Merkel favors socially balanced carbon price

Source: Xinhua| 2019-07-19 22:01:26|Editor: Shi Yinglun
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BERLIN, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Setting a price on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions would be a "very comprehensive change" in Germany's approach to climate protection, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday.

Although a carbon price would be the most efficient way for Germany to achieve its 2030 climate goals, a "social balance" needed to be found, Merkel told journalists at her traditional summer press conference.

"A price for CO2 emissions stimulates innovation," said Merkel, stressing that "we have to take people with us" and warning that "there is no free way" to protect the climate.

The German government's climate cabinet is currently negotiating a comprehensive package to speed up the implementation of climate protection measures in the country. The government is expected to present the measures on Sept. 20.

Germany is not on track to reach its national emission target and Merkel admitted that "we have a weak point in 2020" by when the country expects to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 percent compared to 1990 levels.

According to the official report by the German government, the country would only achieve a reduction of 32 percent by 2020.

This makes it "all the more important" for Germany to reach its target of reducing GHG emissions by 55 percent by 2030, Merkel stressed.

She said that the German government had not yet made any fundamental decision on setting a price on CO2 emissions in the transport and heating sectors.

"I do not think much of announcing something every day for a different sector, it must be an overall package," Merkel said.

Simultanesouly with Merkel's press conference, a "Fridays for Future" climate rally was held in Berlin, attended by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Asked about the climate movement, Merkel welcomed the "acceleration" brought by the Swedish climate activist into politics, which had made politicians take a "more decisive approach" to the matter.

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