Germany Falls Behind Nordic Nations in Climate Neutrality Efforts, Study Finds

A Bertelsmann Stiftung analysis ranks Germany seventh among 30 nations, citing slow energy transition and resource efficiency as key challenges.

Germany ranks seventh in a new Bertelsmann Stiftung study assessing climate neutrality progress across 30 EU and OECD nations, trailing Nordic countries and Spain.
Nordic nations like Sweden, Denmark, and Finland lead the rankings due to clear goals, effective coordination, and robust progress tracking mechanisms.
Germany's energy transition efforts are criticized, landing it in 15th place for slow grid modernization and delays in phasing out fossil fuels.
In transitioning to a circular economy, Germany ranks eighth, but the study highlights a lack of concrete action plans and measurable indicators.
While Germany's climate strategy is described as ambitious with legally binding goals, experts say better alignment and coordination of measures are needed to match top-performing nations.