Conflicts worldwide, economic and climate crises, social inequalities - what does sustainability have to do with all of this? A lot. Here are our demands for politics and our visions for the future.
What comes to mind when you think of 2025? The upcoming German federal elections? The transfer of power in the U.S. presidency? Weather extremes and natural disasters? Wars and geopolitical tensions? And how does “sustainability” even matter amidst such pressing issues?
A lot. Because sustainability is not just a topic for the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE), climate activists, or policy advisors. It’s about the fundamental question of the kind of world we want to live in. It’s about protecting the climate and biodiversity, ensuring a fairer distribution of resources and opportunities, advancing social justice, and fostering successful economic development with future-proof jobs. In 2025, we cannot continue making plans only to abandon or postpone them indefinitely. We need changes that are embraced and shaped by as many people as possible.
January of Debates: What We Must Talk About
At the Council, we’ve already started: We’re talking—not about vague resolutions, but about concrete challenges facing people, the economy, and society in Germany, Europe, and the world. But more importantly, we’re talking about new opportunities. We believe sustainability needs to be reimagined, and for that, we need a new social consensus. In our “January of Debates – Rethinking Sustainability” series, we are engaging with decision-makers from politics and business to address the most urgent issues and their role in coalition negotiations.
But what does sustainability mean in times of crises, wars, fake news, and the rise of autocrats and populists? What does sustainability mean when democracies are under pressure? When industries and businesses fear for their competitiveness and bureaucratic hurdles continue to rise? What does it mean when local authorities are overwhelmed, swimming pools close, and buses stop running? When people can no longer afford the increasing costs of energy and living?
Climate and Biodiversity as Economic Factors
The climate does not care about the headlines of the day. Neither the climate nor the biodiversity crisis considers the complex global situation or our personal grievances. So, what can we – Germany, the EU, and the international community – do to meet the Paris climate goals and limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius? And how can we transform our economy towards climate neutrality and a circular economy? Germany must consistently implement its Climate Protection Act while ensuring that the financial burdens of this transformation remain manageable for both society and businesses. A key task is the ambitious expansion of renewable energies and the optimization of the overall system. However, this requires a more holistic view of the climate transformation process than ever before. Avoiding unnecessary costs is critical. Currently, we face many loose ends: the expansion and transformation of electricity and gas grids pose immense technical and financial challenges, as do the development of import terminals at ports, e-charging stations, sufficient storage capacities, and dispatchable power plants.
But how can this be achieved in a socially equitable way that is also viable for businesses? Under current conditions, neither companies nor levy systems, such as grid usage fees, can manage this alone. That’s why we need long-term, reliable market mechanisms for private capital, a reevaluation of the numerous funding programs, and, above all, a focus on reducing emissions. Moreover, public funds are essential to drive the transformation, particularly in the transport and heating sectors. Biodiversity loss and the destruction of natural habitats are not just concerns for environmentalists. Intact biodiversity secures our livelihoods, significantly impacts economic outcomes, and safeguards companies’ competitiveness. Therefore, biodiversity must remain a top priority alongside climate protection.
Climate and Biodiversity as Economic Factors
The climate does not care about the headlines of the day. Neither the climate nor the biodiversity crisis considers the complex global situation or our personal grievances. So, what can we – Germany, the EU, and the international community – do to meet the Paris climate goals and limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius? And how can we transform our economy towards climate neutrality and a circular economy? Germany must consistently implement its Climate Protection Act while ensuring that the financial burdens of this transformation remain manageable for both society and businesses. A key task is the ambitious expansion of renewable energies and the optimization of the overall system. However, this requires a more holistic view of the climate transformation process than ever before. Avoiding unnecessary costs is critical. Currently, we face many loose ends: the expansion and transformation of electricity and gas grids pose immense technical and financial challenges, as do the development of import terminals at ports, e-charging stations, sufficient storage capacities, and dispatchable power plants.
But how can this be achieved in a socially equitable way that is also viable for businesses? Under current conditions, neither companies nor levy systems, such as grid usage fees, can manage this alone. That’s why we need long-term, reliable market mechanisms for private capital, a reevaluation of the numerous funding programs, and, above all, a focus on reducing emissions. Moreover, public funds are essential to drive the transformation, particularly in the transport and heating sectors. Biodiversity loss and the destruction of natural habitats are not just concerns for environmentalists. Intact biodiversity secures our livelihoods, significantly impacts economic outcomes, and safeguards companies’ competitiveness. Therefore, biodiversity must remain a top priority alongside climate protection.
Influence of (Geo-)Political Challenges
2025 will be a politically pivotal year. The trend towards right-wing shifts in many democracies complicates coalition-building and compromises. The February 23 elections will reveal the stability of democratic majorities in the center, especially in light of social media, fake news, and external influences. We cannot accept a situation where politically motivated corporate leaders destabilize democracies or influence elections. Our responsibility, as citizens and advisors, is to ensure a stable democratic foundation, guided by conviction, optimism, and composure.
The same focus is needed internationally. With Donald J. Trump’s presidency starting on January 20, questions arise: Will Trump challenge international cooperation on binding climate agreements and environmental measures? Will geopolitical tensions and unilateral decisions push crucial climate initiatives aside?
The new EU Commission also holds the potential to significantly influence sustainability. The EU, with its institutional structures and single market, can take a leading role in climate protection while promoting economic growth and competitiveness. The European Green Deal, a blueprint for green transformation, must be translated into tangible actions by involving businesses and society. This includes reducing climate emissions, fostering sustainable technologies, and building a circular economy. The RNE has contributed with position papers to support the German government’s adoption of the National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS) in December. It has also proposed practical measures for raw material and supply chain security, particularly in relation to climate transformation technologies. Lastly, the RNE has championed the German Sustainability Strategy (DNS), which we will continue to advocate for in the new government and parliament.
We demand courage from the next government – and politics that inspire courage. Politics must show that climate transformation is the foundation for strong economic development and societal cohesion. In the meantime, bridges must be built for vulnerable economic sectors and socially disadvantaged groups.
Infrastructure and Regulations
It’s rather clear: Sustainability requires substantial private and public investments. Progress has been made, such as the accelerated expansion of renewable energies, infrastructure upgrades, initial steps towards reducing bureaucracy (not deregulation!), and the launch of a new circular economy strategy. But these are just the first steps. The investment required for public infrastructure over the next decade is estimated to exceed €600 billion. These infrastructures are the lifelines of our economy and a prerequisite for innovative, competitive businesses.
Achieving this requires efficient regulation, reforms to fiscal policies, including a smart approach to the debt brake, and greater investment in people—from early childhood development to lifelong learning. Good education is the foundation for economic, social, and societal development and, by extension, sustainability. Education must be a top priority for the government and parliament in the new legislative period. Opportunities should no longer depend on social background or local conditions—not just for economic reasons, but out of social responsibility. Every child deserves the best education and development opportunities.
There is much to be done. It will be challenging, but it will be rewarding – for everyone. 2025 is the year we must find a motivating and honest narrative for progress: sustainability is not a burden! It’s not just an opportunity; it’s the only way to ensure a dignified life for all within our planetary boundaries. A goal worth striving for in 2025.