Germany's 2026 Climate Plan Faces Backlash Over Weak Transport Measures
The German cabinet has approved the 2026 Climate Protection Program, which aims to save more than 25 million additional tons of CO₂ by 2030 through 67 measures, making Germany more modern and less dependent on volatile fossil fuel imports. However, the plan has faced criticism, particularly regarding its approach to transportation.
The Ecological Transport Club Germany (VCD) argues that the program fails to protect the climate and is calling for nationwide speed limits and an "electric mobility transition." The federal government's plan outlines how it intends to meet the targets set by Germany's Climate Protection Act. But according to the VCD, the measures fall short of putting the transport sector on track to meet climate goals, jeopardizing the overall objective. The organization insists that introducing speed limits on highways and rural roads, along with reliable support for electric mobility, would deliver rapid results.
Christiane Rohleder, VCD's federal chair, criticizes the lack of meaningful climate action in the transport sector: "The government is presenting electric car incentives as a major new step—even though they've long been in place and their impact is being undermined by subsidies for oversized SUVs and plug-in hybrids." She also notes that the Deutschlandticket—a nationwide public transport pass—is already established and thus not a new measure to close the growing climate gap.
"The recent projection report by the Federal Environment Agency shows this gap has only widened, largely because the transport sector is failing to contribute," Rohleder warns. She demands comprehensive speed limits—120 km/h (75 mph) on highways, 80 km/h (50 mph) on rural roads, and 30 km/h (19 mph) in urban areas—as standard: "A 120 km/h limit on highways is long overdue. It's quick and cost-effective to implement, could cut CO₂ emissions by up to 7 million tons a year, and would save lives."
Michael Müller-Görnert, the VCD's transport policy spokesperson, emphasizes the need for a shift to electric mobility: "The government must stop attacking EU regulations. Instead of clinging to the illusion of 'technology neutrality'—and false solutions like e-fuels—it should fully commit to promoting electric cars."
The VCD calls it "absurd" that the revived electric vehicle purchase incentive also applies to "energy-guzzling" plug-in hybrid SUVs. "This only benefits the auto industry—not the climate, nor those who actually need financial support to buy an electric car," the organization states. The VCD is therefore pushing for subsidies to include used electric vehicles as well. "Many low-income households can't afford a new car, even with incentives," Müller-Görnert explains.
