The world's strongest green party, more installed solar power capacity than any other country on Earth - Germany has long seen itself as cutting-edge when it came to environmental protection. The German public is now discovering, however, that the country is not quite as "green" as it hoped.

I see three main criteria for climate policy decisions in Germany: What is the long term relevance for the emission trend in Germany? What is the relevance of policy decisions to support international climate dynamics? Is the policy signal ?loud, long and legal? so that the financial market can base investment decisions on it?

The further development of the carbon market with stringent caps and full auctioning is crucial. The EU-Emission Trading System has the potential to become the cornerstone of an emerging international system, if it is well designed. The feed-in law for renewable energy has shown that it can pave the way for renewable electricity. Similarly, effective incentive systems for co-generation and solar heat should be introduced during this legislature period.

Resource:  http://www.goodentrepreneur.com/Knowledge/Features/Germany-Climate-Change-Profile

14th paper on 5th month:  Germany's efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by anticipating a new regulatory framework and its significance for environmental policy.