Allemagne : December 16, 2009

The global community is currently negotiating a new climate change agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol which is due to expire in 2012.  An agreement on a new treaty is expected to be reached at the Copenhagen climate conference scheduled in December 2009.  However, talks have been stalled over the issue of how much financial assistance developed countries need to provide developing countries in the battle to reach acceptable CO₂ levels.

A new report has been issued warning that Germany risks losing its position as a world leader in environmental technologies.  The report essentially states that the German government is not doing enough to invest in these types of industries.  The German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) called upon Chancellor Angela Merkel and her new cabinet to create environmentally friendly economic growth.

At a conference to present the report, the president of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development said Germany needed to develop a long-term plan.  While extolling Germany as still the world leader in environmental technology he warned that China, the US and other countries are catching up.  He stated that Germany must invest significant amounts if it wants to remain at the forefront of this industry.

In the meantime, Chancellor Merkel has tempered expectations at the upcoming climate conference in Copenhagen.  While she believes progress will be made at the meeting, she warns general agreement amongst the participants is not ensured.  The Chancellor called upon the United States and emerging nations, such as China and India, to commit themselves to verifiable cuts in greenhouse emissions.  She added that without the emerging nations, a deal will not be reached.

Chancellor Merkel is scheduled to attend the Copenhagen conference in the closing stages of the negotiations.