Germany’s coal commission "a model for a just transition"

A socially just transition of all economic sectors should be the guiding principal for modern climate policy, German environment minister Svenja Schulze told more than 30 ministers at the opening of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin. According to Samantha Smith of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Germany’s newly set-up coal exit commission could be a model for other countries on how to bring down greenhouse gas emissions and deal with the economic consequences in affected regions at the same time. The two days of informal climate talks, which Germany co-hosts with upcoming UN climate conference president Poland, are seen as an opportunity to openly discuss political issues and prepare official negotiations in Katowice in December. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is scheduled to speak at the Dialogue on 19 June.

For background, read the article Germany starts coal exit talks in bid to improve patchy climate record and Merkel calls for honouring Paris deal as German climate action falters.

Note: The Clean Energy Wire will publish an article on this topic later today.