections: Why most political parties are not talking about climate crisis

After months on public loans and spending decisions, the German government collapsed in November 2024. Amidst many disagreements among parties, who formed a governing alliance, how to pay for measures to combat climate change.

Localist parties have suspected the idea of ​​dealing with environmental issues, seeking to take advantage of disillusionment voters (who had shown record support for greens in recent years).

Alternative Für Deutschland (AFD), for example, writing party that deny the existence Human -made climate change, has expressed concern about energy security and concern Economic cost Green options.

If the extensive purpose of AFD was to take green issues from the political agenda, the plan appears to be working. For general election on February 23, 2025, migration and economy are the highest Important issues For voters (at 34%), (13%) with climate change is behind.

Nor has the environment priority in the election campaigns of parties. In the first TV debate between The Chancellor, Social Democrat Olaf Sholaz, and his most potential successor, Orthodox Frederick Merz, the subject was ignored Almost completelyEnvironmental policies have been killed for lack of political will and fear of losing voters.

Others want it back to the top of the agenda. For example, Germany’s foreign intelligence service describes climate crisis Major risk Facing the country with terrorism and war.

Trade union Has urged The next government addressing climate change mitigation for German jobs. German is a union of industries Sought Increase in public spending on climate change as € 70 billion (£ 58 billion). Small voters have called A nationwide protest To bring back the subject to the minds of politicians.

So do German voters actually doubt about dealing with climate change? One in recent studyWe found that those who plan to vote for AFD and left -wing localized BSW party, actually doubt the need for far -reaching climate policies.

Among these two sides voters, only 23% (AFD) and 41% (BSW) believe that an energy transition is necessary to achieve national climate goals. This figure is 93%for Green Party voters, and for SDP supporters it is 83%.

When it comes to energy supply, voters have different priorities in political spectrum. For populist party supporters, energy costs everything, low emissions with 12% AFD and 20% BSW voters are considered important.

These voters are also less likely to believe that energy infection will have a positive impact on jobs, and more likely to be afraid of rising energy costs and protection of supply. In short, they are afraid of social and economic consequences of energy infections. It is feared that it seems capable of raising distant rights.

Climate cost

Our results are supported by others Research Which shows that poor voters are concerned about the possible costs associated with pure zero ambitions.

There is also Uncertainty About possible effects on employment. Many people in Germany believe that infection for green energy resulted in job loss in their local community, and 25% worry they will lose their jobs.

Although these results may seem depressed, we also received majority support among AFD voters for climate change policies, where the community is financially benefited from local renewable energy projects, and where citizens feel that they have a voice that has a voice that How energy infection is effective. ,

People want to listen and participate in a possible change. Of earlier Research in psychology It has been shown that a perception of participation in processes and fairness can increase acceptance.

Research also shows that people are afraid of the effects of climate policies on themselves personal FinanceAnd this Alleged cost Prevent environmentally friendly behavior.

But the climate crisis will not go away, no matter that Germany controls in the coming years. More “Once in the century” flood And the drought killed the nation and will bring the climate crisis back to the top of the political agenda.

When this happens, politicians need to ensure that they have a positive and reliable vision of the future that is ready to introduce voters – where the costs are shared fairly shared. This will make it difficult for populist parties to play on economic concerns, and it will be easy to persuade German voters to prioritize the climate crisis.

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