Speech by Federal Chancellor Merz at the World Climate Leaders' Summit
Chancellor Merz took part in the World Climate Leaders' Summit of heads of state and government in Belém, Brazil, in the run-up to the World Climate Conference. In doing so, he emphasised the importance of climate protection for the Federal Government.
In his speech, Federal Chancellor Merz held out the prospect of a “substantial” contribution from Germany to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF).
Photo: Federal Government/Steffen Kugler
In his speech at the World Climate Leaders' Summit in Brazil, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised the importance of technological openness and innovation in the fight against climate change. Climate change cannot be viewed in isolation, said the Chancellor at the climate summit in Belém. Climate change, competitiveness and security must be considered together.
EU agreement on climate targets in advance
Shortly before the Chancellor's trip to Brazil, the European Union had agreed on important climate targets. An agreement was reached on the climate target for 2040 of emitting 90 per cent less greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide compared to 1990. The EU has also defined a joint climate protection contribution for the upcoming COP30 world climate conference in Belém. This is a corridor of 66.25 to 72.5 per cent greenhouse gas reduction by 2035 compared to 1990 levels, and the EU has continued to make progress in this area, the Chancellor noted.
The most important points in brief:
- Historical fork in the road: ten years after the conclusion of the Paris Climate Agreement, Germany has made the decision to focus on innovation and technology in order to successfully curb climate change. According to the Chancellor, the aim is to secure the prosperity and competitiveness of national economies.
- Protecting the tropical rainforest: Federal Chancellor Merz emphasised the importance of tropical forests. They are one of the most important carbon reservoirs in the world and a habitat for humans, animals and plants. Germany will therefore support the planned Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) forest conservation fund, including financially. The fund is a capital market-based solution for the conservation of tropical rainforests.
- Technology and innovations for climate protection: storing carbon dioxide is a technical solution to tackle climate change, explained the Chancellor. The Bundestag has already passed a law to this effect. In addition, the economy is also actively contributing to climate protection. Cleantech “made in Germany” already accounts for more than eight per cent of German exports. He emphasised that CO2 pricing as a market-based instrument is also part of a transformation that is open to all technologies.
Read the transcript of the speech here (in German only):