In its statement, PIK emphasizes that every tonne of CO₂ emitted today already causes at least €229 in damage — and that delaying emission reductions would greatly increase the burden on future generations. Alongside decisive emissions cuts, removing CO₂ from the atmosphere could also help to partially reverse damage that has already occurred and preserve intertemporal guarantees of freedom in the long term.
According to the researchers, however, the amendment to the Federal Climate Action Act adopted in 2024 lacks sufficient foresight and does not provide robust mechanisms to prevent long-term target shortfalls. The institute therefore calls for a reform that clearly allocates responsibilities among federal ministries and includes regular reviews supported by meaningful indicators of progress in transforming the capital stock. Only with such a framework can Germany achieve climate neutrality by 2045 in a cost-efficient and generationally fair manner.
Link to statement (in German):
https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/output/policy/stellungnahme-bverfg_pik_10-11-2025_final.pdf/view
Contact:
PIK press office
Phone: +49 331 288 25 07
E-Mail: press@pik-potsdam.de
www.pik-potsdam.de
