Uncertainty in German Climate Policies

November 19th, 2008

Posted by: Roger Pielke, Jr.

Germany has long been a leader in calling for strong action on climate change, but reports of late raise some doubts. A report that Germany and Italy are looking to develop a joint approach to climate policy will raise some eyebrows:

TRIESTE, Italy -(Dow Jones)- Italy and Germany are getting nearer to a common position on climate change, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a press conference Tuesday following a bilateral summit between the two countries.

Italy, Poland and a few other nations in mid-October threatened to veto ambitious European Union goals to fight climate change, saying that the measures were expensive. Italy asked for a new assessment of costs, and for more flexibility in their implementation.

Germany’s public support of Italy’s position means that European Union leaders may find it harder to get the package approved this year, as scheduled.

German Chancellor Merkel Tuesday said the measures mustn’t weigh on industry with more costs, speaking at a live press conference televised by Sky Italia.

Italy and Germany will hold a series of technical meetings to discuss climate change package, she said.
Germany supports Italy’s position, she said.

Comments are closed.