Research
30.10.2024

Ariadne report: in-depth analysis of Germany’s Klimaaußenpolitik

Hertie School researchers critically review Germany’s foreign climate policy, outlining priorities and options for its further development. 

In a newly published analysis for the Ariadne Project, Hertie School researchers Marian Feist and Christian Flachsland, along with colleagues from Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, Ecologic Institute, and Climate Transition Economics, provide a comprehensive review of Klimaaußenpolitik, Germany’s approach to foreign climate policy, since its establishment in 2022. The report looks at key challenges and trends in international politics affecting climate cooperation, reflects on the successes and shortcomings of Klimaaußenpolitik, and gives recommendations on how to improve the policy in the future.  

Klimaaußenpolitik aims to mainstream climate issues across all areas of foreign-policymaking and enhance interministerial cooperation, chiefly between the four core ministries (Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs, Development and Environment), with the goal of ensuring a more coherent and strategic climate diplomacy.  

The report deems effective certain elements of Klimaaußenpolitik, such as the appointment of a special envoy for international climate policy at the Foreign Office, which enabled the Federal Government to signal its political commitment and show a more assertive stance in multilateral negotiations. On the other hand, internal conflicts between climate objectives and other policy priorities hinder ambitions. The authors note a need for clearer guidelines for prioritising goals and capacities. 

Looking forward, the paper suggests that Germany’s foreign climate policy strengthen interministerial coordination, develop country-specific strategies, and emphasize the mutually enhancing climate diplomacy and industrial policy. It also stresses the need for a more systematic approach to addressing conflicting political, substantive and financial objectives within the framework of Klimaaußenpolitik.

Read the full report here.

The Hertie School is not responsible for any content linked or referred to from these pages. Views expressed by the author/interviewee may not necessarily reflect the views and values of the Hertie School.

More about our experts