German Environmental Policies: The world is now recognizing the gradual success of German Environmental Policies like German technology and infrastructure. Germany has faced many environmental issues which had an impact on the health of its climate and population.
Germany, a country with highly advanced technology and infrastructure, has been successful in combating all the environmental issues raised during the previous decades. Also, the country came up with various policies that promote sustainable development, renewable energy, waste management, and a clean environment.
In this article, we will discuss the major environmental problems Germany has been facing and the policies issued to deal with them i.e. the German Environmental Policies.
Why Germany is Facing Environmental Issues?
It is well known that Germany has robust growth in its technology, infrastructure, population, and lifestyle. Due to this, the country is facing many environmental issues such as global warming, an alarming decrease in the future availability of energy resources, waste mismanagement, overconsumption of packaging material, air pollution, water pollution, overpopulation, etc. All these issues raised a major concern for the policymakers of the country.
Due to the increase in the number of factories and construction projects, the urban areas of Germany face direct impacts of air pollution. The higher concentration of nitrogen in the air causes various health hazards to the people residing in these areas. Another major problem that the country is suffering from is water pollution. A maximum part of the urban and rural waste is directly released in water. This polluted water not only affects the ecosystem but also affects the quality of drinkable water present in the country. Global warming and climate change should be considered at the top of the list as both of these problems are influencing the overall condition of the biosphere of Germany.
During the previous decades long heatwaves, uneven rainfall, storms along degradation in biodiversity due to climate change had a high impact on Germany’s environment. As a result, the government introduced various policies to control the situation.
Environmental Problems Faced by Germany
Here are the environmental problems faced by Germany converted into bullet points:
- Global warming
- Decrease in the future availability of energy resources
- Waste mismanagement
- Overconsumption of packaging material
- Air pollution
- Water pollution
- Overpopulation
German Environmental Policies or German Environmental Laws
As we discussed, the major issues that Germany is facing are global warming, waste mismanagement, pollution, degradation of natural resources as well as biodiversity. So, the government has made various policies to solve these problems. Many initiatives, schemes, and strategies are enforced to encourage people to support the government in this mission. Legal reforms have been made, and new laws have been passed to ensure the implementation. Subsidies and incentives are provided to encourage people to contribute to the establishment and enforcement of such policies. Some of the major policies introduced will be discussed further.
1. Energiewende(Energy Transition)
During the previous decades, Germany has witnessed a rapid reduction in the availability of natural resource reserves. Growing industries, powerhouses, and fuel consumption have caused the depletion of fossil fuels and other natural resources. To reduce the speed of depletion and promote sustainable development, the German government introduced Energiewende, an energy transition policy that will help the nation shift toward renewable energy sources and reduce the usage of nuclear and fossil fuel energy. This policy was launched in the 2000s and has a significant impact on society. After the implementation of this policy, Germany has undergone a significant reduction in carbon emissions hence benefiting the environment.
2. Climate Action Plan 2050
This plan was introduced with the objective of reducing global warming and achieving greenhouse neutrality. It is a sector-specific plan which targets sectorial impact as a sub-sectional development of the climate plan mission. Various measures have been imposed to promote ecofriendly systems and strategies, energy efficiency, and usage of renewable energies. This plan includes collaboration with various industries, civil setups, and other political and administrative authorities to ensure proper implementation of policy among the people. More and more accessibility to the people so that mass can be addressed, informed, and encouraged to provide their contribution to the success of this plan.
3. National Biodiversity Strategy
Another major aspect of German environmental policies is the preservation of biodiversity. During the previous years, the rapid growth of industrialization and settlement has caused excessive degradation of the biodiversity of the country. Hence, the government of Germany launched National Biodiversity Strategy with the objective of restoration of the ecosystem. This strategy is focused on ensuring reforestation, conservation of species, and replenishment of flora and fauna in the German ecosystem. By collaborating with other countries and international bodies, Germany has successfully established various national reserves and sanctuaries to provide a well-defined protected area for the flora and fauna of the country. Civil and private sectors are also widely involved in this mission along with the government authority.
4. Environmental Tax reform
The German government has implemented various taxes and subsidies to monetize the pollution and hazards caused by the industries and factories. Also, there are many subsidies given for the installation and usage of renewable energy resources. Entities are rewarded for their environment-friendly activities. Revenue generated through these taxes is generally used for other related projects. Some of such taxes are an eco-tax on gasoline and diesel for vehicles. This tax is charged so that people can evaluate their usage of diesel and control it. Subsidies are provided to those entities which install recycling plants for their plastic waste so that the process could also be cost-effective.
5. Renewable Heat Act
Energy produced in Germany is mostly used in buildings and apartments for heating. A major part of the natural resources are consumed in the form of heat. The Renewable Heat Act was enforced to promote the usage of renewable heat sources so that harmful emissions along with excessive consumption of non-renewable energy resources can be controlled. Under this act, government ensures that new buildings shall be constructed by self-heating property and heat trapping quality so that whenever required the interior of the building remains warm or cold as per condition. Also, it is being ensured that these buildings are capable of using renewable energy sources for the same. Along with that, the renovation of old buildings are subsidized by various policies.
6. Circular Economy Initiatives
The government of Germany has started Circular economy initiatives to promote and minimize the release of untreated waste. Various waste management programs are launched to ensure that the waste can be recycled properly and used sustainably. Also, the government has initiated various waste prevention measures by incentivizing companies and other establishments to reduce the quantity of waste. The country has established an ambitious target for the reduction of waste and promotion of better waste management as well as the introduction of better sustainable methods in this regard.
7. Promoting Alternatives for Mode of Transport
Germany is well aware of the fact that excessive usage of personal transport contributes to air pollution and the depletion of fossil fuels. Therefore, this country has taken various measures to reduce this issue. All over Germany, cycle lanes are constructed along with the main road and other lanes. Also, many international companies provide cab and bike services through apps, hence providing easy accessibility to the population. Shared taxi services are also preferred by the people of Germany as it is cost-effective and time-saving for them. Easy accessibility to public transport also contributes to the mission. All these measures helped Germany to solve its environmental issues to a greater extent.
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Conclusion – German Environmental Policies
German Environmental policies set an example of a complete approach to environmental sustainability, reduction of carbon emissions, waste management, and pollution control. However, many have criticized that these policies are more focused on economy of the country rather than ecology. But, people of this country are very aware and involved in making ecofriendly changes in their lifestyle and habits which is a great measure to make the policies successful. Although, there are still various challenges and difficulties faced by Germany, it sets a global model for environmental protection and conservation. By promoting incentives, collaboration, and commitments, Germany will successfully achieve its goal of a green and fresh ecosystem.
FAQ on German Environmental Policies
What is the environmental law of Germany?
Enderle Enviromental Law is the environmental law of Germany. This law primarily forced on soil, water protection and nature protection and mining.
How did Germany modify its environment?
Germany has promoting usage of renewable source of energy and reduction of carbon emission along with waste management.
What is Germany’s climate policy for 2023?
Germany’s Climate policy 2023 aimed to increase the share of consumption of renewable energy to 80% which as 65% in previous year so that the goal of greener country can be achieved.
Why Germany is at risk of climate change?
Due to intense urbanisation and rapid growth of industries, Germany is witnessing deforestation and increase in temperature since pass few years resulting change in climate.
What is the main climate of Germany?
Germany has temperate, and rainy climate zone. average temperature in Germany is 8.2 degree Celsius.
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