Germany committed to climate protection despite COVID and tight budgets: Merkel

The 11th Petersberg Climate Dialogue virtually hosted by Germany and COP 26 host UK is focusing on how the international community can emerge from the acute coronavirus pandemic more resilient and more climate-friendly.

Addressing the 11th Petersberg Climate Dialogue remotely, German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated that Germany will pursue steps for climate protection and appealed to global leaders for climate friendly stimulus packages during the corona virus pandemic.

As in previous years, the Petersberg Climate Dialogue offers a platform for the informal political discussion of topical issues of international climate policy. The Petersberg Climate Dialogue has become an established key event for international climate diplomacy and, even in these difficult times, brought together ministers from some 30 countries virtually.

The coronavirus pandemic does not allow us to pursue business-as-usual, and that includes in our climate policy. This crisis underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation and that remains essential in climate policy too. Climate action hinges on how the international community organises the recovery of the global economy. That is why our way out of the current pandemic crisis is also an issue for climate ministers.

Svenja Schulze , Environment Minister of Germany

Despite the COVID-19, the Dialogue is discussing how can economic recovery be organized after the acute crisis management, and how countries can proceed with ambitious climate action despite the postponement of COP26. The goal is a green recovery. This means not only creating new jobs but also advancing climate action in ways that make the entire world more resilient. It also includes the question of how to design stimulus programmes that will facilitate a more committed climate policy in future.

Speaking at the Dialogue remotely, the UN General Secretary António Guterres said, “COVID-19 destabilized the global economy and has put millions of lives at risk, and exposed the inequalities and fragility of our society. The only answer is brave visionary leadership for addressing the existentialist threat of climate disruption.

Alongside the regular discussions between ministers from all regions of the world, this year, for the first time, there are exchanges between non-state actors, including businesses, unions, NGOs, scientists and cities.