Germany struggles to reconcile green goals with reality

Click HERE
If can't access above link, click HERE

Germany decided to stop using nuclear energy after the 2011 nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan, and to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases wherever possible. Solar panels were installed on roofs, and windparks were built to generate electricity.

Politically, the country is trapped between trade unions wanting to protect jobs, and the conservative wing of the industry that is afraid of further green laws that will weaken its position in global markets.

Twenty years ago, nuclear power made up almost a third of the German energy mix. Today, it is a mere 10 per cent. Replacing this source with other means led to a huge energy gap which, at least in part, was filled by fossil fuels that produce a high level of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Renewables cannot compensate as fast as nuclear energy and hard coal are disappearing. Eventually, gas and oil had to be imported from abroad - in particular Russia - to fuel German power plants...So the paradox is that Germany, which wants to be eco-friendly, is still a massive user of fossil fuels and thus emitting considerable quantities of CO2.

a CO2 tax might be a significant burden on the low-income group...Critics are afraid that putting the new tax on the shoulders of the "little guy" could lead to mass demonstrations in Germany like the "yellow vest" protests in France.

Qn: Assess the view that attempts to control climate change can never be truly effective. (Cam. 2017)