Share

Germany's Merkel edges closer to Macron on 2050 climate plan

Share

BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel indicated Tuesday that she would like to join other European countries in aiming to eliminate virtually all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, but stressed the goal needs to be achievable.

Merkel initially refused to join the initiative put forward last week by French President Emmanuel Macron and eight other EU countries, despite domestic pressure to do so.

Speaking at an international climate change meeting in Berlin, Merkel said she’s now intending to discuss the idea at a Cabinet sitting at the end of May.

“The discussion is not about whether we can achieve it, but about how we can achieve it,” she said. “If we can find a sensible answer, then we can join the initiative.”

Germany has lagged behind other European countries, including France and Britain, in its efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Merkel noted that Germany will miss its own target for reductions by 2020.

Trending:
Watch: Biden Just Had a 'Very Fine People on Both Sides' Moment That Could Cause Him Big Trouble

As a country that took in more than 1 million migrants fleeing war and poverty elsewhere in the world in recent years, Merkel suggested Germany has a particular interest in minimizing global warming.

“If we fail to protect the climate, then in view of the growing world population, increasing conflicts are inevitable because resources are becoming scarce,” she said.

Merkel said rallies staged by students protesting their leaders’ inaction on climate change showed how important the issue has become for young people.

“That puts pressure on politicians around the world,” she said.

Merkel, who was Germany’s environment minister from 1994 to 1998, said rich countries that are responsible for most man-made emissions have a particular responsibility to tackle climate change and doing so will pay off in the end.

“The question isn’t what will it cost us to reach these goals, the question is rather: how much more would it cost us if we don’t do anything.”

Her comments appeared directed at those leaders who have refused to join international efforts to fight climate change, most notably U.S. President Donald Trump.

Announcing the United States’ withdrawal from the 2015 Paris climate accord two years ago, Trump cited the “draconian financial and economic burdens the agreement imposes on our country” and warned millions of American jobs could be lost as a result.

The U.S. sent a small technical delegation to the talks in Berlin and is expected to attend this year’s U.N. climate summit in December, hosted by Chile.

Related:
At Least 20 Dead After River Ferry Sinks: 'It's a Horrible Day'

Carolina Schmidt, Chile’s environment minister, told reporters she hoped American cities, states and private companies that are committed to climate action would also join the talks in Santiago.

The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
Share
The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Their teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting. They provide content and services to help engage audiences worldwide, working with companies of all types, from broadcasters to brands. Photo credit: @AP on Twitter
The Associated Press was the first private sector organization in the U.S. to operate on a national scale. Over the past 170 years, they have been first to inform the world of many of history's most important moments, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the fall of the Shah of Iran and the death of Pope John Paul.

Today, they operate in 263 locations in more than 100 countries relaying breaking news, covering war and conflict and producing enterprise reports that tell the world's stories.
Location
New York City




Conversation