Sustainability strategy: BNW demands clearer goals for Germany

Sustainability strategy: BNW demands clearer goals for Germany

strategic gaps in Germany's sustainability plans

In the Federal Chancellery, the need for a revised sustainability strategy was recently initiated. Katharina Reuter, Managing Director of the Federal Association of Sustainable Economy (BNW), critically commented on the lack of substance of the current strategy. In her opinion, a strategy is required that not only summarizes existing initiatives, but also defines clear, measurable goals.

The German sustainability strategy, as it has been presented so far, contains numerous old goals, which have already been determined largely in the coalition agreement. However, despite the urgent need to reduce climate -damaging subsidies, there are no significant progress. In view of the current budgetary situation, the ideal time would now be particularly important to address these challenges. Reuter emphasizes that without concrete targets and effective monitoring the strategy cannot have the hoped-for influence on the implementation of the UN sustainability goals.

The discussion about the sustainability strategy also raises questions about the role of politics. A sustainable solution requires a comprehensive parliamentary debate that deals with the challenges. A stable political consensus could give the strategy the necessary boost to bring it to the top of the political agenda. The BNW therefore calls for a fundamental revision to close the gap between theoretical goals and practical implementation.

Another point that Reuter appeals is the vague wording of the goals. Terms such as "significant increase" or "significant reduction" are not very meaningful and do not contribute to the creation of a clear framework. In order to actually measure the progress, it is crucial that precise indicators for evaluation are reintroduced.

Reuter concluded her explanations with the urgent request: "What Germany now needs is a strategy that really directs government action and not only describes." This statement should not only be understood as a criticism, but also as a motivating call for a sustainable policy that strives for concrete changes and does not sink into a flood of phrases.

The discussion about the sustainability strategy is not only for political decision -makers, but also for the entire society. It is time that Germany is clearly committed to its responsibility in terms of environmental and climate protection and initiates the necessary steps to secure a sustainable future.

press contact:

Federal Association of Sustainable Economy e.V.

Joscha Frost, speaker for press work

press@bnw-bundesverband.de

Tel.: +49 (0) 152 53088545