Schneider remains firm: future without fossil heating and combustion engines!

Schneider remains firm: future without fossil heating and combustion engines!

Today, Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) reaffirmed the federal government's clear course towards a sustainable energy future. The plan is to consistently phase out fossil heating systems, as osna-live.de reports. “We are not taking a step back from the previous regulation,” emphasized Schneider. Rather, switching to clean heating technologies is not only important, but also urgently necessary in order to shape an environmentally friendly future.

The discussion about phasing out fossil fuels is being actively supported by German Environmental Aid (DUH). Your federal managing director Barbara Metz sees the planned legal requirements for oil and gas heating as essential. The draft law creates clear planning for consumers, the heating industry and trade, which should lead to a climate-friendly heat supply, as duh.de describes. These measures are not only necessary from an environmental point of view, they also help to reduce the burden on heating in times of fluctuating gas prices.

The farewell to internal combustion engines

Schneider also highlighted the decision that, according to EU regulations, no new combustion engines will be permitted from 2035. This is a signal that calls on the German automotive industry to act, as the sector has been lagging behind in recent years. “The developers missed the signs of the times,” criticized Schneider. In the next ten years, German industry will have to catch up in order to remain competitive.

The federal government's comprehensive climate program becomes visible when you look at current developments. According to federal government.de, the amount of greenhouse gases in Germany fell by over 10% in 2023, representing the largest decline in more than three decades. The government's ambitions to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045 are also reflected in its commitment to expanding renewable energy.

Climate-friendly heat supply for everyone

A central point in the discussion is social cushioning for people who find it more difficult to afford to switch to climate-friendly heating. Schneider considers this to be necessary to ensure a fair and sustainable heat supply. The subsidies for heating replacement worth 1.3 billion euros that have already been approved demonstrate the Federal Government's efforts to support consumers on this path. Specifically, around 93,000 funding commitments have been made since February 2024.

Germany is on a path to a greener future that has its challenges but also offers great opportunities. The combination of policy measures, technological innovations and social awareness can be the key to a greener and more sustainable life.