At the end of November, 62 church-based actors — including the Bremen Mission — addressed an appeal to the Federal Government, calling for an effective climate protection programme.
You can read the full text here:
The majority of people in Germany expect stronger climate action, because it stands for a modern country, a good quality of life, and a secure future for us and our children. Within the churches, many people are committed to preserving the foundations of life, driven by their responsibility for God’s creation. Our shared goal is a just and liveable future for all people. Climate protection has long become an important economic factor and is creating the secure jobs of tomorrow. Numerous countries, such as Denmark and Norway, show that modern heating and mobility policies can successfully combine economic progress with climate protection. Germany too can take the lead on climate action and benefit from these opportunities. Even today, companies, municipalities, citizens, and church congregations across the country demonstrate that sustainable action is the basis for future prosperity, security, and quality of life.
To achieve this, the Federal Government must now create reliable framework conditions. We expect it to seize the opportunities of climate action and to fulfil its legal and moral responsibilities by adopting an effective climate protection programme.
From our perspective, the following points are essential for an effective climate protection programme and for reliable government policy:
For planning security and reliability: Uphold the European compromises on phasing out combustion engines and expanding emissions trading. Use the opportunities these decisions offer instead of calling them into question, thereby causing uncertainty for the economy and society.
Sufficient funding for climate protection: Ensure that the special fund is used for additional and future-proof climate protection measures. Every euro spent on climate protection is an investment in our security and quality of life. This means investing in clean air, liveable cities, and climate adaptation measures to better protect people from wildfires, heatwaves, and flooding. The costs of climate damage are many times higher than today’s investments.
For better mobility in cities and rural areas: Everyone relies on practical and affordable mobility for commuting, personal connections, and social engagement. This requires reliable public transport funding, the expansion of bus and rail services, and a safe cycling network. At the same time, the transition to electric mobility must be consistently advanced. Priority should be given to targeted support for small, affordable electric cars and the phasing out of tax advantages for combustion vehicles.
Away from costly oil and gas, towards affordable and climate-friendly housing: People with low incomes often live in poorly insulated buildings that overheat in summer and incur high heating costs in winter. Everyone should be able to live in a well-insulated home with affordable heating — without fear of excessive energy bills. To achieve this, we need targeted support for insulation, climate-friendly heating systems, and above all, the expansion of municipal heating networks that can reliably supply entire neighbourhoods.
Support churches and municipalities in their climate action: Many regional churches, dioceses, and congregations are aware of their responsibility and are already investing successfully in renewable energy; they rely on sustainable products, electric mobility, and climate-neutral heat supply. With an ambitious climate protection programme, create the necessary framework conditions so that churches and communities can continue on this path consistently. Those who act courageously today take responsibility for the future, for God’s creation, and lay the foundation for a modern and just society.
An ambitious climate protection programme strengthens social cohesion and ensures a liveable future for all.
Take action now!
