Online briefing: Budget policy as the key to climate protection

Together with representatives of the participating youth associations and organisations, the current climate policy of the German government was discussed, which shows an overall regression in climate protection. Although the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF) fulfils long-standing demands for investment in infrastructure and climate neutrality, it is increasingly being used for non-specialist purposes, such as the gas levy or fines from the EU Effort Sharing Regulation.

Another focus of the exchange was on the introduction of the European Emissions Trading System (ETS2), its potential impact and the lack of communication on the part of the German government, which young people perceive as inadequate. The accompanying Climate Social Fund and its effectiveness were also scrutinised once again.

Overall, it is clear that budgetary policy for youth organisations is a key issue for the future of young people, above and beyond the funding of youth work. This is where the decisive course is set for climate protection and the energy transition, which have long-term effects for young people.