In Germany record heat meets climate action fatigue
For the German government climate action does not seem to be a priority — despite record temperatures, heat-related deaths and drought. Why don't more people take to the streets in protest?
In Germany, record heat has coincided with a feeling of fatigue towards climate action. Four years ago, Lars Werner of the Last Generation movement chained himself to a road to push for more climate action. At that time, Germany had not yet seen 12,500 heat-related deaths or record temperatures across western Europe. Werner warned that the Rhine would eventually run dry during hot summers, with devastating economic consequences.
Despite the crisis, the federal government has remained remarkably silent. They have not convened a heat summit or implemented a comprehensive climate protection policy. Instead, they are promoting short-term fixes like dredging the Rhine or lifting the Sunday driving ban for trucks. FFF spokesperson Linda Kastrup criticizes these pseudo-solutions, arguing that they are ineffective and unsustainable.
Recent research shows that while 80% of Germans are worried about climate change, and more than 50% want increased government spending on climate protection, this concern does not translate into activism. The federal government's dismissal of climate policy, coupled with tens of thousands of heat-related deaths, has left many feeling that climate protection does not matter in their personal lives.
The rise in hateful speech towards climate activists on social media further discourages public demonstrations. Sebastian Haunss, a political science researcher at the University of Bremen, notes the emergence of a strong counter-position led by parties like the AfD, which oppose climate protection regulations. He also points to the decline of large climate activist groups like Fridays for Future, replaced by numerous smaller local groups.
However, a significant event could reignite large-scale protests. Meanwhile, the German Environment Minister, Carsten Schneider, is pushing to amend the constitution to make heat protection a joint responsibility of the federal government, states, and municipalities. However, the coalition's far-right bloc is skeptical due to legal concerns. Premier Nina Scheer acknowledges the need for more climate actions but must balance these with other coalition priorities, such as expanding regional airports.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
