Green Party demands urgent climate action as heatwave shatters records

The Green Party has urged the federal government to act after a record-breaking heatwave swept the country. Climate policy spokesperson Lisa Badum criticised current plans as insufficient for meeting long-term targets. She called on Environmental Minister Carsten Schneider to revise his approach. In a statement to the dts news agency, Badum argued that the SPD’s approval of the Building Energy Efficiency Act risks undermining climate goals. She warned that allowing oil and gas heating beyond 2045 would breach commitments to cut emissions.

Schneider recently acknowledged the economic threat posed by rising temperatures. In a newspaper interview, he highlighted the severe damage caused by heatwaves and raised concerns over potential water shortages. Badum welcomed his recognition of the problem but insisted the current heatwave is four degrees worse due to the climate crisis.

She also pressed Schneider to overhaul the climate protection programme. Experts within his own ministry have reportedly demanded a fairer and more effective strategy. The Green Party wants immediate action to strengthen climate policy. Badum expects Schneider to adjust his plans in line with expert advice. The debate follows growing alarm over the economic and environmental costs of extreme heat.